Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire is set to get a mid-cycle facelift, complete with revised exterior styling and a new petrol engine. Ahead of its launch later this month, spy shots of the Dzire facelift have emerged online, revealing its updated styling.

The most apparent change is the new, larger front grille. It still retains its hexagonal shape and chrome lip but it now extends further down on the bumper, merging with the air dam. The number-plate housing is also now placed on the grille. The chrome-trimmed fog-lamp housings and the front bumper are new as well. Apart from these visible changes, the Dzire facelift is also expected to get some tweaks at the rear, along with a new alloy-wheel design. 

With this facelift, the Dzire will also gain a new petrol engine. The new unit is Maruti’s 1.2-litre K12N DualJet petrol engine that made its debut in the Baleno hatchback last year. The BS6-compliant DualJet engine in the Dzire is expected to produce 90hp – a 7hp gain over the 83hp K12M engine it'll replace. Not only is it more powerful, the DualJet is also said to better the K12M motor in terms of efficiency and emissions. The Dzire petrol is already the most fuel-efficient car in its class.

The Dzire facelift will retain its predecessor’s gearbox options; it'll come with a 5-speed manual and an AMT-automatic gearbox as well. With this, the refreshed Dzire will become the first Maruti Suzuki model to have a DualJet-AMT engine-gearbox combination. However, sources tell us that the Dzire DualJet will not be equipped with Maruti’s SHVS mild-hybrid system, in order to keep prices in check.

Inside the cabin, the Dzire facelift is expected to get new seat fabrics, revised faux-wood trimming and Maruti’s new SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

When launched, the Dzire facelift will continue to rival other compact sedans in the Indian market such as the Honda Amaze, Hyundai Aura, Ford Aspire and Tata Tigor.

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