The 2025 Suzuki Dzire officially landed in the Philippines at the Manila International Auto Show. Now in its third generation and more grown-up than ever, it’s now completely separated from the Swift, and now sporting a mild-hybrid system that promises wallet-friendly fuel bills. But while it’s undoubtedly a practical city car, it’s not without its quirks.
The all-new Dzire is a no-nonsense, fuel-efficient city sedan with real-world usability and comfort baked in. But it’s not perfect. If you’re after hybrid-like efficiency without going full EV or paying hybrid SUV prices, it’s a compelling option – just be ready to make a few compromises along the way.
Here are five things I genuinely desire about the Dzire, and five that left us scratching our heads.
PRO: Fuel Efficiency That Makes Your Wallet Smile
The Dzire’s mild-hybrid system isn’t just a brochure talking point concerning efficiency – it actually works. On a (mostly) highway run to Bataan, we managed 20.1 km/L without even trying, and that’s not something many gas-fed sedans can claim. If you’re constantly on the road or watching fuel prices like a hawk, this sedan’s sipping habits will win you over.
CON: Underwhelming Highway Performance
But that efficiency comes at a cost: power, or rather, the lack of it. The 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 81 hp does just fine in the city, but out on the open road, the Dzire starts to feel strained. You’ll need to plan your overtakes and hills will make the CVT sweat. It’s not slow per se, but there’s no extra oomph when you need it.
PRO: Surprisingly Spacious for a Subcompact
Don’t let its sub-4-meter size fool you – the Dzire is a TARDIS on wheels. It offers plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, and even the back seat gets thoughtful touches like A/C vents, a center armrest, and multiple charging ports. It’s clearly built with everyday usability in mind.
CON: No Fold-Down Rear Seats
Just when you’re impressed by the cabin space, you pop the trunk and realize: the rear seats don’t fold. That means you’re stuck with the standard 378 liters of cargo room. Want to haul a bike or anything remotely long? Too bad – better call a friend with a hatchback.
PRO: Class-Leading Lighting Tech
It’s not every day you find LED projector headlamps with leveling functions in a subcompact sedan under a million pesos. Suzuki didn’t cheap out in the lighting department. The GLX’s full LED setup feels like it belongs in a class above and gives the Dzire a more premium curb presence at night.
CON: Still No Speed-Sensing Door Locks
It’s 2025. Even budget hatchbacks now come with speed-sensing door locks, but the Dzire somehow misses this simple feature. It’s a weird omission in a car that otherwise feels tech-savvy, and one that might bug owners after the novelty wears off.
PRO: Clean, Comfortable Cabin Vibes
With its dual-tone dashboard with some wood finishes, well-integrated 9-inch touchscreen, and smooth, fuss-free layout, the Dzire’s interior punches above its class. The cloth seats look upscale (though problematic, more on this later), and everything is laid out logically. It feels like a car made for people who want to get in, drive, and not fiddle with anything unnecessary.
CON: White Seats = Stain Anxiety
Yes, the seats look nice and airy in white, but unless you plan to drive in bubble wrap or ban fast food from the cabin, they’re going to get dirty – fast. Suzuki might be going for a fresh, modern look, but they’ve also made a strong case for aftermarket seat covers.
PRO: City-Friendly Handling and Ride Comfort
With a tight 4.8-meter turning radius and lightweight steering, the Dzire is at home in tight city streets and crowded parking lots. The ride is smooth enough for longer drives, and Suzuki did a good job keeping engine vibrations and road noise in check – even with a 3-cylinder under the hood.
CON: Pricing That’s a Bit Steep
At P998,000 for the GLX, the Dzire nudges dangerously close to larger, more powerful subcompacts or even base-model crossovers. And while it brings tech and fuel economy to the table, the price might make budget-conscious buyers think twice, especially with some compromises in versatility and features.
