The new Dzire drops the Swift look and wears a design all its own. It has a front fascia and rear end that’s more proportional to its size, leading to a more mature look. The simplicity of the grille and fog light housing complement the subtle refined look of the grille that connects to the Daytime Running Lights. Its aesthetic is further enhanced with the Automatic 6 LED headlights that give the Dzire a unique fascia. It also has Guide Me Home or Lead to Vehicle function on the headlights, and Power Folding Side Mirrors.

Probably the best revision in the Dzire is the trunk-end. It makes the new Dzire look like a proper sedan and not one that’s squished to fit into the length requirements. It has modern LED taillights, sporty contours on the bumper, and a lip spoiler that gives it just enough sporty appeal.

Suzuki doubled down on the premium appeal established by the exterior and went all out in the cabin. It has a 2-tone theme featuring black lower section with cream upholstery, sidings, and headliner resulting in a brighter cabin that definitely gives off an upmarket appeal. There’s also a wooden veneer on the dash that’s reminiscent of the elegance of 90s cars.

There’s enough room for adults in both the front and second rows. Legroom, elbow room, and headroom are all enough for the average Filipino.

The Dzire also received a number of new creature comforts. There’s now a digital LCD screen in the middle of the analog gauges, a Push Start button, 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Automatic Aircon, Type-C USB port, and even a Cruise Control. The Dzire is also one of the most attainable cars with a rear center armrest and rear air vents. It also has a new key fob that lets you open the trunk to utilize the 378 liters of space at a click.

Powering the Dzire is the next generation Z-series engine. It has a 1.2 liter Z12E that produces 81 horsepower and 111 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT. It also features Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SVHS) that uses a lithium-ion battery that works with the engine and the Auto Stop-Start System that together improves the fuel efficiency of the car.

Safety was also improved in the new Dzire. It’s still built on the light yet rigid Heartect platform and features Rear Parking Sensors, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Program, and Hill Hold Control that were carried over from the previous iteration. What’s new is it now has 6 Airbags, Brake Assist, and Rear Camera, for improved safety when on the road. These allowed it to have a 5-star Global NCAP rating.

The all-new Suzuki Dzire managed to carve out its own identity and step out of the shadows of the Swift. It has a unique and elegant aesthetic combined with a more refined cabin that will certainly entice Filipino buyers. Add its fuel efficiency of up to 29.73 km/l (AAP rated) and the Suzuki Dzire is definitely one you should consider for your first or next daily ride.