Suzuki Dzire vs. the competition

The Suzuki Dzire has established itself as a popular choice in the local compact sedan segment. With its stylish design, fuel efficiency, and affordable pricing, the Dzire has gained a loyal customer base.

Powering the Dzire is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out up to 81 horsepower (hp) and 113 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or Auto Gear Shift, depending on the variant.

With impressive features offered at an affordable price of P609,000-P819,000, the Dzire is a perfect choice for first-time car buyers. However, the local automotive market is highly competitive, and several strong contenders are vying for market share.

Let’s explore the key competitors of the Dzire, including the Toyota Vios, Honda City, Nissan Almera, and Mitsubishi Mirage G4.

Toyota Vios

The Vios is a formidable competitor to the Dzire. Known for its reliability and practicality, the Vios offers a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a range of safety features. Toyota has also built a strong reputation among Filipino car buyers, further bolstering the Vios' appeal.

There are two powertrain options for the Vios: a 1.3-liter engine that produces 97 hp and 123 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-liter engine that delivers 105 hp and 140 Nm of torque. Compared to the Dzire’s mill, the Vios comes with more powerful engines.

In terms of pricing, the Dzire offers a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers versus the Vios, which costs P732,000-P1.055 million.

Honda City

With its sleek design, spacious interior, and advanced features, the City appeals to those seeking a stylish and comfortable sedan.

The City is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 119 hp and 145 Nm of  torque. All variants of the sedan come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

One of the most notable features of the City is the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, which includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high beam, and lead car departure notification.

Retailing for P973,000-P1.128 million, the City is more expensive than the Dzire, however, its higher price tag is justified by its additional features and a reputation for reliability.

Nissan Almera

The Almera is another worthy adversary to the Dzire. It features a modern and sleek design and comes equipped with a range of features.

Under the hood of the Almera is a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 98 hp and 160 Nm of pulling power. The sedan comes in five-speed manual and CVT variants.

The Almera ownership experience is made convenient by Nissan Connect, a technology that seamlessly syncs up the car with your smartphone, giving you access to an array of smart features like remote engine statr and stop, door lock and unlock, Automatic Collision Notification, SOS emergency call button, My Car Finder, and Theft Alert, among others.

In terms of pricing, the Almera also costs higher than the Dzire as it is offered for P839,000- P1.149 million.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is another popular choice for those seeking affordable and practical sedans. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it a compelling choice for those looking to save on daily driving costs.

Powering the Mirage G4 is a 1.2-liter gasoline engine that churns out 76.4 hp and 100 Nm of torque.

When it comes to pricing, the Mirage G4 is placed within the same range as the Dzire, however, it still costs higher at P769,000-P929,000.

Verdict

The Suzuki Dzire may be a popular choice in the compact sedan market, but it is not without fierce competition. The Toyota Vios, Honda City, Nissan Almera, and Mitsubishi Mirage G4 are all strong contenders, each offering their unique features. With a diverse range of options available, the choice ultimately boils down to individual preferences and priorities. Whether it is fuel efficiency, reliability, or affordability, the local compact sedan market offers something for everyone.

Photos from Suzuki Philippines, Toyota, Roy Robles, Ruben Manahan IV, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation

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