Suzuki understands the needs of those who live in the bustle of city life (now further complicated by the ongoing pandemic), and the automaker has become a master of urban mobility—especially for the young go-getters of this age. The Suzuki Dzire is back in refreshed form to deliver what the brand has always promised: fun, reliability and practicality in a stylish small sedan with a price that sits nicely on the palate like a scrumptious roll of sushi.

With a size that’s extremely manageable to maneuver, the Dzire is the ideal urban commuter. From the condominium parking garage to a tight vehicle slot at work or that favorite hole-in-the-wall bistro, this subcompact sedan is built to fit right in.

As well as it fits in, the Dzire stands out on the road with its sophisticated styling. An updated look includes a face-lifted front bumper with fog lamps and a fresh grille design with chrome garnish (GL and GL+ variants), flanked by new multi-reflector headlamps, giving this sedan tasteful distinction. On the sides, the GL and the GL+ are fitted with electric folding and adjustable side mirrors, and sit on 15-inch alloy wheels. The rear end is nicely finished off with combination taillights with LED illumination.

The cabin evokes a strong sense of contemporary, youthful flair paired with comfortable and modern amenities. From the moment one takes position in the front seat, the perch embraces with enhanced features such as optimized springs, improved cushioning, and bolstering. Air-conditioning vents, now found in a roomier second row with increased tandem-seat distance, deliver better comfort and legroom for passengers. For a more premium look, all seats come upholstered with a willow riverside pattern.

A tilt-adjustable D-shaped steering wheel—paired with a legible and attractive meter cluster—gives the driver an exciting sense of sportiness and sophistication. Onboard entertainment, including an updated seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system (exclusive to GL+) and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (GL and GL+), provides hours of amusement without losing touch with one’s personal and professional needs while on the move.

Storage spaces abound for all occupants, and a 120W socket including USB ports keeps essential devices juiced up. A cavernous 378L trunk is ready for larger daily hauls for work and business, or getaway gear for a fun weekend.

The drive is a crucial aspect where the Dzire delivers beyond its dimensions, providing confidence, safety and performance as you travel. At the heart of the car’s propulsion is a capable and highly efficient 1.2-liter VVT engine (82hp and 112Nm) sitting atop the Heartect platform, which is a chassis developed to make the Dzire lighter and more rigid resulting in a more dynamic, safer and more efficient vehicle. Fuel efficiency showed an outstanding 26.51km/L for the manual gearbox (GA and GL) and 25.99 km/L for the automatic transmission (GL+), as witnessed by Automobile Association Philippines.

Added peace of mind through safety is another solid trait. Electronic stability program in the GL and the GL+ prevents loss of directional control during wheel slippage. Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology absorbs impacts to protect occupants and lessen vehicle damage in a collision. Another thoughtful safety design included is pedestrian injury mitigation, with a front end constructed to reduce head and leg injuries in the unfortunate event of a pedestrian collision. Other notable features include dual front airbags, reverse parking sensors (GL and GL+), and hill hold control (GL+) that prevents the car from rolling backward on an incline.

Real value for money starts at P549,900 for the GA (MT), which is perfect for fleet, TNVS or taxi service. The GL (MT), priced at P648,000, is ideal for first-time car owners. For those who prefer the comfort of automatic transmission but like the added control and efficiency of a stick, the GL+ (P708,000) equipped with Suzuki’s automated manual transmission (or Auto Gear Shift) makes for an intelligent choice.

Desirability balanced with practicality. Stylistic form meets modern, fuss-free function. The Suzuki Dzire is ready to help those determined to get to where they need to be, focused on what really matters in the new normal.

This branded article was produced in partnership with Suzuki Philippines.