All-new Suzuki Dzire is here to please

Suzuki Auto South Africa is expanding its local model lineup with the launch of the fourth-generation Dzire. A dazzling new player in the AB-segment arena, this sleek compact sedan strikes an enticing balance between comfort, practicality, safety and driving dynamics - all at a price that won't blow your budget. Topped off with the low running costs customers expect from Suzuki, the Dzire is just what value-seeking motorists have been yearning for.

Styled to stand out

The new Dzire has been engineered to leave a lasting impression thanks to its progressive exterior design that begins with a wide front fascia. Black on entry-level GA models, this standout feature adopts a more upmarket piano black finish on GL+ derivatives and sports a chrome accent for added sass. A pair of narrow halogen projector beam headlamps add to the vehicle's contemporary appeal.

In profile, the Dzire cuts an elegant silhouette courtesy of a raked windscreen, electric folding side mirrors, shark-fin antenna and an assertive C-pillar that flows into a compact boot lid and T-shaped LED tail light clusters (interlinked with a chrome strip on GL+). GA models ride on 14-inch steel wheels while the GL+ sits on black 15-inch alloys.

No matter your colour craving, the Dzire has you covered with seven exterior paint hues:

Alluring Blue Pearl Metallic, Gallant Red Pearl Metallic, Nutmeg Brown Pearl Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Magma Gray Metallic and Bluish Black Pearl.

A familiar space to face the rat race

The new Dzire borrows its interior architecture from the award-winning fourth-generation Swift. This means it features a wrap-around dashboard design with horizontal air vents and centre controls angled towards the driver for improved ergonomics. Boasting a unique beige and black colourway for an airy and upmarket ambiance, the cabin is equipped with a tilt-adjustable urethane steering wheel and stylish metre instrument cluster combining analogue dials with a crisp segment LCD display. The latter allows drivers to quickly access an array of information including average/instantaneous fuel consumption and driving range.

As with the fourth-generation Swift, the Dzire comes standard with a number of storage binnacles including a glove box, front door pockets, two front cup holders and a console box tray for stashing smartphones and other oddments. Rear occupants are treated to a folding centre armrest with built-in cup holders, and directional air vents for the ultimate in commuting comfort. Dzire GA and GL+ variants both feature digital air conditioning, USB ports (a type-A/type-C combo in the rear), front/rear loudspeakers, rear parking sensors, hill hold control, electric windows, height adjustable driver's seat, manual headlight levelling, central locking with an immobiliser/alarm and 12V power socket.

Finished with chrome accents, the GL+ adds extra creature comforts such as cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, 7-inch display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a reverse camera, a front type-A USB port, hands-free phone control and a luggage area light.

Capable of seating five, every Dzire model offers a generous 378l of secure boot space.

Power for work and play

Whether running errands, transporting passengers or simply enjoying the freedom of the open road, the new Dzire is up for any challenge with Suzuki's advanced Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm or torque at 4,300rpm. Smaller and lighter than the outgoing four-cylinder motor, it delivers punchy performance throughout the rev range thanks to multipoint fuel injection and four valves per cylinder. It's frugal too, returning a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 4.4l/100km (or 22.72km/l). Depending on the model grade, this unit can be paired to either a five-speed manual (with an auto stop/start system) or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Advanced new architecture

Measuring 3,995mm long, 1,735mm wide and 1,525mm tall, the new Dzire shares its structural underpinnings with the fourth-generation Swift: Suzuki's latest 'HEARTECT' platform that delivers class-leading driving dynamics due to its low weight and high torsional rigidity. Married to recalibrated suspension (MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear) with optimised geometry settings, this setup affords the Dzire nimble handling, a composed ride and a spirited power-to-weight ratio for sprightly acceleration and all-round responsiveness.

Driving confidence with advanced safety features

Safety is something Suzuki doesn't take lightly. As such all new Dzire models come standard with six airbags (front, side and curtain), side impact door beams, ABS brakes with EBD, brake assist function, electronic stability programme, rear parking sensors and rear ISOFIX anchors. In addition, occupants have access to pretensioning and force-limiting three-point seatbelts (two up front and three rear) with audible/visual reminders. This impressive specification saw the new Dzire achieve a five-star adult and four-star child occupant protection rating in a recent Global NCAP #SaferCarsForIndiacrashtestassessment.