Production Models

When the Suzuki Dzire first arrived in the country, it was marketed as the sedan version of the Swift hatchback.

That was then. These days, the subcompact has dropped the Swift tag and is just known as the Dzire.

Which is all well and good as the new revamped exterior gives the Dzire its own distinct identity and roofline.

The 2021 Suzuki Dzire GL+ takes up a smallish footprint on the road: 3995 millimeters long, 1735mm wide and 1515mm tall.

But it comes with a 2450mm-long wheelbase and clears the ground by 145mm.

The Dzire GL+ exterior is striking with the new body-colored bumper design that frames the black grille with chrome garnish and large Suzuki emblem and the front fog lamps.

The halogen multi-reflector headlamps also look striking and functional. Not as striking are the 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped by 185/65 R15 tires.

Standard exterior features in the Dzire GL include body colored outside door mirrors with integrated turn signals that power adjust and fold, intermittent windshield wipers with washer, and front and rear mud flaps.

For an entry-level subcompact sedan, the Dzire GL comes with a decent amount of interior comfort and convenience features.

It's got remote entry into a relatively roomy interior for a four-door, five-passenger sedan with a smallish footprint.

The fabric seats look and feel contemporary and comfortable. The front seats slide and recline with driver also benefitting from a height adjuster.

Rear seat passengers can enjoy benefits of the fold-down center armrest with cupholders.

The Dzire GL also has the standard power amenities-windows, doorlocks, steering.

The dash and instrument panel look contemporary and quite functional with everything from speedometer and tachometer to displays for clock, outside temperature, fuel consumption, driving range.

The tilt-able three-spoke urethane steering wheel comes with controls for audio and hands-free phone.

It's got airconditioning with heater and pollen filter as well as rear vents.

The Dzire GL interior also meets many of the needs of modern living and motoring. These include front and rear door pockets, front console box with cupholders, glove box, and 12-volt accessory sockets.

For storage of bigger items, there's a trunk that has 378 liters of usable space.

The GL+ comes with a 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Audio Unit with AM/FM radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Micro SD Card slot for audio and video files, GPS Navigation, Aux In, and front and rear speakers.

The Dzire is powered by a K12M inline-4 gasoline engine with multi-point fuel injection that generates 82 Ps at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 113 Newton-meters of torque at 4,200 rpm.

In the Dzire+, the engine is mated to Suzuki's AGS or Auto Gear Shift system which is also known as an Automatic Manual Transmission.

According to Suzuki, the AGS is basically a manual transmission without need for a clutch pedal for the driver. Electric motors operate the clutch system during gearshifts which are mainly determined by engine rpm.

In full automatic mode, one can drive the Dzire GL+ like one drives a vehicle with more conventional automatic transmissions while still benefitting from the fuel economy of manual transmissions.

In manual mode, one can also control gearshifts on the Dzire GL+ like driving, toggling up or down the gears using the stickshift.

The Dzire ride and handling can compare favorably with other entry-level subcompact sedans. The suspension features McPherson struts with coil springs in front and torsion beam with coils springs in the rear.

The brake system uses ventilated discs in the front wheels and leading and trailing drums in the rear.

The Dzire GL+ also comes with driver assist and safety systems.

Hill Hold Control prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting from a full stop going uphill. The brakes continues to engage up to two seconds after driver shifts foot from brake to gas pedal.

The 2021 Dzire GL now comes with Electronic Stability Program which helps driver keep control of the vehicle on the verge of a skid.

Still standard in the Dzire GL are Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and rear parking sensors.

Other standard safety and security features in Dzire are dual airbags, 3-pt ELR seatbelts for four and 2pt lap belt for one, two ISOFiX child seat anchors, and Child Seat tether anchorages, child proof rear doorlocks, side impact door beams, engine immobilizer, high mount stop lamp.

The Suzuki Dzire GL+ is listed on the Suzuki Philippines at Php 708,000 pesos.

If you like to experience Suzuki's Auto Gear Shift, try booking a test drive. Maybe the experience can convince you to take one home.