New Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Vs Toyota Etios Diesel– Which Is a Better Sedan And Why?

If one would call it clash of the Titans, I won’t disagree as Maruti Swift Dzire is one of the undoubted leaders of its segment and the Toyota Etios sedan is also very strong competitor which is not so easy to beat. In this article in continuation to our Car Comparison Series on Car Blog India, we will make a detailed comparison between Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel New Model launched by Maruti Suzuki on 1st Feb 2012 (Also Read – 2012 Maruti Swift Dzire New Model Price, Pictures, Video and Details) and the mighty and efficient car Toyota Etios Diesel which has been clocking good sales for Toyota India.

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Exteriors Vs Toyota Etios Sedan Exteriors

image – Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 (Left) and Toyota Etios Sedan (Right)

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Dimensions

Length = 3995 mm
Width = 1695 mm
Height = 1555 mm
Wheelbase = 2430 mm
Ground clearance = 170 mm

Toyota Etios Dimensions

Overall Length : 4265mm
Overall Width : 1695 mm
Overall Height : 1510 mm
Overall Wheelbase : 2550 mm
Ground clearance = 170 mm

Comparing the exteriors of New Swift Dzire 2012 and Etios sedan, the choice is very clear. Swift Dzire is not much better looking when compared to its own old generation model, it now looks more masculine with better front fascia, looks better from side profile because of smaller boot and better integration with the car and slightly better from the rear because of new subtle elements. All in all, the New Dzire is quite pleasing to eyes and looks fairly modern and dynamic.

Etios Sedan on the other hand is a very simple yet elegant design, it is not very dynamic or modern in looks, but its more of an ever-green contemporary styling which never seems to get obsolete. The side profile is quite simple and plant, the front fascia is still better and rear is also quite simple. All in all, I like the elegance of the Etios, but the modern looks and dynamic styling of the Dzire appeal much stronger to me. So my vote on exteriors goes to Swift Dzire 2012.

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Interiors Vs Toyota Etios Sedan Interiors

image – Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Studio Shots

When is comes to interiors, the New Swift Dzire is vastly improved compared to the old Dzire. It has got pleasing beige gray dual tone interiors, wood inserts on front doors and dashboard, a good looking central console, large AC vents, Sporty appeal in equipment and instrument cluster, good fabric Upholstery. The Leg room is also improved compared to the old generation model. However the boot space is a mere 316 Litres which is good enough for two large size suitcases, but smaller when compared to spacious boot of 595 Litres offered by Etios Sedan.

image – Toyota Etios Diesel Dashboard

image – Toyota Etios Diesel Interiors

Etios Sedan on the other hand has slightly dull colour tone when compared with new Dzire, but has more spacious and airy feel to the cabin because of larger interior space. The seats are slimmer and eat up less of cabin space. The Dashboard design is asymmetric but smart and ensure better air flow with offset Air vents to provide better air flow for rear seats. It misses on the rear arm rest, but offers cooled glove box which is a very useful offering for Hot summers in India. However the overall feel of Dzire’s cabin is more premium, so it’s a tough choice to pick one of these cars based on Interiors. I would like to call it a tie.

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Engine Vs Toyota Etios Sedan Diesel Engine

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Engine Specifications

1.3 Litre DDiS CRDI Diesel Engine
Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Peak Power of 74 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Peak Torque of 190 Nm @ 2000 RPM
ARAI Tested Mileage of 23.4 KMPL !
5 Speed Manual transmission only
Kerb Weight between 1050 Kg and 1080 Kg
Power to weight ratio of 69.5 BHP / 1000 Kg
ARAI Mileage = 23.4 KMPL

Toyota Etios Diesel Engine Specifications

1.4 Litre D4D CRDI Diesel Engine
Displacement of 1364 CC
Max Power of 67.07 BHP @ 3800 RPM
Max Torque of 170 Nm @ 1800 to 2400 RPM
5 Speed Manual Transmission
ARAI Certified mileage of 23.59 KMPL
Kerb Weight = 990 Kg to 1005 Kg
Power to weight ratio of 67.2 BHP / 1000 Kg
ARAI Mileage = 23.59 KMPL

Swift Dzire engine seems to be outright more powerful, but if you observe closely, the Dzire besides being small weighs about 70 Kg more than the Etios which is lighter in weight. This brings the power to weight ratio of the two cars very close together and the mileage is practically the same for both the car. Both cars are agile and have smooth engines which are reliable and high performance. In the engine department, I would say Dzire has a slight edge over the Etios.

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Handling and Performance Vs Toyota Etios Sedan Diesel Handling and Performance

When it comes to ride and handling, the Dzire has a stiffer suspension which offers slightly lower comfort on bas roads but excellent handling at high speeds. The Dzire has the similar suspensions DNA as its smaller sibling the Maruti Swift 2011 hatch. So the ride and handling for Dzire are quite good.

Etios Sedan on the other hand is not far behind the Swift Dzire. The suspensions is slightly softer when compared to the Swift Dzire, so it provides better comfort, but the handling is slightly less delightful when compared to the Swift Dzire. In absolute terms, Etios Sedan is a wonderful handler with great suspensions, but when it comes to comparison with Dzire, the Dzire is slightly better in handling.

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Price Vs Toyota Etios Sedan Diesel Price

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Ex-showroom Delhi Prices are:

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel LDi has been priced at Rs. 5.80 Lakhs
Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel VDi has been priced at Rs. 6.31 Lakhs
Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel ZDi has been priced at Rs. 7.09 Lakhs

Toyota Etios Diesel Sedan Ex-showroom Delhi Prices are:

Toyota Etios Diesel GD is priced at Rs. 6.56 Lakhs
Toyota Etios Diesel GD SP is priced at Rs. 7.01 Lakhs
Toyota Etios Diesel VD is priced at Rs. 7.53 Lakhs
Toyota Etios Diesel VXD is priced at Rs. 7.99 Lakhs

If you compare the pricing of the two cars, the Dzire costs much less (approximately Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000 less for base and top end variant) and offers almost same level of features except the safety features like the ABS and Airbags which are optional on base variant of Etios for extra cost and standard on mid and top end diesel Etios. Other features and cosmetic appeal is much better in Dzire. One of the major reasons for Dzire being so low in price is the excise bracket of Dzire is of small cars while it it not so for the Etios which is larger than 4 meters in length.

Car Blog India verdict – Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Vs Toyota Etios Sedan Diesel

If you want a larger car with large boot space for your family commuting with better safety features, the Etios is a better choice. If you want a more fun to drive, better looking and better featured car at lower price, Swift Dzire will be a better pick. However, Swift does lack large boot space and safety features on low and mid variants.

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