We Drove It: All-New Suzuki Dzire Brings Sensibility To The City

Suzuki Auto South Africa has rolled out its all-new fourth-generation Suzuki Dzire, and if first impressions count for anything, this compact sedan is poised to make a big splash in the small car segment.

The all-new Suzuki Dzire offers good value with practical features, and impressively low running costs.
A redesign and upgraded interior make the Dzire a noticeable newcomer in the competitive AB-segment sedan market.
Suzuki’s new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine delivers frugal fuel consumption as low as 4.4l/100km without compromising on driveability.
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Unveiled in the vibrant suburb of Rosebank, the media launch event in Johannesburg was a blend of fueling inspiration and fuel injection. The new Dzire shows a blend of modern and retro design language, headlined by a wide front grille (matte black for GA, piano black with chrome for GL+), narrow halogen projector headlamps, and clean body lines that give it an elegant, aerodynamic look. In GL+ spec, there are 15-inch black alloys and a chrome-touched rear connecting the T-shaped LED tail lights — it’s a well-considered design that blends a bit of flair with functionality.

Sound, safe, and superbly efficient, the all-new Suzuki Dzire is a budget-friendly city slicker with big sedan attitude and small car charm. Image: Suzuki South Africa

There’s also a rainbow of seven exterior colours to suit every personality, from Nutmeg Brown to Bluish Black, so no driver will feel boxed in when expressing their motoring identity.

Slip into the cabin and you’re greeted by a beige and black interior palette, contributing to a feeling of openness and a touch of refinement. Borrowed from its Swift sibling, the dash layout is ergonomic, featuring retro-inspired horizontal air vents and driver-oriented controls. Suzuki’s continued effort to marry function with comfort is clear — with tilt steering, digital air-conditioning, ample storage bins, rear vents, a centre armrest, and USB-A/C ports keeping all passengers well-served.

The GL+ model ups the ante with cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included), reverse camera, and some added chrome glitz. That said, the oversized screen bezel feels like a design misstep – more “early-2000s plasma” than contemporary smartphone.

That said, boot space impresses, with 378 litres of secure storage, ideal for road trips or a month’s worth of errands. And with seating for five, the Dzire is as much about people-moving as it is about budget-stretching. Under the hood, the new Dzire packs Suzuki’s 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder petrol engine, delivering a tidy 60kW and 112Nm of torque. It might not break speed records, but it’s got a reasonable blend of power and economy, offering a featherlight driving experience with low emissions and a fuel consumption figure of just 4.4l/100km.

Matched to either a five-speed manual with auto stop/start or a CVT, the Dzire’s lightweight HEARTECT platform and recalibrated suspension setup (MacPherson struts upfront, torsion beam at the back) make for a nimble, well-balanced ride.

Suzuki’s serious about safety — and the Dzire doesn’t disappoint. All models come equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX anchors. The Dzire also scored five stars for adult protection and four stars for child safety in the Global NCAP #SaferCarsForIndia test — a reassuring result for parents and first-time buyers alike. Hill hold control, pretensioning seatbelts, and a full suite of driver aids round out the package, offering peace of mind in a segment where safety often takes a back seat.

The all-new Suzuki Dzire is a compelling proposition in a tight economy — offering a well-priced, well-specced vehicle that delivers value without feeling like a compromise. Stylish, safe, and delightfully simple to drive (even if it is a manual), it’s a no-nonsense sedan with enough personality and practicality to win over urban commuters and small families alike. With low running costs, reliable performance, and a smart new design, the Dzire is more than just a facelift — it’s Suzuki doubling down on what it does best: creating smart looking cars at a competitive price point. Dzire to own one? We wouldn’t blame you.

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