Suzuki Dzire Hybrid launched in Philippines with CVT, costs over ₹7 lakh more than India model

Priced between PHP 920,000 (approximately ₹13.87 lakh) and PHP 998,000 (approximately ₹15.04 lakh), the vehicle is available in two variants: GL and GLX. This model introduces hybrid technology to the Dzire lineup in the Philippines, unlike its counterpart in India, which uses a non-hybrid engine.

The Philippines-spec Dzire is powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine that produces 82 PS and 112 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 12V mild-hybrid system, featuring a 0.072 kWh battery pack and a 2.93 BHP electric motor.
This setup provides a slight boost in torque and aims to improve fuel efficiency, though Suzuki has not released specific fuel economy data for the hybrid model. The CVT gearbox ensures smoother gear shifts compared to the automated manual transmission (AMT) or 5-speed manual options available in India.

Externally, the Dzire Hybrid looks nearly identical to the India-spec Dzire, featuring LED headlamps, LED taillights with a Y-shaped design, and 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The only visible difference is a “Hybrid” badge on the tailgate of the Philippine model.

Inside, the cabin adopts a dual-tone black and beige theme with a left-hand-drive layout to suit local driving conditions. A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits at the centre of the dashboard, accompanied by a 3-spoke steering wheel and an analogue instrument cluster with a coloured multi-information display.

The Dzire Hybrid offers features like cruise control, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, a 6-speaker audio system, and a push-button start/stop system. Safety equipment includes six airbags as standard, a rear parking camera, and rear parking sensors.

However, it lacks some features found in the India-spec Dzire, such as a single-pane sunroof, a wireless phone charger, a 360-degree camera, and a premium Arkamys-tuned sound system.

In comparison, the India-spec Maruti Dzire, updated in November 2024, starts at ₹6.84 lakh and goes up to ₹10.19 lakh (ex-showroom). This price difference makes the Philippine model significantly more expensive, with the base variant costing over ₹7 lakh more than its Indian counterpart.

The India-spec model uses the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine (82 PS, 112 Nm) but without hybrid technology. It also offers a petrol+CNG option (70 PS, 102 Nm) not available in the Philippines. Transmission choices in India include a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, which are less refined than the CVT in the Philippine Dzire.

While the hybrid system and CVT in the Philippines-spec Dzire aim to enhance fuel efficiency and driving comfort, the vehicle shares many similarities with the Indian model. Both feature identical exterior designs, save for the hybrid badge, and similar interior layouts, including the 9-inch touchscreen, dual-tone theme, and analogue cluster.

Shared features include auto AC with rear vents, cruise control, push-button start/stop, and a safety suite with six airbags, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. In India, the Maruti Dzire competes with other sub-4m sedans like the Honda Amaze, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor.