Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2025 Review: Price, Mileage, Safety

For well over a decade, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire has been more than just a car; it has been a cornerstone of Indian motoring. As “India’s favourite compact sedan,” it has consistently topped sales charts, becoming the default choice for millions of families upgrading to their first proper car. Its recipe for success was simple yet potent: unmatched fuel efficiency, rock-solid reliability, and an ownership experience that promised complete peace of mind.  

But the Indian car market of 2025 is a different beast. Buyers are more discerning, the competition is fiercer, and the conversation has expanded beyond just “Kitna deti hai?“. In an era dominated by SUVs and a growing consciousness around safety and modern features, the central question is this: Does the all-new 2025 Maruti Dzire do enough to not just hold onto its crown, but to prove it’s still the smartest choice for the Indian family? We’ve driven it, lived with it, and analysed every nut and bolt to bring you the ultimate review. We will take a deep dive into its new Z-series engine, the game-changing 5-star safety rating, the practicality of its cabin, a no-nonsense breakdown of all its variants, and a final, clear verdict on whether this is the right car for you.

What’s New in the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Dzire? A Major Leap Forward

This fourth-generation model is no mere facelift; it is a significant and strategic update that addresses long-standing feedback and repositions the Dzire in the modern automotive landscape. For years, the choice of a Maruti often involved a silent compromise—accepting average safety or basic features in exchange for stellar mileage and low running costs. The 2025 Dzire seeks to end that compromise. The updates are not just incremental; they represent a calculated move to challenge competitors on their own turf, particularly in the areas of safety and features, where rivals like Tata and Hyundai had carved out their advantages. This makes the new Dzire arguably the most complete package the nameplate has ever offered.

Here are the key updates that define the 2025 model:

• All-New Z-Series Engine: Under the bonnet lies the new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine. This powerplant is engineered with a singular focus on maximising fuel efficiency while maintaining good city drivability.  
• A 5-Star Safety Rating: This is the biggest headline. The 2025 Dzire has secured a full 5-star rating from both Bharat NCAP and in voluntary Global NCAP tests, a landmark achievement for a mass-market Maruti Suzuki vehicle.  
• Six Airbags as Standard: In a major safety enhancement, six airbags are now standard across every single variant, from the base LXi to the top ZXi+. This democratises safety, making it accessible to all buyers.  
• Modern Tech Features: The top-spec ZXi+ variant is now loaded with features previously unseen on a Dzire, including a large 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen, a segment-first electric sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.  
• Refreshed and Premium Design: The exterior has been updated with a new, wider front grille, sleeker LED headlamps, and new 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, giving the car a more upmarket and mature appearance.  
• Updated Interior Theme: The cabin gets a sophisticated dual-tone black and beige theme complemented by faux-wood inserts, creating a more airy and premium ambience compared to its hatchback sibling, the Swift.  

Design & Exterior: A Familiar Face or a Bold New Look?

The design of the 2025 Dzire is best described as a confident evolution. It doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel but refines the familiar silhouette to make it look more premium, wider, and more distinct from the Swift.  

Key Elements

The most noticeable change is at the front. The new, large grille with horizontal chrome slats gives the car a more imposing stance on the road, making it appear wider than it is. This is complemented by sleeker headlamp units. Higher variants (ZXi and above) feature powerful LED projectors with distinctive LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) that add a modern, premium signature.  

The side profile remains clean and proportionate, retaining the classic three-box sedan shape. What elevates the look are the new alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line ZXi+ variant gets stylish 15-inch dual-tone, precision-cut alloys that fill the wheel arches nicely. The ZXi variant comes with 15-inch silver-painted alloys, while the lower LXi and VXi trims are equipped with 14-inch steel wheels, with the VXi getting full wheel covers.  

At the rear, the design is tidied up with new 3D Trinity LED tail lamps, which provide a unique and easily identifiable light signature at night, further distinguishing it from its predecessor.  

Step Inside: Interior, Comfort, and Practicality

For any family car, the real test is the cabin. It needs to be spacious, comfortable, and practical for daily use and occasional long trips. The 2025 Dzire makes significant strides in creating a more pleasant and feature-rich environment.

