MIAS 2018: All-new Suzuki Swift Dzire now looks more -uh- desirable

Need a smaller four-door than the Ciaz? Suzuki Philippines has you covered as the company has just launched the all-new Swift Dzire at the 2018 Manila International Auto Show. Featuring a bolder exterior as well as a sleeker cabin, the new-generation Swift Dzire aims to deliver the same fun factor of the Swift Hatchback albeit in a more practical and spacious packaging.

Unlike the previous generation which practically resembled its five-door brethren, Suzuki made the next-gen Dzire have a more unique look while retaining key design features. Starting with the front fascia, the Dzire gets a black front grill with a thick chrome trim. There is also the new front bumper which comes with bigger foglights and additional chrome accents.

Topping it all off are the sleeker headlights which have been slightly redesigned for the four-door Dzire. Like the hatchback, Suzuki was able to imbue the Dzire with soft curves as well as sharp angles which makes it stand out from the rest.

Compared to the hatchback's sloped roofline, the Dzire has a more rounded design which makes it have a more conventional appearance. Finally, the four-door Dzire comes with longer rear quarter panels, upswept taillights and the distinct short trunk. In terms of size, the Swift Dzire measures 3995mm long, 1735mm wide, 1515mm tall and has a 2450mm wheelbase.

Open the doors, and the Dzire features more rectangular shapes compared to the hatchback's circular cues. Like the five-door model from which it is based on, the Swift Dzire gets a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, restyled hooded gauges on the instrument panel and a new climate control system. High-end models also gets a touchscreen infotainment system that comes standard with features such as navigation, Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, CD, USB, Aux and a six-speaker sound system. Base models only get a 2-DIN audio system with AM/FM radio, CD and USB.

Under the hood is the 1.2-liter K12M four-cylinder engine carried over from the previous generation. It puts out 82 PS at  6000 rpm along with 113 Nm of torque at 42000 rpm. The engine can then be saddled with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automated-manual transmission (AMT) called Auto Gear Shift (AGS). From its namesake, it functions like an automatic transmission but benefits from a computer-controlled clutch that seamlessly changes gears.

Standard safety features available in the Swift Dzire include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), side impact beams, keyless entry and start (for AMT model only) and dual SRS airbags.

Official pricing of the all-new Suzuki Swift Dzire has yet to be revealed. However, Suzuki stated that its price will not exceed Php 700,000.