WeeklySA_AdminBUDGET-FRIENDLY: Another well-packaged compact sedan with smarter features and exceptional drinking manners to boot
By Ali Mphaki
By the time you read this, another Suzuki product would have just left the showroom under a new owner and to a new home somewhere in South Africa.
So popular is especially the Suzuki Swift model that for months now continue to make the opposition eat dust, out selling even the delightful VW Polo and the rest as more and more discerning motorists are enamored by its charms.
This is simply to say Suzuki is on a roll – and just as blazing hot as the famed soccer giants, the Pirates of Orlando, on whose latest replica t-shirt is emblazoned with the name of rhe Japanese automaker. A winning combination, if you ask me.
Whilst like Pirates the Swift model is iterally obliterating the opposition, this has also had the unintended consequence of even dwarfing its own sibling, the Suzuki DZire ( subject of this article), when it comes to the popularity stakes.
Try as it might, the Suzuki DZire has been struggling to shed its image as the Swift’s perpetual bridesmaid.
But in its latest guise the Suzuki DZire seem to have shed it’s Cinderella image and is carving it’s own identity making its presence felt more than at anytime before.
The four-door sedan is confidently steeping into the spotlight with a refreshed exterior and more smarter features.
Offered in two trims, the range start with the entry-level Suzuki DZire GA with manual transmission ( no hubcaps or radio but plenty of style) and the fully-specced Suzuki DZire GL in automatic, which we had for test recently.
What immediately draws you.to the new Suzuki DZire is first its evolutionary rather than radical design. It’s a cute little thing and I dare say when it comes to looks easily pips the ubiquitous Suzuki Swift at the stakes. The newcomer has that hitherto missing street cred.
It stands on 16- inch alloy wheels.
The second and most vital aspect of the Suzuki Dzire is its tantalizing price tag from R224 900, a compelling case for first time car buyers and obviously for the e-hailing crowd or ride sharing services.
The top of the range GL AT ( which we jad for test recently) is offered. at R266 900.
Having sold 10 000 units in its previous iteration. this bodes well for the DZire as it slowly carves its niche going forwards.
Ingress the Suzuki Dzire GL and it does not.pretend to be anything but.a budget-friendly compact sedan in a. modern setting.
Gloss black detailing and chrome embellishments dominate the dash in a surprisingly spacious and airy interior.
The interior is very similar to that of the current Swift – visually pleasing mix of colors and textures mitigating against the feeling of cheap and crappy. The cream white seats of our test unit, however, did raise some alarm with some passengers showing the thumbs down sign for its propensity to easy dirt.
Then you have your cruise control in a multifunctional steering wheel, a 7-inch display audio system with wireless AppleCarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a reverse camera. a type A USB port, hands free phone control etc.
Start the engine and the 1.2 naturally aspirated engine comes to life, the 3-cylinder motto churning out 60kW and 112Nm as it goes about gobbling those city kilometers.
The engine enjoys being revved and does its job effortlessly but it labored out on open freeways and steeply inclines.
Bringing a smile is the frugal consumption of sometimes 4l per 100km( depending on your driving style), which makes this is one vehicle petrol station managers and attendants will see less often coming to fill up the tank.
Again, of the few niggling issues one could have about the new DZire is its non- folding rear seats for that extra boot space, it still boast a larger boot than the Swift.
Enthusiasts have an array of colour’s to chose from.which includes Alliring Blue Pearl Mettalic, Gallant Red Pearl Metallic, Nutmeg Brown Pearl etc.Rivals include the Honda Amaze and the Hyundai i10.
When all is said and done, the latest Suzuki DZire offers a comfortable city ride without the need to break the bank. It is ideal for small families and those who have aspirant lifestyles.
With its 5-year or 200 000 km promotional warranty and a 4-uear 60 000 km service plan. it’s an offer many would find Irresistible.