Cabin Space & Comfort

Stepping inside, the first thing you notice is the dual-tone black and beige theme. Combined with a layered dashboard that features a grey faux-wood insert, the cabin feels airy, spacious, and more upmarket than the all-black interior of the Swift. The ergonomics are spot-on, with excellent all-around visibility that allows the driver to see the bonnet, a boon in tight city traffic.  

The seats are well-cushioned and accommodating, making long journeys comfortable. For four adults, the Dzire is exceptionally spacious. The rear seat offers generous knee room and adequate under-thigh support, making it a comfortable place to be. However, it’s important to be realistic about its compact dimensions. Like its rivals, the Dzire is a comfortable four-seater. Squeezing in a fifth passenger in the rear will be a tight fit, with limited shoulder room for all three occupants.  

A crucial point for families with taller members is the rear headroom. Due to the sloping roofline, passengers over 5 feet 10 inches might find their heads brushing against the roof, a common trait in this segment.  

On the practicality front, Maruti has included rear AC vents as standard on all variants, a non-negotiable feature for Indian summers. From the VXi variant onwards, you also get a rear centre armrest with cupholders, adding to passenger comfort. All four doors come with 1-litre bottle holders, and there are other small storage spaces in the centre console.  

The All-Important Boot Space

A sedan’s practicality is often measured by its boot. The 2025 Dzire offers a respectable amount of luggage space, though with some key distinctions between the fuel types.

• Petrol Version: The standard petrol Dzire comes with a boot capacity of 382 litres. In practical terms, this is enough to comfortably accommodate two medium-sized suitcases and a couple of soft bags, making it perfectly adequate for a family’s weekend getaway. While useful, it’s worth noting that this is slightly smaller than its main competitors, the Honda Amaze (420 litres) and the Hyundai Aura (402 litres).  
• CNG Version: Opting for the factory-fitted S-CNG model means making a significant compromise on boot space. The large CNG cylinder occupies a substantial portion of the boot, reducing usable luggage capacity to just a couple of small duffel bags. This makes the CNG variant an ideal choice for users with very high daily running within the city, where fuel costs are the absolute priority over luggage-carrying ability.

Features & Infotainment

The 2025 Dzire gets a major tech upgrade, with a tiered infotainment and feature list across its variants.

The range-topping ZXi+ variant boasts a large, floating 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system, which is responsive and easy to use. The mid-spec VXi and ZXi variants are equipped with a very capable 7-inch touchscreen. A massive convenience feature is the inclusion of  

wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available right from the VXi variant onwards, eliminating the hassle of cables for smartphone integration.  

Beyond the screen, the ZXi+ variant is loaded with features like automatic climate control, a push-button start/stop system, cruise control for relaxed highway driving, a wireless charging pad, and the segment-first single-pane electric sunroof. The driver gets a conventional twin-dial instrument cluster, which is clear and easy to read, with a central Multi-Information Display (MID) that is upgraded to a colour screen on the ZXi+ trim.  

The Heart of the Matter: Engine, Performance, and Mileage

For any Maruti buyer, this is the section that matters most. The brand’s reputation is built on engines that are reliable, easy to maintain, and incredibly fuel-efficient. The 2025 Dzire introduces a new engine that aims to take this legacy even further.

The Petrol Engine: Refined & Frugal

The new Dzire is powered by the all-new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine. It produces 81-82 PS of power and 112 Nm of torque. The performance can be best described as brisk but not outright exciting. This engine has been tuned for excellent city drivability, with enough low-end torque to make commuting effortless. On the highway, it cruises comfortably between 80-100 km/h without feeling strained. For those who enjoy driving, the 5-speed manual gearbox is a highlight, with short, slick throws that are a joy to use.  

A key question for many will be about the refinement of a 3-cylinder engine. Here, Maruti’s engineering shines. While some vibrations are noticeable at startup and idle, the engine is remarkably smooth and almost inaudible once on the move, even when cruising at highway speeds. This level of refinement is impressive and addresses a major concern associated with 3-cylinder powerplants.  

The Factory-Fitted CNG Kit: The Mileage Champion?

