Maruti Suzuki has so much riding with its latest launch, the all-new Swift Dzire. The last generation Swift Dzire was the undisputed winner holding the largest market share of the entry-level sedan. Doubts were raised on the Dzire's compact boot - it had just 175 liters over the hatchback and did not differ much in technical specifications or looks.
With the launch of the new version that packs more features yet costing 25k-30k less than the older version, Maruti hopes to hold on to the leadership position in the segment where the Manza, Sunny and Etios have settled down.
The new Swift Dzire is an entirely new model right from the platform to the body propelled by the same 1.2L K12 petrol and 1.3l DDIS diesel engine with better efficiency. An automatic version is also offered now, only on the petrol model though.
Maruti Suzuki sells about 8k-9k units of the Swift Dzire monthly. The manufacturer was playing the price card as Toyota launched its entry-level sedan, the Etios, priced just below 5 lakhs. Nissan managed to start prices of its Sunny at under 6 lakh rupees while compact versions of the Verito and Manza are likely to emerge on the scene in the next year.
With the new Swift Dzire sitting at under 4 meter in length, it qualifies for a lowered excise duty i.e. from 22% to 10% and the company’s forwarding the benefit to its customers as well with the price of the new car sitting lower than the older model. The new Swift Dzire is priced at Rs. 4.79 lakh to Rs. 6.19 lakh for the petrol version and Rs. 5.8 lakh to Rs. 7.09 lakh for the diesel version.
[Source - EconomicTimes.Indiatimes.com]
