Coming from a very successful debut reveal at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Suzuki PH finally gave us motoring editors a chance to check out their latest subcompact offering, the Dzire.

Formerly a step-up model of the popular Swift, the Dzire is now a stand-alone model that has Honda Brio, Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Accent and the Toyota Vios at its crosshairs.

Suzuki organized an exclusive track day with motoring editors at the Batangas Racing Circuit last June 4-5 for us to see what their new model is made of.

“It is with pride that we share with Filipinos the latest technology of the Suzuki brand through the all-new Dzire with Auto Gear Shift,” explained Suzuki PH VP and GM for automobile Shuzo Hoshikura, who led the team of Suzuki executives present at the track day.

“After an encouraging feedback from the local market about our products and services, particuarly this first quarter of 2018, we at Suzuki became even more inspired to pursue even more strongly our goal of sharing the Suzuki way of life with Filipinos,” Hoshikura adds.

The day long event gave us hands on experience with the Dzire, as we drove it around the 3.7km track of the BRC. This allowed us to feel how the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology worked in real time driving conditions. This revolutionary AGS technology is the first in the country, which combines the convenience of an automatic transmission and the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission.

Equipped with a 1200cc engine, the Dzire was surprisingly fun to drive around the track, as there was no shift shock and engaging of the gears both in D (automatic) and Manual mode was smooth. There was minimal body roll and the car was balanced during fast corners. For track duties, this writer prefers the manual mode.

Aside from the car’s excellent driving dynamics, the price tag of P690k for the top tier variant is enough to send cautionary signals to Suzuki’s competitors. The dimensions of the Dzire make it a practical choice for urban duties.