Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2017-2020

Features: In its new generation, the Dzire has transformed from being a hatchback with a boot slapped on to a pukka mini sedan. Suzuki engineers developed the compact sedan from the ground up and it shows. The new Dzire is wider by 40mm, while the wheelbase has been bumped up by 20mm. Pair that with a 40mm drop in height, and you’ve got a small sedan with a nice stance. It’s got plenty of modern elements too, including all-LED projector headlamps, 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels and LED taillamps. It’s the cabin where the maturity of the new Dzire shines through. You will be genuinely amazed at the amount of space a small sedan like the Dzire packs in. It’s a proper family car and can seat five occupants, no questions asked. The boot too, is a tad more accommodating than before at 367-litres. Finished in a beige-black combo, the interiors look premium, and the faux wood inserts do not look cheap either. In terms of equipment, you get a touchscreen audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control and rear AC vents. Safety kit includes dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and ISOFIX child seat mounts - all of which are standard across the range.

Engine: The Dzire carries forward the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol motor and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel. While the older Dzire featured an AMT with the diesel while the petrol got a prehistoric torque convertor, the new one gets an AMT paired with both engines. Power figures remain unchanged when compared to the previous generation, with 84PS/114Nm (petrol) and 75PS/190Nm (diesel). The petrol motor is known for its refinement and pep, whereas the diesel engine makes for a great commuter with some extra punch for the highways. We’ve road tested the diesel manual Dzire and it had us gobsmacked with the kind of efficiency it delivered. We’re talking about 19kmpl inside the city and a whopping 28kmpl on the highway. Impressed? We were too! The petrol variant offers an enthusiastic drive and it's efficient too, delivering 15.85kmpl in the city and 20.90kmpl on the highway.

Rivals: The Honda Amaze: The new Amaze is quite a refreshing change for those who can appreciat it's rather polarising sharp features. Its CVT gearboxes, available in both diesel and petrol variants, are best in segment if you're looking for an automatic. It's also received an updated feature list and more room in the second row. Hyundai Xcent: It’s showing its age now, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a fantastic all-rounder. It’s comfortable, has great ride quality and is brimmed with features. Only If it had a wider cabin! Volkswagen Ameo: The middle-child in Volkswagen’s lineup is exactly what you think it is. It’s a Polo with a boot. Pick it only if you need a diesel automatic or a bigger boot. For everything else, the Polo works just fine. Ford Aspire: The Aspire been updated but only just. It now features a conventional automatic and 6 airbags in the Titanium + variant. If the missing features don’t bother you all that much, the Aspire, especially with a diesel motor, should be all the compact sedan you’ll ever need. Tata Tigor: Tata’s Tigor is the most hatke of the lot. It mixes quirky, likeable styling with some serious practically. If not for the underwhelming engines, it’d be among the top picks in the segment.

Variants: As usual, Maruti will let you pick between a L, V and Z variant. There’s a new Z+ variant added to the mix as well. It offers all the bells-and-whistles you can imagine. Unless your usage is super heavy, we’d recommend you stick to the petrol. It’s the V variant that gives you most bang for buck. If you can stretch, we’d recommend going the whole hog and getting the top-spec Z+ variant.