About Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG

Hello car enthusiasts and smart buyers! Are you in the market for a new car and finding yourself juggling between crucial factors like your budget, the safety of your loved ones, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features, and reliable company service? You’re not alone. In India, these are top priorities for anyone looking to invest in a vehicle. And today, we’re going to shine a spotlight on a car that aims to tick many of these boxes, especially for those who put running costs and practicality first: the new Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG.

Maruti Suzuki has long been a trusted name on Indian roads, known for its fuel-efficient and dependable vehicles. The Dzire Tour S, specifically designed for commercial use and fleet operators, now comes with a factory-fitted CNG kit, promising even lower running costs. Let’s dive deep and see if this CNG sedan is the right fit for your needs.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Dzire Tour S CNG gets a reliable engine that’s tuned for efficiency and durability.

• Engine Type: 1.2L K12N DualJet, Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Power (Petrol Mode): 90 PS (approx 89 bhp) at 6000 rpm
• Torque (Petrol Mode): 113 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Power (CNG Mode): 77.5 PS (approx 76.4 bhp) at 6000 rpm
• Torque (CNG Mode): 98.5 Nm at 4300 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Efficiency (CNG): An impressive 31.12 km/kg (ARAI certified, may vary with driving conditions). This makes it one of the most fuel efficient CNG cars in its segment.

Design Overview

The Dzire Tour S carries the familiar sedan silhouette of the Dzire, but with a focus on practicality rather than flashy aesthetics, keeping its target audience in mind.

• Exterior: It features a dignified and robust look. You will see a prominent front grille, body-colored bumpers, and halogen headlamps. While it might not boast cutting-edge design elements like LED DRLs or fancy alloy wheels (usually comes with steel wheels), its clean lines ensure it looks professional and presentable for various uses, from taxis to corporate fleets.

• Interior: Step inside, and you’ll find a spacious and functional cabin. The dual-tone interior (often beige and black) provides an airy feel. The seats are designed for comfort during long journeys, which is crucial for a vehicle often used for extended periods. While you won’t find a lot of bells and whistles, the layout is ergonomic, and build quality is sturdy for everyday use.

Key Features

Being a commercial-focused variant, the Dzire Tour S CNG prioritizes essential functionalities over luxury. Here are some key features you can expect:

• Manual Air Conditioner
• Power Steering
• Front and Rear Power Windows
• Central Locking
• Engine Immobilizer
• Multi-Information Display (MID) in the instrument cluster
• Integrated Headrests
• Basic audio system (might be an optional fitment or dealer-level accessory)

Please note that features like a large infotainment screen, sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or automatic climate control are typically not available in the Tour S variant, as it focuses on value and low cost of ownership.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG?

• Ground Clearance: 163 mm. This is a decent figure for Indian road conditions, allowing it to tackle most speed breakers and uneven surfaces without much fuss.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG?

• Boot Space: The standard Dzire offers 378 litres of boot space. However, in the CNG variant, the CNG tank takes up a significant portion of this space. While Maruti optimizes the tank placement, expect reduced cargo capacity compared to the petrol-only model. It’s sufficient for a few soft bags or small luggage, but large suitcases might be a squeeze.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG?

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1735 mm
• Height: 1515 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

These compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spots, a big advantage in crowded Indian cities.

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Dzire Tour S is primarily offered with a single powertrain setup: the 1.2L K12N DualJet petrol engine that can also run on CNG. It comes exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, emphasizing reliability and control.

Safety Features

Safety is a non-negotiable aspect, and even in a commercial variant, essential safety features are present.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Speed Alert System
• Seat Belt Reminders for Driver and Co-driver
• Engine Immobilizer

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car’s safety performance through crash test ratings is important. While the specific Maruti Dzire Tour S variant has not been independently crash-tested, we can refer to the general Dzire’s history.

It’s important for prospective buyers to note that while essential safety features are provided, the structural integrity and overall safety performance of new vehicles are continuously improving with updated models and stricter regulations.

Rivals of Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG

The Dzire Tour S CNG competes in a niche but important segment, primarily against other sedan-based commercial vehicles with CNG options.

• Hyundai Aura CNG: A direct competitor, offering a refined cabin and decent features.
• Tata Tigor CNG: Another strong contender known for its strong build and feature-rich package.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let’s sum up the advantages and disadvantages of the Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages:

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: The primary selling point, offering very low running costs, especially with CNG.
• Maruti’s Reliability: Known for being incredibly dependable and requiring minimal unscheduled maintenance.
• Widespread Service Network: Maruti Suzuki boasts the largest service network in India, making service and spare parts easily accessible and affordable.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers good space for four adults, ensuring comfortable journeys.
• Low Maintenance Costs: Maruti parts are generally affordable, contributing to lower long-term ownership costs.
• Factory-Fitted CNG: Ensures safety, proper integration, and comes with a full warranty.
• Good Resale Value: Maruti cars, especially Dzire, hold their value well in the used car market.

Disadvantages:

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG cylinder significantly eats into the boot capacity, limiting luggage options.
• Limited Features: Being a fleet model, it lacks many comfort and convenience features found in private-use variants or some rivals.
• Performance in CNG Mode: There’s a noticeable drop in power and torque when running on CNG, which might affect highway overtakes.
• Refuelling Time and Availability: CNG pump queues can be long in some areas, and the network might not be as widespread as petrol/diesel.
• Design: The exterior and interior design are more functional than stylish, which might not appeal to everyone.
• NCAP Rating: While it includes essential safety features, the older 2-star GNCAP rating for the platform might be a concern for some safety-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The Maruti Dzire Tour S CNG emerges as a highly practical and economically sensible choice, especially for taxi operators, fleet owners, and individuals who prioritize incredibly low running costs and Maruti’s renowned reliability. It might not be packed with the latest gadgets or offer thrilling performance, but what it does offer is peace of mind, excellent fuel efficiency, and the unparalleled support of Maruti Suzuki’s service network.

If your car-buying considerations are heavily tilted towards affordability, minimal monthly maintenance, and dependable service, and you can live with a slightly compromised boot space and basic features, then the Dzire Tour S CNG is undoubtedly a strong contender. It’s a workhorse designed to keep your expenses in check and your journeys smooth. Consider your priorities, and if practicality and economy are at the top, this budget-friendly CNG sedan could be your ideal companion on Indian roads.