The new sedan version of Swift entices with its interiors. The performance is average, but with good pricing, Maruti may have a winner

Ever since Maruti decided to phase out one of its most loved and once hotselling mid-sized cars in the country—Esteem—speculation has been rife about its successor. On March 19, Maruti revealed it to be Swift DZire, a sedan version of Swift, the latest pin-up in its stable. It will be launched nationwide in about three days and a full test drive will follow, but till then here is the first impression of the car that promises to take the A3 segment to new levels.

Exterior
As an extension of an existing model, there is not much difference between the Swift and the DZire. That is, except for the boot. The car has the same muscular styling of the Swift and SX4 family, with prominent wheel arches and mischevious headlamps. Almost as an afterthought, the car has been made slightly wider to enhance space. The real changes, of course, are in the rear and thorough attempts have been made to allign the boot with the rest of the car. After having been through ugly pictures of the car on the Internet, a little anxiety was natural. The end result, however, is not that bad. A high boot coupled with Bentley-ish tail lamps are what distinguishes it from the Esteem and the competition. The high boot makes reversing hard work and from the driver’s seat it is not clear where the car ends. But this car may find its set of admirers. Maruti is pegging the DZire as a modest sibling of the SX4 at a lower price for this segment, even as the country hasn’t had enough of the Swift—there is a waiting period for both petrol and diesel versions even after almost three years of its launch.

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