For buyers obsessed with running costs, the factory-fitted S-CNG variant is a compelling option. It uses the same 1.2-litre engine, but in a detuned state to run on CNG, producing approximately 70 PS of power and 102 Nm of torque.  

The primary advantage is its incredibly low running cost, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 33.73 km/kg. This makes it a dream for taxi operators or individuals with very high daily mileage. However, buyers must be aware of the trade-offs. There is a noticeable drop in performance, which means overtaking on highways requires more planning. As mentioned earlier, boot space is heavily compromised, and the CNG kit is only available with the 5-speed manual transmission.  

Mileage Figures: ARAI vs. Real-World

The question on every Indian buyer’s mind is, “Kitna deti hai?”. It’s crucial to understand the difference between the official ARAI mileage, which is tested under ideal lab conditions, and real-world fuel efficiency, which is impacted by city traffic, driving style, road conditions, and use of air conditioning. The following table provides a realistic estimate based on a consolidation of various media tests and owner reports to set clear expectations.

2025 Maruti Dzire Variants Explained: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right variant is crucial to getting the most value from your purchase. The 2025 Dzire is offered in four main trims: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. Here’s a breakdown of what you get for your money to help you find the sweet spot. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom.  

• LXi (from ₹6.84 Lakh): The Bare-Bones Starter This is the entry point to the Dzire family. It covers the absolute basics but, crucially, does not skimp on safety.
  • Key Features: Halogen projector headlamps, all four power windows, manual AC with rear vents, tilt-adjustable steering, and the full standard safety suite: 6 airbags, ESP, and Hill Hold Assist.  
  • Who is it for? This variant is for the strictly budget-conscious buyer who plans to add essentials like a music system and wheel covers from the aftermarket. The inclusion of the complete safety package from the base model is its biggest selling point.
• VXi (from ₹7.84 Lakh): The People’s Choice This variant adds a significant layer of comfort and convenience features that most modern buyers consider essential.
  • Key Features over LXi: A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted audio and phone controls, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, a rear centre armrest, and full wheel covers.  
  • Who is it for? This variant hits the sweet spot for the average Indian family. It offers all the necessary features for a comfortable, connected, and practical daily drive. It is also the entry point for the AMT automatic and the CNG option.
• ZXi (from ₹8.94 Lakh): The Comfort Upgrade This trim level adds a dose of premiumness and feel-good features for those willing to stretch their budget.
  • Key Features over VXi: 15-inch silver alloy wheels, automatic LED headlamps, push-button start/stop with keyless entry, automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger, and a rear-view camera.  
  • Who is it for? Buyers who desire a more modern and convenient experience without necessarily needing the absolute top-end features.
• ZXi+ (from ₹9.69 Lakh): The Fully-Loaded Flagship This is the top-of-the-line variant, packed with all the bells and whistles the Dzire has to offer.
  • Key Features over ZXi: 15-inch precision-cut dual-tone alloy wheels, a larger 9-inch touchscreen system with an Arkamys-tuned sound system, cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and the segment-first electric sunroof.  
  • Who is it for? For the buyer who wants it all and is willing to pay the premium for the most feature-rich and luxurious experience the Dzire can provide.

Our Verdict: The Best Value-for-Money Variant

For the vast majority of Indian families, the VXI variant is the undisputed value-for-money champion. It strikes the perfect balance between essential features and affordability. At a reasonable premium of about ₹1 lakh over the bare-bones LXi, it adds the most critical features for a modern ownership experience—the touchscreen with wireless connectivity, steering-mounted controls, and rear AC vents—without pushing the price into the higher bracket of the Z-trims. It is the perfect, sensible blend of needs and wants, making it our top recommendation.  

Safety: Has Maruti Addressed the Big Question?

Yes, they have, and in the most definitive way possible. The 2025 Maruti Dzire has achieved a full 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection from the new, more stringent Bharat NCAP crash tests. It also voluntarily underwent Global NCAP testing, where it secured a 5-star rating for adult protection, setting a new safety benchmark for the brand and the segment.  

