To Swift or to Dzire? Suzuki’s answer to quality entry-level motoring.

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I really enjoyed my time with the Suzuki Swift. Hard to fault, other than being “basic” from a specification perspective. The car, in my opinion, is the best value-for-money option within its class.

Suzuki haven’t forgotten the young families or Uber drivers who are looking for a bit more practical space. They’ve created the Dzire off the same lightweight HEARTECT platform used on the Swift and faux Ignis SUV.

It’s is very similar to the Swift - “same same, but different”. Other than being a sedan and the Swift being a hatch, if viewed from the front, the model has a smooth polygonal grille, large headlamps and chrome detailing on the grille and below the integrated fog lamp area.

The Dzire also features a unique bonnet design, sharply raked A-pillars and a smooth shoulder line that flows straight back from the middle of the front doors to the rear LED combination tail lights.

Being a sedan, the Dzire has 378 litres of boot space, which is 78 litres or 26% more than its predecessor.

Thanks to the HEARTECT platform, the Dzire weighs a respectable 75 kg less than its predecessor at 890 kg. The lower weight benefits overall fuel consumption, which has been tested at 4.9 litres/100 km for both the manual and automated manual models in a combined driving cycle. During my week with the car, I was able to achieve a very respectable 5.5 liters/100 km.

The cost-cutting can be seen in the car’s interior with the hard plastics and simple switchgear, but the Dzire does have a comfortable cabin with all the necessities, like a neatly integrated audio system, electronic windows, manual air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port. There is manual central-locking, too. A nice touch is the silver accents throughout the dashboard and air vents that mimic the design of the front grille.

On the safety front, you’ll find ABS (with EBD and BA), fitted throughout the range and ISOFIX seat anchors. Speaking of seats – a highlight of the cabin – they are very comfortable. They are sumptuous and very supportive. The seating position in the Dzire is slightly elevated giving you a great view of the road. Unfortunately, the lightweight variable-ratio electronic power steering is only reach but not rack adjustable. All controls come easily to the hand and operation is very simple.

The engine is carried over from the previous model because of its frugality and reliability. This gem of a motor is a 1.2-litre that delivers 61kW at 6 000rpm and 113Nm at 4 200rpm. Meagre figures but pinned to the Dzire’s light body, gives you ample acceleration that is pseudo-hot-hatch in its feel.

The Suzuki Dzire is available in three model derivatives and in seven colours, namely Oxford Blue Pearl Metallic, Sherwood Brown Pearl Metallic, Gallant Red Pearl Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Magma Grey Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic.