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Maruti Suzuki Dzire has once again made headlines, this time for its international update. The compact sedan, already a household name in India, has undergone a significant change in South Africa, where it now features a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) instead of the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is still offered in the Indian market. While the visual design of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire remains consistent, this mechanical change has sparked conversations about its future in India and what this update really means for prospective buyers.
Let’s explore in detail what the Maruti Suzuki Dzire now offers globally and how it compares to the Indian-spec model.
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⚙️ Maruti Suzuki Dzire CVT: What’s New?
The most striking update in the South African model of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is the introduction of a CVT gearbox, a move that significantly alters the driving experience.
✅ CVT vs AMT: What’s the Difference?
- CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) offers seamless gear transitions, ensuring smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency during city and highway drives.
- AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), while cost-effective, is known for jerky shifts, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
This change makes the Maruti Suzuki Dzire more refined and premium in markets like South Africa. However, it’s worth noting that this update hasn’t been rolled out in India yet.
🌍 Maruti Suzuki Dzire South Africa Version: Design and Features
Even though the body styling of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire remains unchanged, there are some distinct differences between the Indian and South African models.
🧩 Exterior:
- Halogen projector headlamps (compared to LED in India)
- Black 15-inch alloy wheels (vs. dual-tone alloys)
- Subtle grille and bumper styling differences
🪑 Interior:
- Dashboard with silver accents
- Smaller 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Manual air conditioning
- Fabric seats
Though feature-rich for a compact sedan, the South African Maruti Suzuki Dzire lacks several elements present in the top Indian variants.
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🔐 Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Safety Features
Despite these differences, both versions of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire continue to offer essential safety features, ensuring driver and passenger security.
Safety Inclusions:
- Dual front airbags (six airbags in top trims)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Rear parking sensors
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
This safety package helps the Maruti Suzuki Dzire maintain its reputation as a reliable and family-friendly compact sedan in all markets.
🇮🇳 Maruti Suzuki Dzire India Model: What Stays the Same?
The Indian Maruti Suzuki Dzire continues with the familiar 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The AMT is offered on several mid- and top-tier variants, but it lacks the finesse of a CVT gearbox.
Indian Dzire Price Range (Ex-showroom):
- Starts at Rs 6.84 lakh
- Goes up to Rs 10.19 lakh for the top trim
🚖 Maruti Suzuki Dzire Tour S: Fleet Special
In March 2025, Maruti Suzuki launched a Dzire Tour S (LXi) variant in India aimed at fleet and commercial buyers.
Key Highlights:
- Offered in petrol and CNG options
- Petrol version starts at Rs 6.79 lakh
- CNG variant priced at Rs 7.74 lakh
This model comes stripped down in terms of features but excels in mileage and cost-efficiency — attributes crucial for cab operators.
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🔍 Will CVT Come to Indian Dzire Soon?
There’s no official confirmation from Maruti Suzuki regarding the rollout of the CVT-equipped Dzire in India. However, considering the growing competition from cars like the Honda Amaze CVT, Hyundai Aura AMT, and Tata Tigor AMT, an upgrade to CVT could enhance the Dzire’s appeal.
The transition could also align with the upcoming next-generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which is expected to debut in 2025–2026. It might incorporate new hybrid powertrains, feature enhancements, and a more premium transmission like the CVT.
🏁 Final Verdict: What the CVT Means for Dzire’s Future
The global update to the Maruti Suzuki Dzire shows the company’s intent to enhance refinement and comfort in international markets. While India still gets the more affordable AMT option, the CVT’s entry in South Africa could be a testing ground for future launches.
For now, Indian buyers looking for a smooth automatic experience in a compact sedan may need to wait or explore alternatives. However, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire remains a solid contender with its wide variant spread, trusted brand value, and excellent fuel economy.
