Honda Amaze vs Suzuki DZire (2025): Which budget sedan is best?
Looking for the best compact sedan in South Africa? We compare the Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend and Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+ to see which offers the best value. From the Amaze’s class-leading boot space to the DZire’s 6-airbag safety and fuel efficiency, find out which budget-beater belongs in your driveway.
In the competitive South African compact sedan market, the battle between the Honda Amaze and the Suzuki DZire has never been closer. With both models launching updated iterations in 2025, buyers are faced with a tough choice: do you go for Honda’s refined smoothness or Suzuki’s unmatched efficiency?
Here is a breakdown of how the Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend stacks up against the Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+ Manual.
Pricing
At first glance, these two are neck-and-neck on price, separated by only R2 000. However, the value proposition lies in what that money buys you.
| Feature | Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+ |
| Price | R254 900 | R252 900 |
| Service Plan | 4-year / 60 000 km | 4-year / 60 000 km |
| Warranty | 5-year / 200 000 km | 5-year / 200 000 km |
| Service Intervals | 12 000 km | 15 000 km |
While the upfront costs are similar, the Suzuki DZire takes a slight lead in long-term value with longer service intervals, meaning fewer trips to the dealership over the car's lifetime.
Performance and efficiency
This is where the characters of these two cars diverge. The Honda uses a traditional 4-cylinder engine, while the Suzuki has moved to a more modern, ultra-efficient 3-cylinder unit.
The refined choice (Honda): The Amaze’s i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (66kW) feels smoother at idle and quieter at highway speeds. It offers a grown-up driving feel that is hard to beat in this segment.
The most economical (Suzuki): The DZire is built for the fuel-conscious. With a tested fuel consumption of just 4.4 L/100km, it significantly undercuts the Honda’s 5.9 L/100km as tested. If you are an e-hailing driver or a high-mileage commuter, the Suzuki will save you thousands at the pumps.
Safety
Safety has become a major talking point in 2026. While both cars feature stability control (ESP/VSA) and ABS, there is a clear winner in occupant protection at this price point. The Suzuki DZire GL+ comes standard with 6 airbags (front, side, and curtain). In contrast, the Honda Amaze Trend is equipped with only 2 airbags. For families prioritising safety, the Suzuki offers a level of protection usually reserved for much more expensive vehicles.
Interior and practicality
Both cars are "sub-4-meter" sedans, but they use their space differently.
Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend
Boot Space: A massive 416 litres, the best in its class.
Tech: Features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Vibe: The cabin feels slightly more premium with a more sophisticated dashboard layout.
Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+
Boot Space: 378 litres (smaller, but still respectable).
Practicality: Unlike the Honda, the Suzuki features a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, allowing you to carry longer items that wouldn't fit in a standard boot.
Tech: Includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a reverse camera, and rear air conditioning vents—a luxury addition that rear passengers will appreciate in the South African heat.
Verdict
If you want the biggest boot possible and a smoother, 4-cylinder engine, the Honda is the choice for those who value cabin refinement in a compact package. However, if you want the best safety-to-price ratio (6 airbags vs 2) and segment-leading fuel economy. Between the split-folding seats and the rear air vents, the Suzuki is the more practical daily car.
