Story and images by Monch Henares
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| The All-New Suzuki Dzire at the La Jolla Beach Resort in Bataan |
If the old Suzuki Dzire was already a smart choice for practical drivers, the all-new 2025 version is like graduating with honors, top of the class in fuel efficiency and comfort. During our recent Suzuki Media Eco-Run, we drove from Suzuki Auto Taguig to the breezy and picturesque La Jolla Beach Resort in Bataan, passing through the bustling streets of Taguig City, Skyway, NLEX, and SCTEX. It was the perfect long drive to truly get a feel for what the new Dzire had to offer, and it delivered with flying colors.
First impressions? The new Z12E 3-cylinder engine paired with a buttery-smooth Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a massive improvement. Gone are the days of clunky shifts and hesitation; now it’s all glide and good vibes. With Suzuki’s mild-hybrid system quietly doing its thing, the Dzire sips fuel so sparingly you might wonder if it’s secretly running on good intentions. Some drivers even squeezed out over 26 km/L on the eco-run, which practically makes it a superhero in a compact sedan body in today's fuel market.
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| At one of our stopovers, Mesa Feliz restaurant in Balanga City, Bataan. |
Ride quality has also leveled up. Thanks to the new HEARTECT platform, the Dzire feels lighter yet more planted on the road. Potholes and uneven stretches along the highway were soaked up with minimal drama, like a good friend who shrugs off the small stuff. Steering is so light you could park it with one finger (though we don’t recommend trying it literally unless you want to be an embarrassing and trending parking lot video).
Inside, the Dzire once again punches above its weight. Despite its compact size, the cabin feels airy and surprisingly roomy. Rear passengers will appreciate the generous legroom, the added comfort of rear AC vents, and even a fold-down center armrest for that little touch of first-class feeling. And the trunk? With 378 liters of space, it easily swallowed overnight bags, beach mats, and enough snacks to survive a road trip,or at least a few serious munchies attacks.
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| The cargo boot has 378 liters of space, enough to fit 2 golf bags and overnight bags. |
"I'm happy to tell you, Monch, the trunk can accommodate two regular-sized golf bags.", Kennedy Adia, Head of Product Planning - Suzuki Philippines, gladly mentions. Now, that is what I would call a well-thought-out cargo space.
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| The new Z12E 3-cylinder 1.2-liter engine delivers a cheerful 80 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. |
Performance-wise, the new Z12E 3-cylinder 1.2-liter engine delivers a cheerful 80 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. It won’t win drag races, but it has no trouble merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic when needed. The mild-hybrid system adds a gentle push at low speeds, making acceleration feel snappier without stressing the engine or the driver. The CVT is a big star here too: it’s smooth, efficient, and keeps the ride quiet and relaxed, especially on this long-haul drive.
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| Clear and informative instrument cluster |
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| Electric folding side-view mirrors |
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| Nine-inch infotainment touch-screen |
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| Cruise Control |
Compared to the previous Dzire, the 2025 model feels like it had a serious glow-up. Before, it was practical but admittedly plain. Now, it’s packed with features like a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors with a reverse camera, folding sideview mirrors, cruise control, automatic headlamps with "Follow Me Home" and "Lead Me to Vehicle" functions, and smarter, more stylish interior finishes. It still retains its easygoing charm but now looks and feels like a car that’s proud to show up at any gathering.
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| Keyless Entry, Push-button Engine Start / Stop |
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| Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Auto Start/Stop, Headlight Height Adjustment, and Parking Sensors |
Safety features include Dual front SRS airbags with additional side and curtain airbags for the top variant, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Driving stability is further enhanced by the inclusion of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Control, which are especially useful for steep uphill climbs. For children's safety, ISOFIX anchors and childproof rear door locks are standard.
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| Mild-hybrid monitoring system |
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| The simple-to-use AC system. |
At the end of the day, the 2025 Suzuki Dzire proves that you don’t need to spend big money to get big value. It’s economical, comfortable, modern, and a lot more fun to drive than you’d expect. After our 200-kilometer eco-run to Bataan, it was clear: the Dzire isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about enjoying the entire journey without worrying about your wallet or your fuel gauge.
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