Suzuki's new Dzire Hybrid

A familiar face with a Green Twist

- BY CHRIS VAN HOVEN

Hybrids in the Philippines are no longer a niche novelty. And despite technically being categorized as a "mild hybrid," Suzuki's latest offering, the Dzire Hybrid, promises to bring electrified efficiency to the masses, all while staying under the P1-million mark.

The idea of squeezing more efficiency out of the tried-and-tested subcompact piqued my interest, so I took it on a 250-kilometer spin from Taguig to Bagac, Bataan, to see if the Dzire Hybrid really brings anything new to the table. Spoiler: it does, with subtle but smart improvements that matter in daily driving.

A hybrid for everyday?

As one of the go-to choices for budget-conscious buyers wanting a no-fuss sedan, the Suzuki Dzire isn't a stranger to Filipino roads. But like its Ertiga and XL7 siblings before it, this new model adds a twist to the lineup by using a mild-hybrid system aimed at cutting fuel bills without the premium price tag.

Our route, a mix of EDSA's stop-and-go grind, NLEX's smooth tarmac, and Bataan's pockmarked provincial roads, would test its versatility and allow us to see how well it balances efficiency with the comfort and practicality needed for the daily grind.

Under the hood