Sporting a new grille and front bumper, the refreshed Suzuki Dzire also gains additional luxury features at no extra cost to the buyer.

The Suzuki Dzire shares a platform and mechanical underpinnings with the Suzuki Swift, but since 2018 it has been a stand-alone model range with the option of two specification levels and a manual or automated manual transmission (AMT).

The new grille and front bumper now combine the grille and flared lower air intake into one double-volume hexagonal grille with black number plate mounting.

The new grille is finished in silver on the GA speciation level and in chrome on the GL models, with the latter also offering similar chrome highlights in the new, larger foglamp bezels on a remoulded new-look bumper.

For the upgraded model, Suzuki has added extra luxuries to the GL specification level. Buyers of this specification level will get new 15-inch alloy wheels in place of the wheel covers that are still found on the GA specification level and which were standard across the range before the upgrade.

Inside, Suzuki has introduced new-look upholstery, which creates a premium feeling in the cabin and is hard-wearing and durable.

Both specification levels have a long list of features including from Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) added at no extra cost.

All Dzire models offer power windows, power steering, an immobiliser and alarm system, air-conditioning and remote central locking as standard. The GL specification level adds chrome detailing, front fog lamps, an audio system with auxiliary input, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and a tachometer.

The GL-model also adds adjustable rear air vents with an additional 12V socket, as well as a rear armrest with integrated cup holders.

The safety features on all Dzire include two crash bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assistance (BA). All models also have integrated side impact protection bars in both the front and rear doors, a high-level stop lamp and ISOFIX child seat mountings on both sides of the rear bench.

Suzuki Dzire is built on Suzuki’s advanced HEARTECT platform, which offers industry-leading rigidity and in-built passive safety.

The HEARTECT platform was designed to use innovative engineering solutions and very high strength steel to offer large-car safety in compact vehicle dimensions, while offering the added benefit of truly low weight.

The low weight not only benefits vehicle performance but ensures that the Dzire uses the least possible fuel, which has been tested at 4,9 l/100 km in a combined testing cycle.

The Dzire range will retain the Suzuki K12M engine, which is also available on models such as the Swift and the Ignis.

The four-cylinder K12M 1,2-litre petrol engine is fitted with variable valve timing on its 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection for peak power of 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and 113 Nm of torque at 4 200 r/min.

At present, only the GL specification level fitted with the K12M engine and a five-speed manual transmission is available. It will be joined soon by the same mechanical configuration in a GA specification level and a GL-version fitted with a five-speed automated manual transmission.

The Dzire model range will be sold with a promotional 5-year / 200 000 km comprehensive mechanical warranty and a service plan for two years or 30 000 km. The 1.2 GL with manual transmission is available immediately at R196 900.