The Suzuki Swift Dzire subcompact sedan was originally intended for the Indian domestic market where sedans are seen as having a more premium body style over hatchbacks. Affordability is also an important factor, and cars under 4m in length fit within a lower tax bracket. The result is a new breed of sedans with stubby, half-length trunks.
In recent years, more carmakers have been coming out with their own sub-4m sedan. These include the Honda Brio Amaze, which is also sold here, and a bunch of other models currently not offered here, like the Hyundai Xcent (i10 sedan), the Tata Zest sedan and the all-new Ford Figo sedan. With the growing number of sub-4m sedan competitors, Maruti-Suzuki has to make sure that potential customers don't overlook its own Dzire.
Enter the face-lifted Dzire. Outside, you'll be greeted by the same basic familiar shape, but upon closer inspection, you'll notice a fresher, slightly more upmarket look. Its larger new grille is dominated by a single huge chrome bar with a more prominent Suzuki 'S' badge; this is flanked by revised headlamps that now feature black surrounds. Its front fascia has also been re-contoured with a new lower grille and chrome trim for the fog light housings.
At the back, changes are much subtler: a slightly reshaped, more three-dimensional chrome bar above the license plate, and a more curved rear bumper. The higher-trim models also get more stylish motion alloy wheels and power-folding side mirrors.
Style-wise, little has changed inside except for some trim-dependent upgrades like faux-wood trim, chrome inside door handles, chrome vent louvers, engine start/stop button, audio with Bluetooth, and a rear accessory power outlet. Expect standard features to vary between markets.
Under the hood are carryover engines, but Maruti-Suzuki engineers have given them some significant updates. The 1.2-liter K12 gasoline engine was given a higher compression ratio and a smaller combustion chamber to improve its fuel efficiency. The Dzire's D13A diesel engine (currently not offered here) gets an advanced thermal management system, a modified fuel injection system, and low friction oil to help it warm up faster and lessen its frictional losses.
Suzuki Philippines will most likely continue to offer gasoline-engine models here to keep prices competitive. Do you think the refreshed Dzire has what it takes to face newer competition like the Brio Amaze?
