Sedans may not be the hottest body style in South Africa right now, but the 2025 Suzuki Dzire makes a strong case for why small four-doors should not be overlooked. Affordable, spacious, fuel-efficient, and packed with practical features, the Dzire is perfectly suited for everyday commuters, families, and even e-hailing drivers.
If you’re looking for value in today’s market, here’s why the new Suzuki Dzire could be one of the smartest buys under R250,000.
1. Compact Yet Spacious
At just under four metres long, the Suzuki Dzire is city-friendly and easy to park, yet it doesn’t compromise on space. Inside, passengers enjoy surprisingly roomy rear seats, and the 378-litre boot is one of the largest in its class.
The only limitation is that the rear seatbacks don’t fold, so carrying bulkier items may be tricky. Still, for groceries, luggage, or e-hailing purposes, the Dzire delivers excellent practicality.
Car Care Tip: To maximise cabin life, especially with the beige upholstery, consider using fitted seat covers. This will help keep the interior fresh and protect against everyday wear and tear.
2. Affordable Efficiency
The Dzire is powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 60 kW and 112 Nm. It’s no rocket, but paired with a slick 5-speed manual gearbox, it feels agile and well-suited for city use.
The real highlight is fuel economy. Suzuki claims 4.4 L/100 km, but in real-world driving, it averages closer to 5.1 L/100 km. With its 37-litre tank, that means you can travel over 700 km on a single fill-up.
For South Africans looking to save on running costs, this makes the Dzire one of the most economical new sedans on sale today.
Car Care Tip: Keep tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption and wear out faster.
3. Comfort and Ride Quality
Built on Suzuki’s Heartect platform (also used by the award-winning Swift), the Dzire feels solid despite weighing just 940 kg. Its light steering and tight turning circle make it ideal for congested cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town.
The suspension soaks up bumps with ease, giving passengers a comfortable ride. At highway speeds, some wind noise does creep in, but this is expected in an entry-level sedan.
Car Care Tip: If you regularly drive on highways, periodic checks of door seals can reduce noise and improve cabin comfort.
4. Technology and Features
In GL+ trim, the Dzire comes well-equipped:
- 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cruise control
- Rear parking sensors with reverse camera
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Rear ventilation outlets
Safety hasn’t been compromised either. The Dzire includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and ISOfix mounts for child seats – impressive for a car in this price range.
5. Price and Value
The Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ Manual is priced at R246,900 (August 2025), making it one of the most affordable new sedans in South Africa. Buyers also get a 5-year/200,000 km warranty and a 4-year/60,000 km service plan, adding peace of mind for long-term ownership.
For context, rivals like the Honda Amaze and Hyundai Grand i10 sedan cost more while offering fewer features.
Where to Buy New or Used Models
If you’re considering the new Dzire, it will be available at Suzuki dealerships nationwide. For those open to pre-owned options, older Suzuki sedans and hatchbacks can often be found on auto24.co.za at competitive prices. This includes earlier Dzire models and Swift sedans, which remain popular in the used-car market.
To stay updated with the latest car news, launches, and driving tips in South Africa, check out imotonews.co.za – a trusted source for automotive insights.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Suzuki Dzire proves that small sedans still have a place in South Africa. With excellent efficiency, spacious practicality, and a generous features list, it’s a car that balances affordability with long-term reliability.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an e-hailing driver, or simply looking for a no-fuss daily commuter, the Dzire is worth serious consideration.
👉 Want more advice on choosing the right car? Read more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fuel efficient is the 2025 Suzuki Dzire?
A: Real-world averages are around 5.1 L/100 km, making it very cost-effective to run.
Q: How much boot space does the Dzire offer?
A: It has 378 litres of luggage space, one of the largest in its class.
Q: What are the key safety features?
A: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and ISOfix child-seat anchors.
Q: How much does the Dzire cost in South Africa?
A: The GL+ Manual variant is priced at R246,900 as of August 2025.
