The Suzuki Dzire shares a platform and mechanical underpinnings with the ever-popular Suzuki Swift, but since 2018 it has been a stand-alone model range with the option of two specification levels and a manual or automated manual transmission (AMT).
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For the new model year, Suzuki has refreshed the Dzire’s exterior design and crammed in even more specifications and safety features, without increasing the price.
Striking new look
The most striking new feature on the upgraded Suzuki Dzire is the new grille and front bumper, which combine the grille and flared lower air intake into one double-volume hexagonal grille with black number plate mounting.
The new grille is finished in silver on the GA speciation level and in chrome on the GL models, with the latter also offering similar chrome highlights in the new, larger foglamp bezels on a remoulded new-look bumper.
The designers have also added two striking new colours, namely Premium Silver Metallic and Phoenix Red Pearl to the line-up. They join the Sherwood Brown Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Oxford Blue Metallic and Magma Grey Metallic to offer customers a comprehensive choice of colours to suit every taste.
The new design emphasises the model’s unique character, which retains some of the sporty appeal and driving dynamics of its mechanical brother, the Swift, but adds upmarket family appeal and a more spacious interior and large boot.
For the upgraded model, Suzuki has added extra luxuries to the GL specification level. Buyers of this specification level will now also be treated to new 15” alloy wheels in place of the wheel covers that are still found on the GA specification level and which were standard across the range before the upgrade.
It is worth noting that the GL specification level adds a true premium feel to the Suzuki Dzire, with chrome detailing, body-coloured door handles and integrated mud flaps as standard.
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Interior even more welcoming
It is not only the exterior that has benefitted from the mid-life upgrade. Inside, Suzuki has introduced new-look upholstery, which creates a premium feeling in the cabin and is hard-wearing and durable.
Both specification levels have a long list of features to which customers of the new Dzire can now benefit from Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) at no extra cost.
All Dzire models, for instance, offer electric windows, power steering, an immobiliser and alarm system, air conditioning and remote central locking as standard. The GL specification level adds chrome detailing, front fog lamps, an audio system with auxiliary input, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and a tachometer.
The GL-model also adds adjustable rear air vents with an additional 12V socket, as well as a rear armrest with integrated cup holders.
Safety remains paramount
With the addition of an ESP system across all models, the Suzuki Dzire now has even more impressive safety credentials. As before, Suzuki has opted not to differentiate on safety between its different model grades, which means that all buyers will receive the same peace of mind, regardless of their budget.
The safety features on the Dzire include two airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assistance (BA). All models also have integrated side impact protection bars in both the front and rear doors, a high-level stop lamp and ISOFIX child seat mountings on both sides of the rear bench.
Built on the HEARTECT platform
Like its mechanical sibling, the Suzuki Dzire is built on Suzuki’s advanced HEARTECT platform, which offers industry-leading rigidity and in-built passive safety.
The HEARTECT platform was designed to use innovative engineering solutions and very high strength steel to offer large-car safety in compact vehicle dimensions, while offering the added benefit of truly low weight.
The low weight not only benefits vehicle performance but ensures that the Dzire uses the least possible fuel, which has been tested at 4.9 litres per 100 km in a combined testing cycle.
As an added benefit, the HEARTECT platform allows for a truly compact turning circle of 4.8 m, which is like the Swift’s, despite being longer that its sibling.
K12M engine standard across the range
The Dzire range will retain the very popular Suzuki K12M engine, which is also available on models such as the Swift and the Ignis.
The four-cylinder K12M 1.2 litre petrol engine is fitted with variable valve timing on its 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection for peak power of 61 kW at 6 000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4 200 rpm.
At present, only the GL specification level fitted with the K12M engine and a five-speed manual transmission is available. It will be joined soon by the same mechanical configuration in a GA specification level and a GL-version fitted with a five-speed automated manual transmission.
As before, the Dzire model range will be sold with a promotional five-year / 200 000 km comprehensive mechanical warranty and a service plan for two years or 30 000 km.
The 1.2 GL with manual transmission is available immediately at R196 900.
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