Maruti Suzuki Dzire VXI Variant Updated With New Infotainment System

Among small family sedans in the country, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is irrefutably one of the most successful. India’s largest automaker has sold so many units of this subcompact sedans that it has become one of their most “desired” models. Based on the outgoing Swift, the Dzire has been around for just as long. And just like its hatchback sibling, the sub-4-meter sedan also got a facelift in 2018. To keep things from getting too mundane, Maruti Suzuki has ever so slightly updated the Dzire. However, this update is only applicable to one trim level, the extremely popular VXI. According to several dealerships, the well-priced VXI variant remains a top-seller to this day.

The Feather Touch system doesn't get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay like the SmartPlay system

Since the title of the article has already given away the story, you know what to expect. Yes, a new infotainment system. The outgoing 2-DIN audio rig has now been replaced by a more modern and feature-rich touch-sensitive panel. Compared to its successor, the old unit was absolutely practical and easy-to-use, but it definitely wasn’t pretty to look at. However, it did come with a user-friendly interface that had prominent physical buttons and dials to control the various functions. The unit also integrated a CD player, though, let’s be honest, how many of us need one of those anymore? On the other hand, the new head unit is the so-called “feather-touch” system, which debuted in the updated Ertiga.

Maruti's older-gen 2-DIN interface

While it is still not as good as the brand’s more modern SmartPlay infotainment system, it is a marked improvement. Despite looking very aftermarket in its appearance, the Dzire VXI’s new system does come with several useful features. To start with, the interface boasts a touch-sensitive panel that uses fewer buttons to control a similar number of functions as its predecessor. Furthermore, the blue backlit panel is pleasant to look at, especially in the dark. On the other hand, it is probably a lot more distracting to use a touchscreen while driving than it is to use old-school knobs and buttons.

The Dzire is one of Maruti Suzuki's best-selling models

In terms of its functionalities, Maruti’s feather-touch infotainment system gets a few important ones. However, those familiar with the unit in the Ertiga will be aware of all its controls and functions. Among its features, there are two vertical sections on either side of the screen. These allow users to increase or decrease the volume and tune or skip tracks being played. Meanwhile, the bottom of the panel integrates the main menus, including the ones for the radio, media sources, folder selections, and system setup. What still remains a sore point about this new touch interface is the dinky monochrome display in the center. Plus, the panel's glossy surface will be full of smudges and fingerprints, so keep a microfiber cloth handy.

The Dzire competes with the Honda Amaze

Overall, while this update isn’t too significant, at least Maruti Suzuki won’t be charging buyers extra for it. This means that the Dzire VXI will still cost the same as before, i.e., Rs 6.91 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). That is the price of the manual version, whilst that of the AMT variant starts at Rs 7.41 Lakh. Apart from that, the Dzire remains mechanically unchanged. It is powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that pushes out 88hp and 113Nm of torque. This is then routed via either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox to the front wheels.