Namaste, car enthusiasts and future car owners! In India, buying a new car is a significant decision. We all juggle with many thoughts: How much will it cost? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly running costs? Does it have all the latest features, and will the company service be reliable? If these questions are on your mind, you're in the right place. Today, we're taking a deep dive into a car that aims to tick most of these boxes, especially for the budget-conscious and mileage-focused buyer: the new Maruti Dzire VXI CNG.The Maruti Dzire has been a household name for years, known for its practicality and trusted Maruti Suzuki badge. With the rising fuel prices, the CNG variant, particularly the VXI trim, makes a compelling case. Let's explore why this compact sedan might be your next ride.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Maruti Dzire VXI CNG is Maruti Suzuki's proven Z12E engine . This engine is tuned to offer excellent efficiency, especially when running on CNG.

• Engine Type: Z12E
• Maximum Power (Petrol): Approximately 89 bhp @ 6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque (Petrol): Approximately 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm
• Maximum Power (CNG): Approximately 69bhp@5700rpm
• Maximum Torque (CNG): Approximately 101.8Nm@2900rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual (CNG variant is only available with MT)
• Mileage (CNG): An impressive ARAI-certified 31.12 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class. This incredible mileage is a major draw for Indian families looking to keep running costs low.

Design Overview

The Dzire strikes a balance between a compact footprint and a sophisticated sedan look, which is perfect for both city commutes and highway runs.

• Exterior:
  • The Dzire VXI CNG maintains the familiar, elegant stance of the Dzire.
  • It features a wide, chrome-accented front grille that gives it a premium feel.
  • Stylish headlamps and a well-proportioned body ensure it looks good from every angle.
  • While the VXI might come with steel wheels and wheel covers, the overall design is neat and contemporary, designed to appeal to a broad audience.
• Interior:
  • Step inside, and you're greeted by a dual-tone cabin, usually in black and beige, which enhances the feeling of space and airiness.
  • The dashboard layout is clean and ergonomic, with all controls easily accessible.
  • Seating is comfortable, offering decent legroom and headroom for four adults, making it a good family car.
  • The quality of materials used is par for the course in this segment, focusing on durability and practicality.

Key Features

While the VXI trim is a mid-variant, it still offers a good set of features for everyday convenience and comfort.

• Infotainment: It typically comes with an integrated audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. (The larger 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is usually reserved for higher ZXi/ZXi+ variants).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, and AUX support for your music and calls.
• Climate Control: Manual Air Conditioning is standard, ensuring comfort in varied Indian weather conditions. (Automatic Climate Control is available in higher variants).
• Convenience: Power windows for all four doors, electrically adjustable ORVMs (outside rearview mirrors), central locking, and steering-mounted audio controls are usually part of the VXI package.
• Premium Features (Not Available on Dzire):
  • Sunroof: No sunroof option is available on the Maruti Dzire.
  • 360-degree camera: This advanced feature is not offered in the Dzire.
  • Wireless charging: This is not available in the Dzire.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Dzire VXI CNG?

The Maruti Dzire offers a practical ground clearance of 163 mm. This is generally adequate for tackling typical Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and minor undulations, without too much worry.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Dzire VXI CNG?

This is an important point for CNG variants. Due to the CNG cylinder occupying space in the boot, the Dzire VXI CNG offers a reduced boot space of approximately 265 litres. While still usable for some luggage, it's significantly less than the petrol variant's 378 litres, so plan accordingly for long trips.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti Dzire VXI CNG?

The Dzire is a compact sedan, perfectly sized for urban environments.

• Length: 3995 mm (just under 4 meters, qualifying for excise benefits)
• Width: 1735 mm
• Height: 1525 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Dzire is available with the same 1.2-litre K12N Dual Jet engine across its range, offering flexibility to buyers:

• Petrol: Comes with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 5-speed Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT).
• CNG: Available only with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT).

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Dzire with essential safety features as standard:

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

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a key concern for many buyers. Here's what you need to know about the Maruti Dzire:

Please note: The Global NCAP rating for the third-generation Dzire was conducted in 2018 under an older testing protocol. Modern NCAP tests (like the new Global NCAP protocol or Bharat NCAP) are significantly stricter with more stringent requirements. The current Dzire has not been re-tested under these new protocols.

Rivals of Maruti Dzire VXI CNG

The Dzire VXI CNG faces competition from other compact sedans, especially in the growing CNG segment:

• Hyundai Aura CNG
• Tata Tigor CNG
• Honda Amaze (primarily petrol, but a segment rival)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed choice.

Advantages of Maruti Dzire VXI CNG

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: The biggest USP, with over 31 km/kg, it's incredibly light on your pocket for daily commutes.
• Low Running Costs: Besides great mileage, Maruti's widespread service network and affordable spare parts mean lower maintenance bills.
• Proven Reliability: The K-series engine is known for its refinement and trouble-free ownership experience.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned well for Indian roads, offering a pliant and comfortable ride.
• Spacious Cabin: For a compact sedan, it offers good space for four adults, making it a practical family car.
• High Resale Value: Maruti Suzuki cars consistently command strong resale value in the used car market.

Disadvantages of Maruti Dzire VXI CNG

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG cylinder significantly eats into the boot, limiting luggage carrying capacity, which can be an issue for long trips.
• Lower Power in CNG Mode: While adequate for city driving, the power output drops slightly in CNG mode, making highway overtakes require more planning.
• Lacks Premium Features: The VXI trim, and the Dzire in general, misses out on some modern features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging, which some rivals might offer in higher variants.
• Safety Rating Concerns: The 2-star GNCAP rating (from 2018) might be a point of concern for safety-conscious buyers, especially compared to cars tested under newer, stricter protocols.
• Conservative Design: While neat, the design might feel a bit conservative for those looking for a more aggressive or flashy style.
• Long Waiting Periods: CNG variants, due to high demand, often come with significant waiting periods.

Conclusion

The Maruti Dzire VXI CNG is a highly practical and economical choice for the Indian car buyer. It truly shines with its class-leading fuel efficiency, Maruti Suzuki's renowned reliability, and extensive service network. If your priorities are low running costs, hassle-free ownership, and a comfortable daily commuter for your family, the Dzire VXI CNG makes a very strong case.

While it may not boast the absolute latest in premium features or the highest safety rating under current protocols, its core strengths of affordability and practicality are hard to beat. It's a car designed for the heart of India – reliable, efficient, and easy to maintain. We highly recommend taking a test drive to experience its blend of comfort and economy firsthand before making your final decision. Happy car hunting!