MOTORING NEWS - Suzuki Auto recently introduced a completely new Suzuki Dzire as a stand-alone brand with new styling and a new platform. The Dzire was originally developed alongside the Suzuki Swift to offer a more family-orientated sedan body shape choice rather than the hatchback.
Suzuki has in the past been prompt to introduce features desired by customers - such as ABS brakes - and this is further proof of the company's awareness of market demands.
For the new Suzuki Dzire, the interior space and driving dynamics have been improved and the designers have created a style unique to the Dzire to focus on its target market as a sedan.
Several exterior design features make the new Suzuki Dzire stand out.
From the front, the model has a smooth polygonal grille, large headlamps, and chrome detail on the grille and below the integrated fog lamp area.
The Dzire also features a special bonnet design, sharply raked A-pillars and a smooth shoulder line that flows straight back from the middle of the front doors to the rear LED combination tail lights.
This design means the car is aerodynamically optimised for an 18% improvement in drag coefficient over its predecessor, while the line also gives it a taut, slim look.
The reduction in drag further lowers cabin noise at high speeds and improves fuel consumption. When driving it at the launch in KwaZulu-Natal, the quiet drive was very noticeable in the cabin on all road surfaces.While the hatchback Swift was more prominent in the limelight, the sedan-shaped Dzire was admired, having its own identity and offering the security of a surprisingly roomy boot.
The Dzire looks like a nippy car for the city, but it is also very comfortable with ample leg, head and shoulder space.
In front of the driver there is a new instrument cluster, with clear instrumentation and a multi-information display. The GL-specification level has an added tachometer, additional silver accents and white illumination.
All Dzire models have air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, airbags, a tilt-adjustable steering column, a security alarm and immobiliser and Isofix anchor points for rear-fitted child seats.
The GL-specification level adds rear air vents and an additional 12V socket, a Suzuki audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, front fog lamps, colour-coded, electrically adjustable side mirrors and steering-mounted audio controls.
In the Dzire, the space between the front and rear seats is 55mm more, rear passengers have 15mm of increased shoulder width and front passengers have 10mm more shoulder width.
It has the same choice of drivetrains as the Swift, a 1,2-litre engine and a five speed manual gearbox or automated manual gearbox.
My recommendation is to put it on the shopping list if you're in the market for a new car at reasonable price without sacrificing comfort and with more than the basic features. Suzuki has been making waves as a company, winning several consumer awards and also being lauded as "the brand to watch".
PRICING
Dzire 1,2 GA Manual - R161 900; Dzire 1,2 GL Manual - R177 900 and Dzire 1,2 GL AMT - R191 900. All models are sold with Suzuki's mechanical warranty and service plan.
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