DESIGNED TO BE DESIRABLE
BLAME inflation or the weakening peso, but nowadays, you can’t get a decent subcompact sedan for less than P700,000. You can get a teenytiny hatchback for sure, but if TNCs won’t allow you to use it to ferry passengers, imagine how compromised this choice would be for those with families. Now, in a rather surprising move, here comes the 2018 Suzuki Dzire—a sedan that manages to tick all boxes including a price tag that tops out at P698,000. This could be the best bargain in the entire Philippine car industry.
Understanding how Suzuki has managed to make the allnew Dzire cheaper than its predecessor (it used to be P718,000), we have to go down to its underpinnings, specifically its allnew HEARTECT platform. Lightweight yet highly rigid, engineers were able to reduce the number of cross bracing reinforcements by using continuous, smooth, and curving structures. At the same time, they were able to optimize the entire underbody together as opposed to reinforcing individual components. The result? A platform that weighs 23 kilograms less while achieving much better handling, comfort, and safety.
Suzuki’s focus on weight reduction has also afforded the use of smaller components. Suzuki Philippines Automobile Division senior product supervisor Kenny Adia, reveals that the brakes on the all-new Dzire are actually smaller than its predecessor and yet, there’s no detriment to the overall braking performance. Why? It’s simply because there’s much less mass to stop: the 2018 Dzire’s curb weight is just 895 kgs—175 kgs less than the outgoing Dzire.
Topping that off, the new Dzire uses Suzuki’s brandnew automated manual transmission, which they call Auto Gear Shift (AGS). Made by Magneti Marelli, it’s effectively a five-speed manual gearbox with an electro-hydraulic actuator that operates the clutch and gearshift. Thus, Dzire’s transmission is mechanically simpler and lighter compared to a conventional automatic or CVT.
Furthermore, Adia says that the maintenance cost of AGS is much like a manual gearbox with the same sort of parts (clutch disc, release bearing, and the like).
The Dzire’s reduced weight negates the need for a larger engine. It means that the 1.2-liter K12M four-cylinder delivers more than enough usable performance. In fact, Suzuki says that 100 km/h arrives in 12 seconds—not bad for an 82hp/113 Nm engine.
While there will be up to five colors to choose from (three for the base GL variant), Suzuki put their best foot forward and used the Dzire’s image color for this preview: Premium Oxford Blue. At a glance, it’s clearly no longer a hatchback with a trunk lid slapped on. Designed as a sedan from the get-go, it has unique A- and C-pillars tying up the lines neatly. It’s slightly wider than its predecessor, a fact actuated by the new polygonal grille. The headlamps and LED taillights also create a much more elegant design compared to others in this segment.
Inside, the Dzire’s all-black interior proves well-matched to its simple, honest character. Its layout is straightforward with highly legible gauges, large-rotary dials for the air conditioner, and crispfeeling stalks and buttons. Yet, there’s some hints of sportiness too from the flatbottomed steering wheel and vertically-resting tach and speedometer needles; and whiffs of practicality with the respectably-sized storage bin in front of the shifter and generous rear quarters (there’s 69mm more space between the front and rear seats) with their own armrest and A/C vents.
Given that the Dzire is a subcompact sedan, it’s safe to assume that it drives like one, right? To some degree, yes; but admittedly, it also requires a bit of a learning curve, mainly because of the Auto Gear Shift system.
For one, the shifter pattern is different. Instead of the usual PRNDL, you get RND on the Auto Gear Shift. And though you can move the gear lever around even with the car off, starting it requires that the shifter be in Neutral with the brakes applied; otherwise a failsafe will kick in. The same goes when the Dzire’s in motion and the shifter somehow finds itself going into Reverse. A safety system prevents the shift and alerts the driver.
Next, driving it like a conventional automatic produces some noticeable shift shock. Instead, AGS is best experienced by lifting off the gas slightly for a second (image a clutch being depressed) whenever you want to change gears up. This action is somewhat counterintuitive for those who’re used to driving an automatic but should come naturally to those who drive a stick.
Finally, the Dzire is one of the handful of Auto Gear Shift-equipped cars to come with a “creep” function. This allows the car to move forward slightly in stop-andgo traffic, negating the need to constantly push on the accelerator, reducing the wearand-tear on the AGS. That said, it can only be engaged when the transmission is kept in Drive. Shifting from Neutral to Drive, as some geniuses do in traffic, without having the foot on the brake pedal activates the failsafe system (see number one).
On the flowing stretches of the Batangas Racing Circuit, it’s easy to get accustomed to the Dzire’s quirky gearbox. The “lift and squeeze” method brings out some pretty sensible performance; however, this gearbox is best experienced with the manual override engaged. During these times, the gearbox is smooth, quick, and predictable (because you’re the one doing the shifting) resulting in a surprisingly sporty experience.
The engine is somewhat buzzy and coarse at the top end, but otherwise, it’s significantly quieter than the model it replaces. Even if it’s built as a commuter car, there’s some degree of sportiness baked into it too. The steering is pointable and responsive, while body roll is largely controlled. If there’s one weakness, it’s the lack of mechanical grip from the OE Apollo 185/65R-15 tires. Take a bend, especially something like an S-bend spiritedly, and the tires will squeal. A steering correction, a scrub of speed, or both, brings the Dzire back in line. That said, if there’s one car that’ll benefit from stickier aftermarket tires, it’s this one. The suspension can clearly do a lot more.
Suzuki is poised to have yet another big hit on their hands. This inflation-proof small car offers an elegant design built atop solid new foundations backed up by great value-for-money pricing (manual transmission GL at P638,000 and GL+ with AGS at P698,000. There’s certainly a lot going for the Dzire and with that, it’s sure to shake up the segment.