Driving impressions: unveiling the new fourth-generation model

SUZUKI South Africa has added another bow to their already impressive quiver with the launch of the fourth-generation Dzire.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

It’s no secret that Suzuki has been shooting out the lights on the national sales charts, having slotted into second place and by the looks of things, they’re likely to stay there for some time. It may seem counterintuitive to be bringing in the Indian-made compact sedan with everyone clamouring for SUVs, but Suzuki says while they don’t expect large sales, there is still a market at this price point.

It’s likely to find favour with e-hailing services, first-time buyers, fleet cars and car rental companies.

The Dzire comes in three derivatives: the entry level 1.2 GA, the higher specced 1.2 GL+ manual and the 1.2 GL+ Auto.

Exterior

It’s quite an attractive little car, and I particularly like the black alloys on the 1.2 GL+ manual we drove on launch.

The raked windscreen, electric folding side mirrors, shark-fin antenna, C-pillar that flows to the boot lid, and T-shaped LED tail light clusters make for an attractive package.

Interior

The interior is essentially a copy and paste of the Suzuki Swift.