Hybrids in the Philippines are no longer a niche novelty. And despite technically being categorized as a “mild hybrid,” Suzuki’s latest offering, the Dzire Hybrid, promises to bring electrified efficiency to the masses, all while staying under the P1-million mark. The idea of squeezing more efficiency out of the tried-and-tested subcompact piqued my interest, so I took it on a 250-kilometer spin from Taguig to Bagac, Bataan, to see if the Dzire Hybrid really brings anything new to the table. Spoiler: it does, with subtle but smart improvements that matter in daily driving.

As one of the go-to choices for budget-conscious buyers wanting a no-fuss sedan, the Suzuki Dzire isn’t a stranger to Filipino roads. But like its Ertiga and XL7 siblings before it, this new model adds a twist to the lineup by using a mild-hybrid system aimed at cutting fuel bills without the premium price tag. Our route, a mix of EDSA’s stop-and-go grind, NLEX’s smooth tarmac, and Bataan’s pockmarked provincial roads, would test its versatility and allow us to see how well it balances efficiency with the comfort and practicality needed for the daily grind.

Unlike full hybrids, the Dzire’s mild hybrid system uses a small 0.072 kWh battery and a 2.19 kW electric motor to assist its new Z-Series 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine – not replace it. It’s meant to smooth out stop-start traffic shuffles and add a dash of torque when merging onto highways. With 80-hp, 112-Nm of torque and a featherlight 980-kg curb weight, the Dzire won’t win drag races. But you don’t need blistering speed when your commute involves more potholes than open straights. The engine feels adequate for city drives, and the CVT (a welcome upgrade from the older AGS automated manual) is surprisingly refined. You won’t feel the rubber-band effect of cheaper CVTs either – acceleration is linear, and cabin noise stays subdued unless you floor it.

The Dzire Hybrid’s steering is light enough for tight U-turns but weights up nicely on highways. Around Bagac’s winding coastal roads, it clung to corners with minimal body roll, which was a pleasant surprise for a budget sedan.

The suspension is firm enough to keep things composed, but not so stiff you’ll curse every pothole. Rough portions do send a noticeable jolt, but nothing drama worthy. NVH levels stay tame up to highway speeds; you’ll hear a bit of wind and tire hum at 90 km/h, but it’s far from intrusive.

The Dzire’s sub-4-meter length means compromises, but Suzuki packs the cabin cleverly. Front seats are snug yet supportive; rear legroom is tight for six-footers but fine for average-sized adults. The nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system (GLX only) feels lifted from a pricier car, powering six speakers instead of the typical four. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto worked flawlessly. Ergonomics are great as well. Buttons are within reach, the driver’s seat offers excellent visibility, and the trunk (378 liters) swallows a weekend’s worth of luggage. Hard plastics dominate, but at this price, you’re here for function, not opulence.

Here’s where the mild-hybrid system shines. Our group’s fuel-mileage challenge saw figures as high as 26-km/L – giving you an idea of what the car can achieve when you put your mind to it. But instead of hypermiling like the rest of the group, I wanted to see what the Dzire Hybrid could do if driven normally. That means A/C on, overtaking when needed, and not caring about RPMs and average speeds. The result was a still-impressive 18-km/L over 250-km of mixed driving through city crawls, rural stretches, and expressway cruising.

The GLX variant (P998,000) punches above its weight in terms of safety, offering six airbags, stability control, hill-hold assist, reverse sensors, and a reverse camera. Creature comforts like keyless entry, cruise control and automatic climate control add polish to the package.

Starting at P920,000, the Dzire Hybrid has no direct rivals. You could argue that it goes against the Toyota Vios, but we’re still waiting on a hybrid variant. The Honda City is pricier, and again, no hybrid. Factor in potential coding exemptions (pending LTO green plates), and you’ve got a compelling urban runabout.

For first-time buyers, city dwellers, or households wanting a second car, the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid makes sense. It’s frugal, easy to park, and stress-free to drive. If Suzuki secures those green plates, this could be the gateway drug for Filipinos to embrace hybrids. It may not electrify your soul, but it could save your budget. And that’s always a win.