New Maruti Dzire vs Ciaz – Which Maruti To Go For?

The Dzire becomes the latest entrant into the Indian portfolio of the Indo-Japanese carmaker

In this post, I shall compare the new Maruti Dzire with the Ciaz in terms of price, specs, features, design, dimensions and safety. The new Dzire has created a huge buzz in our market after securing a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP. Note that this makes it the first Maruti Suzuki car with this rating ever. Needless to mention, this is a massive deal. Apart from that, the current 4th-generation model differs from the outgoing version in terms of aesthetics, features, powertrain and safety. On the other hand, Maruti Ciaz is a mid-size sedan which has not been updated for a long time. Let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Maruti Dzire vs Ciaz – Price

There is a slight overlap in the prices of these two vehicles. The new Dzire retails between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 10.14 lakh, ex-showroom. These are enticing numbers, especially considering how many updates it gets over the last-gen version. On the other hand, Ciaz starts at Rs 9.40 lakh and tops at Rs 12.29 lakh, ex-showroom. As expected, Ciaz is the pricier of the two because it is the larger car.

New Maruti Dzire vs Ciaz – Specs and Mileage

Next up, let us compare the new Maruti Dzire and Ciaz on the basis of what propel them. The new Dzire shares its powertrain and transmission options with the latest Swift. Hence, we see 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine making a decent 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing transmission duties is either a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic gearbox. The biggest talking point is mileage of 24.79 kmpl with the manual version and 25.71 kmpl with the automatic. In addition, the CNG trim is good for 70 PS and 102 Nm of peak power and torque. In this case, the fuel economy is an impressive 33.73 km/kg. Clearly, these are impressive numbers.

On the other hand, Maruti Ciaz has been around for a long time. It continues to draw power from the familiar 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K15 smart hybrid petrol engine which produces a healthy 105 PS and 138 Nm of peak power and torque. There is an option of choosing between either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. With the manual gearbox, Maruti claims a mileage of 20.65 kmpl, while the automatic variant offers 20.04 kmpl. In the mileage department, the Dzire certainly has an edge although I must admit that the numbers of the Ciaz are not bad either.

New Maruti Dzire vs Ciaz – Features and Safety

This is where the difference between the two becomes apparent. Car buyers want the absolute latest tech, convenience and safety amenities in their vehicles. In fact, modern cars have, essentially, become gadgets on wheels. As a result, we see car companies offer loads of tech and comfort features to pamper the occupants. Let us glance at the top highlights of the new Maruti Dzire:

• 7-inch Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
• Over-the-Air (OTA) System Upgrades Using Smartphones
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Auto AC
• Electric Sunroof (first-in-segment)
• Rear AC Vents
• Wireless Charger
• Rear USB Ports
• Rear Wiper & Washer
• Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• 60:40 Split Rear Seat
• Keyless Entry with Push Start/Stop
• Luggage Room Lamp
• Electronic Stability Control
• 6 Airbags
• Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• Electrically Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Engine Push Start/Stop Button w/ Smart Key
• Alexa Skill Connectivity
• Smartwatch Connectivity
• Rear USB Ports
• Steering-Mounted Audio Control
• 360-degree Camera (first-in-segment)

On the other hand, the Maruti Ciaz is also a feature-laden vehicle. Its main amenities are:

• Leather Seat Upholstery and Steering Wheel
• Chrome Garnish on Interior Components
• MID with Coloured TFT
• Wooden Finish on I/P and Door Garnish
• Rear Seat Adjustable Headrest
• Cruise Control
• Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Auto AC with Rear AC Vents
• Pollen Filter
• Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Footwell Lamps
• Tilt Steering Adjustment
• 7-inch Touchscreen Display with SmartPlay Infotainment System
• Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Voice Command
• 6-speaker Audio System
• 2 Airbags
• Rear Defogger
• Reverse Parking Sensors and Camera
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Seat Belt Reminder for Front and Rear Seats
• Speed Alert System

Design and Dimensions

Again, this will be the most distinguishing aspect to compare the two cars. The new Maruti Dzire boasts a fresh design philosophy with an imposing front section. The fascia possesses sleek but prominent LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and a piano black panel between them, a colossal grille with horizontal stripes, a sporty bumper with fog lamps on either side and an upright stance. On the sides, there are elegant 15-inch alloy wheels, creaseless door panels, chrome frames around the window, and black B-pillars. At the rear, we see a shark fin antenna, a boot lid-mounted integrated spoiler, a tri-arrow pattern for the LED taillamps with a chrome belt in between and a rugged bumper. All in all, this appearance marks a notable departure from the outgoing model.

On the other hand, the Maruti Ciaz bears that familiar appearance which we have been witnessing for years. At the front, there are large striking LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, a narrow grille section with chrome frames around the headlights, a massive fog lamp section with chrome housing, and a sporty bumper. On the sides, the Ciaz wears stylish 16-inch alloy wheels with a shark crease on the door panels, a chrome belt underneath the window frames, and black side pillars. At the rear, we see large LED taillamps with a chrome bar connecting them, a chrome frame around the reflector lights and a bootlid-integrated spoiler. Overall, the mid-size sedan still looks attractive despite not having received any major updates in years.

My View

Choosing between these two compelling propositions can be quite tricky. On the one hand, you have the brand-new Maruti Dzire with a myriad of modern amenities including exterior styling, a new powerplant, and the addition of loads of convenience and safety features. Hence, the Dzire is more attractive than ever. Interestingly, it was already the best-selling sedan in the country ever. On the other hand, the Ciaz is definitely showing its age in terms of its design and in-cabin functionalities. Nevertheless, it still boasts incredibly useful amenities at competitive prices (when compared to its peers). Hence, if you are on a strict budget and want the latest vehicle, the Dzire is a clear choice. But if you want a larger vehicle with a more powerful engine, you can still opt for the Ciaz.

Also Read: New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Tigor – What To Buy?