This is a monumental shift. For years, buyers were often faced with a difficult choice: the perceived safety of a Tata or the proven economy of a Maruti. The 5-star rating for the new Dzire, built on the robust HEARTECT platform, effectively ends this compromise. A buyer can now get class-leading safety and class-leading mileage in the same car. This removes the single biggest hesitation many families had about choosing a Maruti, making the Dzire a far more compelling and “no-compromise” package.

The commitment to safety is evident in the standard equipment list across all variants:

• Six Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, and Curtain)  
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)  
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)  
• Hill Hold Assist  
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts  
• 3-point seatbelts for all five passengers  
• Rear Parking Sensors  

Higher variants further enhance safety with features like a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a 360-degree camera for easier parking and maneuvering.  

The Competition: Dzire vs. Amaze vs. Aura

While the Dzire has long been the king of the segment, the Honda Amaze and Hyundai Aura are formidable rivals, each with unique strengths. This quick comparison helps frame the choice for buyers who are cross-shopping.

A Quick Analysis:

• Maruti Dzire: The undisputed champion of safety and mileage. Its AMT gearbox is cost-effective and convenient for the city but isn’t as smooth as the Amaze’s CVT for discerning drivers.  
• Honda Amaze: The go-to choice for someone wanting the smoothest automatic experience (thanks to its CVT) and the largest boot in the segment. Its 4-cylinder engine is also a draw for traditionalists. However, it is the most expensive to start, its safety is not yet rated by BNCAP, and it lacks a factory-fitted CNG option.  
• Hyundai Aura: Competes strongly on its premium-feeling interior, build quality, and long feature list. It presents a strong value proposition but currently lags significantly behind the Dzire in certified safety ratings.  

The Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Maruti Dzire the Right Car for You?

After an exhaustive analysis, the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Dzire emerges as a stronger, safer, and more complete package than ever before. It has not just built on its core strengths but has actively addressed its weaknesses.

The Unbeatable Formula (Pros)

• Peace of Mind Ownership: This remains the bedrock of the Maruti promise. It’s a powerful combination of the country’s largest service network, easily available spare parts, proven reliability, and low maintenance costs. The estimated service cost for the first 5 years (or 50,000 km) is a very reasonable ₹18,000 – ₹20,000 for the petrol version.  
• Unbeatable Mileage: It continues to be the undisputed champion of fuel efficiency. Whether you choose the frugal petrol engine or the ultra-economical CNG variant, the Dzire promises some of the lowest running costs in the country.  
• Excellent Resale Value: A Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a financially sound investment. It holds its value exceptionally well in the used car market, ensuring you get a good return when it’s time to sell. A look at the prices of 2-3 year old models confirms this strong demand.  
• Now, with 5-Star Safety: The single biggest argument against the Dzire has been decisively turned into one of its biggest strengths. It is no longer a choice between economy and safety; you get both.  
• A Comfortable Family Car: At its core, it remains a comfortable, spacious (for four), and practical sedan that excels at the daily duties of a family car.  

Areas for Improvement (Cons)

• Unexciting Performance: The Z-series engine is tuned for efficiency, not enthusiasm. Drivers looking for a thrilling, powerful ride might find it adequate but not exciting.  
• AMT Gearbox: While it offers the convenience of an automatic at a low cost, the AMT can feel slightly jerky during gear shifts compared to a more sophisticated CVT or torque converter automatic.  
• Interior Quality: While the design is better, the plastics are still hard and built to a price. It feels durable but doesn’t have the premium touch and feel of a Hyundai cabin.  
• Rear Headroom: As noted, this can be a point of concern for families with taller individuals, a trade-off for its sleek, sloping roofline.  

The Bottom Line

If you are a pragmatic Indian car buyer—a young family purchasing your first sedan, a professional looking for a reliable daily commuter, or someone upgrading from a hatchback—who places the highest premium on rock-solid reliability, jaw-droppingly low running costs, and the unmatched peace of mind that comes from a vast service network and high resale value, the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Dzire is not just a good choice; it is the most intelligent and complete choice in its segment. With the addition of a 5-star safety shield, Maruti has taken its winning formula and made it nearly unbeatable.

What do you think of the new Dzire? Does it do enough to stay on top? Let us know in the comments below!