Suzuki DZire sedan moves out of its Swift hatch sibling’s shadow

Before SUVs became the blue-eyed boys of the car scene, the choice of a body style was a simple decision between a hatchback and a sedan.

The hatch being the slightly more outgoing choice for younger buyers with fewer passengers, and a sedan the more conservative option for older people with families.

While the bulk of Suzuki’s portfolio consists of crossovers and compact SUVs, the hatchback/sedan rivalry is still very much present in the Japanese carmaker’s local stable.

Never more so after the introduction of the all-new Suzuki DZire compact sedan alongside its Swift compact hatchback.

Sporting styling enhancements, more technology, and the same powertrain as the all-new Swift that was introduced last year, the DZire and its hatchback sibling feature identical model grading and virtually the same pricing.

Like the Swift, the DZire features three models in GA, GL+ manual, and GL+ CVT.

In GA guise, both are priced at R224 900, with the DZire’s GL+ manual and GL+ CVT both just R1 000 more at R246 900 and R266 900 compared to the respective Swift models.

ALSO READ: Swift booted as Suzuki finally prices all-new DZire

Suzuki DZire starts life as a Swift

The sedan was born in 2008, four years after the Swift, as the Swift DZire. From its third generation, which was rolled out in 2018, it became a standalone product. But even then, the DZire and Swift looked very much the same from the front.

However, that all changed with the all-new DZire, with the designers coming up with a look that is very different from the new Swift.

In fact, the sedan’s exterior is so stylish that it looks more expensive than it actually is.

Flanking a wide front fascia are much narrower halogen projector beam headlights which are connected by distinctive new grille finished in black on GA models and in piano black with chrome accent on GL+ derivatives.

ALSO READ: Suzuki Swift fast becoming one of SA’s most popular used cars

Alluring new blue hue

At the rear, T-shaped LED taillight clusters are interlinked with a chrome strip on Suzuki DZire GL+ models. The latter rides on black 15-inch alloy wheels and the GA on 14-inch steel wheels.

On the colour palette, Alluring Blue Pearl Metallic joins Gallant Red Pearl Metallic, Nutmeg Brown Pearl Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Magma Grey Metallic and Bluish Black Pearl. Metallic options can be ordered without any additional cost.

Inside, the DZire’s design is a lot closer to the Swift than from the outside, but with a twist.

The cabin features elegant beige and black finishes. This creates the sense of space, but the downside, as always, is that lighter materials are not as practical. Especially when children are regular passengers.

Plenty of features

The Suzuki DZire does miss out on the Swift’s nine-inch infotainment system, with GL+ models featuring a seven-inch system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

Standard across the range are a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a high-adjustable driver’s seat, electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors, an engine auto stop/start rear centre armrest, rear parking sensors, rear air vents, and USB ports in the front and rear.

In addition, GL+ models get a reverse camera and cruise control.

The Suzuki DZire’s standard safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-hold control.

Getting the job done

The four-cylinder 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine has been replaced by a more efficient three-pot free-breathing 1.2-litre mill. It sends 60kW of power and 112Nm of torque to the front wheels via a choice of five-speed auto box or CVT. Suzuki claims it will only sip 4.4 litres per 100km, one of its biggest virtues.

Knowing our profession’s intense dislike for CVTs, Suzuki only offered GL+ manual models at the recent launch drive. And put three people in a car to exhibit the rear legroom which is very generous along with 378 litres of boot space for a car measuring shorter than four metres.

Citizen Motoring thought the Suzuki DZire performed admirably carrying three adults up serious hilly sections in old Johannesburg. It requires constant shifting to keep on the boil, but it got the job done nonetheless without too much fuss.

Suzuki became the second-best-selling local car brand by offering a variety of reliable and affordable solutions. The Dzire is no different. It offers big value and a stylish alternative to hatchback or compact SUV.

Suzuki DZire pricing

• DZire 1.2 GA – R224 900
• DZire 1.2 GL+ – R246 900
• DZire 1.2 GL+ CVT – R266 900

*Pricing includes five-year/200 000km warranty and four-year/60 000km service plan.