By Otsile Kadiege

The Suzuki Dzire is the brand’s compact sedan and it has been quite a popular model in South Africa, especially for e-hailing service providers. The automaker recently lifted the veils off the all-new Dzire which ushers in a progressive design, plush two-tone interiors, a host of segment-first features and an all-new 1.2-litre petrol dubbed the ‘Z-Series’ engine.

Exterior design and styling

Outside, Suzuki used a new design philosophy for the Dzire, making it look dynamic and progressive. Exterior highlights include a striking wide front fascia that’s accentuated by segment-first LED Crystal Vision Headlamps which are complemented by Sleek-line LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that wrap around the upper grille.

In profile, the new Dzire has a progressive sleek silhouette and wheel sizes ranging from 14- to 15-inches. The rear end of the vehicle features new 3D Trinity Rear Lamp Signature, a Shark-Fin Antenna and a aero Boot Lip Spoiler. The new Dzire will be available in three new colour options – Alluring Blue, Gallant Red, Nutmeg Brown, in addition to Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Bluish Black and Magma Grey colour options that are on offer.

Interior design, tech and practicality

Moving to the interior, the new Dzire has a familiar-looking interior layout which is shared with some of its stablemates. Design highlights include a dual-tone dashboard featuring black and beige colour tones with rich silver accents and  three-dimensional tactile pattern on the dashboard and door pads.

The Dzire sets a new benchmark in its segment with a raft of segment-first features. These include an electric sunroof, a 360 HD View Camera equipped with dynamic guidelines, a Three View Screen and 360 HD View Camera. It also comes with the Suzuki Connect telematics solution that provides real-time vehicle tracking and remote functionality for added convenience – we doubt this feature will be available in South Africa. The Dzire also offers a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for enhanced safety and added convenience.

Taking centre stage is the segment-leading 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with Surround Sense by ARKAMYS. This system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charger ensures devices stay powered on the go. Other noteworthy features include Cruise Control, USB Fast Charger, a 4.2-inch Coloured MID, Rear AC Vents, Rear Armrest, Automatic Air Conditioning and Keyless Entry.

Safety and driver assistance systems

The new Suzuki Dzire has a 5 Star GNCAP safety rating. It’s engineered on the advanced 5th generation HEARTECT platform and incorporates a reinforced chassis with the usage of High Tensile Steel and Ultra High Tensile Steel in the body shell offering enhanced structural integrity for a secure and robust driving experience.

Standard safety features include 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program1 (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, an AntiLock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Additionally, 3point seat belts with reminders for all passengers for all-around protection.

Powertrain

Powering the new Dzire is a Z-Series 1.2-litre engine available in both Petrol and CNG models. The petrol variant comes equipped with Idle Start Stop technology and Dual VVT delivering 60 kW of peak power at 5700 rpm and 111.7 Nm of peak torque at 4300 rpm. In S-CNG mode, the engine generates 51.3 kW at 5700 rpm and 101.8 Nm at 2900 rpm. It’s the petrol is available with an option of Auto Gear Shift (AGS)  S-CNG variants of the All-New Dzire are only available with 5-speed manual transmission.

Also new to the Dzire is a suspension setup. According to Suzuki, this setup translates into a smoother drive experience. The newcomer also features a new hydraulic clutch system.

Availability

Suzuki Auto South Africa is yet to confirm local availability, specs and pricing.