Maruti likely to launch next-gen Swift Dzire in April-May

Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch its next-generation compact sedan Swift Dzire between April and May 2017.

According to an NDTV report, India's leading car manufacturer will introduce the Swift Dzire ahead of the hatchback Swift. Both the Swift Dzire and Swift will be sold through the regular Maruti Suzuki dealerships and not the Nexa retail chain. It is expected that the next gen Swift might be showcased at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Swift is expected to get a 1.2 litre K series petrol engine and 1.3 litre DDiS diesel engine, the same units that power the present Swift and DZire. Spy images of the test mule revealed that the 2017 Swift Dzire will get projector headlamps and a new grille at the front and LED tail lamps at the rear.

Inside the cabin, the car features a new touch screen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is expected that the Swift and Swift Dzire might receive the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology too, although the company has not confirmed anything on this matter yet.

In November 2016, Maruti Suzuki registered a 10.8-per cent increase in its compact segment (less than 4 metres in length) sales, which includes the Swift, Swift Dzire, Celerio, Ritz and Baleno.

The manufacturer sold 49,431 units in November 2016, compared to 44,626 units in the same month last year. The company is planning to launch 9 models till the end of 2017, or by the end of March 2018. These models will include Ignis, Baleno RS, next gen Swift and Swift Dzire, updated S-Cross and the Jimny.