Based on the Baleno's lightweight platform.
According to a report on Overdrive, Maruti-Suzuki will first introduce the 2017 Maruti Swift Dzire and then launch the new generation 2017 Maruti Swift. With the past two generations of the Swift, and even during the introduction of mid-life facelifts, Maruti has given the hatchback first preference, and then followed with the sedan a few months later.
The new strategy though, is not at all surprising. In the hatchback segment, Maruti is seeing a drop in sales of the Swift, but a steady increase in Baleno customers. The latter, which is positioned as a premium alternative, costs a mere INR 50,000 more and gets airbags and ABS with EBD as standard. Thus, while sales of the Swift may be seeing a degrowth, Maruti is still getting the customer for the more expensive Baleno.
However, in the compact sedan segment, the Swift Dzire is the only product for Maruti. And when the competition is factored in, the Dzire is the oldest product, though it still is a best seller.
Also read: Maruti Ignis to launch in Jan-March 2017 period
With new products coming in (the diesel variant of the VW Ameo went on sale on September 30, a facelift is expected for the Hyundai Xcent early next year, the Chevrolet Essentia is expected in early-2017 with a frugal diesel engine and Tata Motors looks to start a new sub-segment with the Kite 5), it makes better sense for Maruti to update the Dzire at the earliest.
[Image Source - CarToq]
[News Source - Overdrive]
