By DERRICK NDZAVI
Japanese manufacturer Suzuki is renowned for its range of city products. You can never got wrong when looking for a small car within the Suzuki brand. Being it a first time car, a second car, retirement car or something in between for a small family. I had the pleasure of spending a week with the new Suzuki Dzire, a car that has been built from ground up on its own platform. Unlike the previous Dzire which shared a platform with the popular Swift. This was a result of Dzire’s growing popularity as a sedan of choice for young families around the world, according to Suzuki Auto SA.
The 1.2-litre engine proved its worth in this tough economic climate as I averaged under 6l/100km. The feeling of not having to frequent the petrol station. So I was on the road criss-crossing the province of Gauteng going about my life without any concern. Without suggesting that Suzuki build the most beautiful cars around, but it is safe to say they do not design ugly products either. The Dzire has a fresh modern look, take for an example its bold front grille design which gives this car some presents. Entry level cars are not meant to break Formula 1 records but are meant to offer practical solutions for us ordinary people.
Dzire is spacious inside and has enough legroom for both front and back, which is why this car taking a long-ish distance trip would not feel like punishment thanks to the acceptable level of ride quality.
In this era of technology and safety, it would be an economic suicide for a car manufacturer not to address this. Just like some the siblings the Dzire is equipped with air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, airbags for the driver and front passenger, a tilt-adjustable steering column, a security alarm and immobiliser and what mothers love to see in a car, ISOFIX anchor points for rear-fitted child seats. The new Dzire has a unique dashboard design that emphasises style and usability. It is fitted with silver accents throughout the dashboard and air vents that mimic the design of the front grille.
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.
Model Derivatives
Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA Manual
Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL Manual
Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL AMT
Price standard: R161 900
