Maruti Dzire facelift based on the 2018 Maruti Ciaz - IAB Rendering

The third generation Maruti Dzire was launched in May 2017. While a facelift is at least two years out, IAB's automotive illustrator Shoeb R Kalania is speculating what is in store for India's best-selling car.

The most prominent change to the front is the grille with chrome wings stretching into the headlights as LED DRLs. It gets six horizontal fins in a black finish. The bumper is transplanted from the 2018 Maruti Ciaz (facelift) incorporating C-shape chrome embellishments for the fog lamp housing. The 5 split-spoke two-tone alloy wheels replace the current model's design. A rub strip with chrome applique sits to the lower edge of the doors.

By April 2020, the diesel variant of the Dzire will swap the 1.3 L DDiS Fiat engine for a Suzuki-made 1.5 L unit, if the new engine has passed Maruti's every expectation. A new diesel engine is inevitable as the Fiat-sourced 1.3 L diesel engine will not be upgraded to meet the BSVI emission norms coming into effect April 2020 onwards.

The third generation Maruti Dzire petrol comes equipped with 1.2 L K12B engine. Both engine variants are available with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT options. The basic Dzire LXi petrol manual costs INR 5.56 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The top-end ZXi+ ATM costs INR 7.96 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The Maruti Dzire diesel range retails for INR 6.56-9.43 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

Also Read - AMT variants account for 17% of total Maruti Dzire sales

Over the next six months, Maruti plans to launch the Ciaz facelift, followed by the 2018 Maruti Ertiga. In the last quarter of 2018, the new Maruti Wagon R and its 7-seat variant are expected to hit the market.