Does the recently launched Suzuki All-New Dzire Hybrid have what it takes to capture the hearts (and wallets) of Filipino buyers? Suzuki Philippines aimed to prove just that, putting its newest offering to a real-world test during the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid Media Test Drive. The journey took members of the motoring media from Suzuki Auto Taguig deep into the scenic province of Bataan, culminating at the La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort.
The event’s primary goal was clear: give journalists a genuine feel for the stylish and smart compact sedan, now enhanced with Suzuki’s hybrid system. However, the undeniable highlight, adding a layer of friendly competition, was the fuel consumption challenge among the 32 participants piloting 16 Suzuki Dzire Hybrid units over the nearly 190-kilometer route.
Setting the stage at Suzuki Auto Taguig were the company’s top brass, led by Director and General Manager for Automobile Division, Norihide Takei. He was joined by Auto Marketing Head Odessa Gan, Product Planning Group Head Kennedy Adia, Brand Communication Group Head Jeff Lopez, and Auto Marketing Group Head Che Cabotaje.
Mr. Takei described the Dzire Hybrid as a vehicle poised to offer Filipino consumers “a stylish yet practical sedan that has advanced features, hybrid efficiency, and premium styling which simply defines what a compact sedan should be.”
Echoing this confidence, Ken Adia highlighted the car’s proven fuel efficiency, citing significant results from their internal tests. He then threw down the gauntlet, challenging the media participants to verify the Dzire Hybrid’s capabilities firsthand. After roughly three hours on the road, the results of the fuel challenge were tallied. The husband-and-wife team of Lester and Shawie Dizon emerged victorious, achieving an impressive average consumption of 26.44 Km/liter. They navigated the 188-km distance using just 7.11 liters of fuel.
Close behind were Ronald delos Reyes (PDI Inquirer Mobility) and Kristoffer Crisostomo, posting 25.79 km/liter, while the duo of Marion Robles and Erica de Zuzuarregui registered 25.99 km/liter [Note: Original text had 25.99 listed after 25.79, likely a typo. Assuming 25.99 is 2nd and 25.79 is 3rd based on value]. As for my partner, Cesar Miguel, and I? We completed the challenge respectably, placing 8th out of 16 teams with a fuel consumption figure of 22.79 km/liter. The return trip the following day felt notably quicker, as participants, now familiar with the Dzire Hybrid, enjoyed its capabilities at a brisker pace.
