If you want smallcar bills with bigcar boot space, the Suzuki Dzire is hard to ignore. It shares its platform with the Swift, sips fuel like a budgie and keeps ownership simple, which is why private buyers and e-hailing operators keep snapping them up.
What it’s like to drive
Easy clutch action, light and direct steering, a slick 5-speed manual gearbox (although CVT is available) and pliant suspension make the Dzire a joy to drive. The 1.2-litre 3-cylinder is livelier than its spec sheet in robottorobot traffic. Load it with people or aim at a reef incline and you’ll grab a lower gear, but it still settles into highway pace with ease. The Dzire may be inexpensive, but it’s still quite engaging.
Fuel economy
Suzuki claims 4.4L/100km (manual) and 4.6L/100km (CVT). In mixed driving, expect mid4s if you’re gentle and low5s in heavy city slog. For high-mileage users, the fuel savings compared to rivals add up quickly.
Safety and airbags
- ESP stability control, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX: Standard on all trims
- Airbags: GA = 2 (driver + passenger); GL+ = 6 (front, side and curtain)
- Seatbelts: 3point ELR on all five seats, including the rear centre
The newgen Dzire achieved a 5-star adult and 4-star child rating in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForIndia protocol, offering great peace of mind at this price.
Practicality and space
The Dzire is small where it helps (parking) and big where it counts (rear bench and luggage). You get a 378-litre boot, a 60:40 splitfold backrest and a city-friendly 9.6 m turning circle. Families and ridehailing passengers will appreciate the rear amenities on GL+: A folding centre armrest, rear air-conditioning vents, plus two rear USB ports.
Tech and features
GA covers the basics well: electric windows, heightadjustable driver’s seat, rear PDC, front USBA and ISOFIX. GL+ is the sweet spot: A 7.0-inch display with audio, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel. Lighting is halogen up front with Tshaped LED tail lamps; foglamp housings are present, but SAspec cars don’t get actual fog lights.
Running costs and reliability
The 1.2-litre Z12E 3-cylinder engine is tuned for economy and low running costs.
Local pricing for the Dzire:
The pricing for the Dzire starts from E229 900 and warranty: 5-year/200 000km. Service plan: 4-year/60 000 km.
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