With the significant increase in fuel price in South Africa, most consumers are looking for a car that won’t break the bank to purchase and maintain. That is where cars like the Dzire are very much needed. Offering good practicality, price, and fuel efficiency. I spent the last couple of days testing the new Suzuki Dzire 1.2GL to see if it really is budget-friendly, and here are my thoughts
Quick Facts
Model: Suzuki Dzire 1.2GL
Engine: 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 61kW & 113 Nm
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Fuel Consumption: 4.9L/100km
Price: R196 900
Drawn from the Suzuki Swift, the Dzire exterior is simple, yet looks stylish with the eye-catching Silver accent around the grille and fog lamps, the GL model comes with body-coloured door handles, halogen reflector headlamps and a wheel size upgrade to 15-inch alloy which replaces the 14-inch steels found on the GA model
Interior
Jumping inside the Dzire, you will be impressed by the finished build quality, coming from a budget compact sedan. everything looks and feels very well put together, no weird rattle or squeak. Comfortable seats made of cloth upholstery. the front seats are low without height adjustment which can be slightly inconvenient for tall people.
Featuring a multi-function steering wheel with mounted controls for the audio, phone, and Bluetooth. A screenless head unit with CD player, Aux, Bluetooth, and (MP3) connectivity via USB. 2x 12V power sockets at the front and back.
All Dzire model comes equipped with manual air-conditioning, electric side mirrors, and electric windows all around and ISOFIX child seat anchors at the back.
Safety
In terms of safety, the Dzire range comes fitted with 2 front airbags for the driver and passenger, with pre-tensioner and force limiter seatbelts. ABS with brake assist and EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) also equipped with immobilizer and security alarm.
The Drive
With only weighing under 1 Ton (865kg), the car feels very light and a little bit too light, especially when driving at highway speeds under the windy Cape Town’s conditions. you may occasionally find yourself battling with the steering wheel to keep the car straight.
powered by a fuel-efficient 1.2L four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 61 kW and 113Nm of torque which is paired to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Managing a very economic average fuel consumption of 5.1L/100km over the 4.9 claimed by Suzuki.
Practicality
Is the budget-friendly Dzire any practical?
Well, you will be surprised to know that I found the Suzuki Dzire to be fairly practical. With 378L a luggage capacity, the overall interior space feels comfortable and spacious both at the front and at the back, with enough headroom, legroom for 2 adults when seated at the back.
Verdict
When it comes to budget cars, the Suzuki Dzire just does it. Covering all the necessary needs, from its budget-friendly price, practicality, and outstanding fuel consumption, it proved to be a good daily compact sedan, and I believe is worth considering especially for a first-time buyer or in city transportation services like Uber.
Price and Aftersales
The Suzuki Dzire range is priced as follow
Suzuki Dzire 1.2GA MT R178 900
Suzuki Dzire 1.2GL MT R196 900
Suzuki Dzire 1.2GL AMT R210 900
All prices include a 5 year / 200 000 km promotional mechanical warranty, 2 year / 30 000 km service plan, 3 year / unlimited km roadside assistance, and a 6 year / unlimited km body corrosion warranty.
