2021 Suzuki Dzire launched, starts at PHP 549,000

Suzuki Auto Philippines is off to a hot start this February. No, they're not launching the five-door Jimny yet, but they have something new in dealerships now. It's the updated Dzire, their most affordable sedan in the line-up.

On the surface, it doesn't look like a lot of changes were made. To see those, you need to take a closer look at the car. For 2021, the Dzire gets a new single-frame grille design incorporating a three-bar look with thicker slats. Not only that, the front bumper gets some tweaks as well. Suzuki re-profiled the entire front apron for a flatter appearance, while the foglight housings get silver trimmings on select variants.

As for variants, there are three available. It starts with the base GA that retains the pre-facelift look, followed by the mid-spec GL. Both these models come with a five-speed manual transmission. The GL + serves as the top of the line model, and it only comes with Suzuki's novel Automated Gear Shift manumatic. There is also a new color for the GL +, Phoenix Red Pearl.

Like the exterior, you'll need an eagle-eye to spot what's new inside. Most changes are relegated to the instrument cluster. There's now a multi-colored multi-information display, replacing the digital type seen in the present Dzire. The fuel and engine temperature indicators revert to analog gauges and are housed within the tachometer and speedometer. The 2021 Dzire also gains steering-wheel-mounted controls for smartphone connectivity.

The 2021 Suzuki Dzire made great strides in the field of safety. That's because the updated model now comes with an electronic stability control system standard on two variants. This accident-mitigating feature is equipped in the GL and GL + variants of the Dzire.

Under the hood is the familiar 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine from the pre-facelift Dzire. Power output is unchanged at 82 PS and 113 Nm of torque. According to Suzuki Auto Philippines, the Dzire with a five-speed manual can get up to 26.51 kilometers per liter, while the AGS-equipped model is rated up to 25.99 kilometers per liter.

Prices for the 2021 Suzuki Dzire are as follows:

Dzire GA M/T: PHP 549,000

Dzire GL M/T: PHP 648,000

Dzire GL + AGS: PHP 708,000