As the nation celebrates Navy Day on December 4, honoring the Indian Navy’s victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, a range of special benefits is extended to defence personnel. Among these, discounted prices on vehicles at the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) stand out, making it an opportune time for armed forces personnel to book their dream car.
One such standout option is the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, an affordable and feature-packed compact sedan. Thanks to tax concessions at CSD, the Dzire becomes an even more appealing choice, with prices starting at just Rs 5.80 lakh.
Understanding CSD Benefits
The Canteen Stores Department (CSD), operated by the Indian Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defence, provides access to essential goods and luxury items like cars at subsidized rates. With only 14% GST levied on car purchases instead of the standard 28%, defence personnel save significantly on their vehicle investments.
CSD eligibility extends to serving and retired armed forces personnel, widows of military personnel, ex-servicemen, and defence civilians. With 34 depots across India in cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, and Kolkata, it is accessible to a vast section of the defence community.
Maruti Dzire: CSD vs. Civilian Pricing
The CSD price of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire significantly undercuts civilian market rates due to the tax benefits. For example:
- The LXi variant enjoys a discount of Rs 99,000, while higher variants offer savings up to Rs 1.84 lakh, depending on the model.
Features and Specifications of the New-Gen Maruti Dzire
The updated Maruti Suzuki Dzire comes with a bold new design and cutting-edge features:
- Exterior Highlights:
- Aggressive front bumper
- Stylish LED headlights with horizontal DRLs
- Wide grille with horizontal slats
- Redesigned fog lamp housing and a prominent shoulder line
- Shark fin antenna, boot lid spoiler, and Y-shaped LED taillights connected by a chrome strip
- Interior and Tech Features:
- Beige and black theme with faux wood accents
- 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cruise control, rear air vents, and single-pane sunroof
- Powertrain:
- 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 80 bhp and 112 Nm torque
- Paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT transmission
- Available in LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi Plus variants
- Safety:
- Rear parking sensors, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 6 airbags, and a segment-first 360-degree camera
Pricing and Competition
The ex-showroom price of the updated Maruti Dzire starts at Rs 6.70 lakh for civilian buyers, but CSD discounts make it a steal for defence personnel. Competing with the Hyundai Aura, Tata Tigor, and Honda Amaze, the Dzire delivers unmatched value with its blend of affordability, performance, and features.