Suzuki Dzire Hybrid: strengths and weaknesses

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated has introduced the all-new Dzire Hybrid at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2025. In doing so, the company has expanded its electrified lineup, which also consists of the XL7 Hybrid and Ertiga Hybrid. 

Additionally, the introduction of the hybrid sedan further cements the Japanese brand’s position in the local sedan market segment. The Dzire Hybrid, after all, now counts as one of the more affordable electrified rides in its class - an attractive quality for Filipino buyers, who are known to be keen on getting the most value out of purchases such as buying a car. 

However, does the all-new Suzuki Dzire have some weaknesses? Also, what are its key strengths? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Matured styling

One of the most significant changes Suzuki made on the latest iteration of its subcompact sedan is its styling. 

For starters, the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid has shed its Swift-inspired look for a more mature and sharper appearance. 

Up front, it now wears a pair of upswept LED headlamp clusters with LED daytime running lamp strips. It also received a larger front grille, a sculpted hood, angular front and rear bumpers, a shark fin antenna, a set of new Y-shaped LED taillights, and a new trunk-mounted spoiler. 

Completing the look of the hybrid sedan is a set of 15-inch wheels. Overall, the newly introduced vehicle looks more mature compared to its predecessor. 

Here are some other notable exterior features available on the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid: 

• Guide-me-home headlamp functionality
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Manual headlamp levelling
• LED front fog lamps
• Rear window defogger

Wealth of features

Apart from receiving a sharp new exterior design, the Suzuki-made hybrid sedan likewise gained plenty of new interior features. 

Exclusive for the driver is a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with auxiliary controls for many of the Dzire Hybrid’s in-car features. It also comes with a digital information display nestled between analog gauges, a push-to-start button, a keyless-entry system, a manual hand-operated parking brake, a lot of cup/bottle holders, and physical controls for its automatic air-conditioning (AC) system. 

To note, the aforementioned digital information display has the capability to display the following information: 

• Exterior temperature
• Driving range
• Real-time and average fuel consumption
• Time (digital clock)

As mentioned above, everyone inside the vehicle is kept cool by an automatic AC unit. The same holds true for the car’s second-row occupants because it comes equipped with a rear air-conditioning vent. Additionally, the vehicle also gets several cabin lights, a 12-volt accessory socket, USB ports (front and rear), fabric upholstery, and an armrest for the front cabin. 

Keeping everyone inside the car entertained is a nine-inch central touchscreen (top-spec GLX) with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB connectivity. Sound, on the other hand, is outputted by front and rear speakers, coupled with a pair of tweeters. 

With regard to ride safety, the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid comes with a comprehensive array of gear. Specifically, it was kitted out with anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, hill-hold control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. 

Notably, having six airbags in total is one key highlight of the Dzire Hybrid. Having that many is only common on pricier nameplates, and it is a must-have, considering present-day driving conditions. 

Vehicle security, meanwhile, is handled by an engine immobilizer and a car alarm. 

Affordable hybrid

As of its introduction in MIAS 2025, the all-new Suzuki Dzire Hybrid GL and top-spec GLX are priced at P920,000 and P998,000, respectively. The aforementioned retail pricing thus positions the newly launched sedan as one of the more accessible hybrid vehicles in the country right now. 

For reference, both variants of the all-new Suzuki Dzire Hybrid use a 1.2-liter inline-3 gasoline engine paired with a 12-volt system comprised of an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Altogether, the said powertrain can generate up to 80 horsepower and 111.7 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Power is sent to the vehicle’s front wheels via a continuously variant transmission, which Suzuki says provides smooth and effortless drives. Its ride quality is also ensured by a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension system, while stopping power is provided by front discs and rear drum brakes. 

Additionally, the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid comes standard with Suzuki’s Auto-Stop-Start (EASS) system, which the brand says helps reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Per its name, the engine of the vehicle automatically shuts off when stopping for a set period of time. With a press of its accelerator, the engine automatically starts back up again, allowing one to continue driving.

As a side note, the EASS feature is likewise found on other Suzuki nameplates such as the S-Presso, XL7 Hybrid, Ertiga Hybrid, and Celerio - among others. 

Ideal city ride

Due to its relatively small size, the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid can fit the definition of being the ideal car for traveling within Philippine cities. Being smaller than the average sedan sold locally, it will be a breeze to park, and it is likewise capable of handling small alleys and residential roads without a cinch. 

If its compact size wasn’t enough, the Dzire Hybrid also has parking sensors and a rearview camera. 

Cons

Trunk can be small for some users

The trunk of the all-new Suzuki Dzire Hybrid has a capacity of 378 liters. While the said amount of space is enough to get by when getting groceries and fitting in several pieces of medium-sized travel bags, there are other similarly priced sedans in the market that can provide a roomier trunk. 

For example, the Kia Soluto’s trunk has 475 liters of space at default, while the lower-spec trims of the Honda City have 519 liters. On the flip side, the Dzire Hybrid still beats out the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, which provides 351 liters of trunk room. 

To reiterate, it has enough space for most users who want to use the Suzuki-made hybrid as a daily. But for folks who like or need to travel long distances with friends and family, there are better options out in the market right now. 

Suzuki Dzire Hybrid: specifications

Model	Suzuki Dzire Hybrid GLX
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	3,995x1,735x1,525
Wheelbase (mm)	2,450
Ground clearance (mm)	145
Wheel size	15-inches
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Analog gauges with digital display Push-to-start button Keyless entry Automatic air-conditioning Rear AC vents USB ports 12-volt accessory outlet Cruise control Flat-bottom steering wheel Front cabin armrest Bottle/cup holders EASS
Infotainment system	Nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.2-liter inline-3
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Continuously variable transmission
Horsepower	80
Torque	111.7 Nm
Hybrid system	Electric motor, lithium-ion battery
Technology
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-hold control Parking sensors Rear view camera Electronic brake-force distribution ISOFIX
Security	Engine immobilizer Car alarm
Price	P998,000

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid is a value-added nameplate that is packed full of features. With its electrified powertrain equipped with EASS, it promises the utmost fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

As mentioned above, the model also has a sufficient amount of creature comforts and safety technologies - a must-have for growing families who are always on the go. Plus, the model comes in a notably compact size, making it great for dealing with tight in-city thoroughfares and the stuffy parking spots we often come across in Philippine-based metros. 

Above all else, the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid also counts as one of the more affordable electrified sedans in the market right now. 

As we always say here in Zigwheels Philippines, however, we recommend taking the time to test drive the all-new Dzire Hybrid. Sure, it has a lot of good qualities on paper, but taking the time to become truly acquainted with the vehicle will make for a more informed purchase in the end. 

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