Suzuki DZire (2025) First Drive Review
Small sedans are hard to come by these days. There are currently only four keenly priced models on offer from various manufacturers, those being the Honda Amaze, Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan, Kia Pegas and the subject of today's launch drive, the fantastic little Suzuki DZire.
New Suzuki compact sedan
Arriving in South Africa in 2014, the Suzuki Swift DZire was a game changer for those seeking a small, well-equipped sedan for everyday life. The Swift DZire then, didn't make much of a splash, selling just over 1 000 units before it was replaced by the next generation, which fared better with a new naming convention, as cash-strapped consumers and fleet operators cottoned on to the benefits of the DZire. This outgoing model sold in excess of 10,000 units before this latest generation arrived, setting up the diminutive sedan for far greater success.
Related: Suzuki's more Dzire-able compact sedan (2018)
The new DZire for 2025 is packed with new features and tech that will appeal to everyone from small families, students, and retirees to fleet operators and last-mile drivers. We had the opportunity to put this machine to the test at the local launch, tackling the highways and suburbs around Johannesburg.
New Suzuki Dzire confirmed for South Africa
Styling
The new DZiree is quite a handsome little vehicle with a big attitude. It is available in more than just white and silver that many have come to consider the default colour for cars of this nature. You can have your DZire in Alluring Blue Pearl Metallic, Gallant Red Pearl Metallic, Nutmeg Brown Pearl Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Magma Gray Metallic or Bluish Black Pearl. Upfront, the vehicle gets attractive gloss black detailing with chrome embellishments, and a set of stylish narrow halogen projector beam headlamps dominate the front fascia. Around the back, T-shaped LED tail light clusters give the sedan a sporty look and down the side, 15" black alloy wheels give the DZire some much-needed street cred.
Interior
It seems odd that in today's age, manufacturers still offer vehicles with a cream-coloured cloth interior. The bi-tone black over cream interior is spacious and airy, but one can see the interior ageing poorly, especially if the vehicle in question is going to be used by last-mile drivers, but it does add an air of premiumness. Rear occupants are treated to a folding centre armrest with built-in cup holders, and directional air vents for the ultimate in commuting comfort as well as Type-A and Type-C charging ports for devices.
Space and practicality
Finished with interior chrome accents, our GL+ launch models had extra creature comforts such as cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, 7-inch display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a reverse camera, a type-A USB port, hands-free phone control and a luggage area light. Any luggage is well protected in the 378l boot.
Engine and Drivetrain
Sporting the same Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the renowned Swift, the DZire delivers 60kW and 112Nm, more than enough drive to navigate the city's busy streets. The top-spec model is available with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT.
Performance and drive
Our launch models were equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox, which delivered an engaging and sporty drive through the suburbs, but laboured out on the open freeways, necessitating multiple shifts to keep up with fast-moving traffic or climb steep inclines. Our launch drive took us through the leafy suburbs of Melrose, onto the N1, N12, N3, the compact suburbs of Houghton and busy streets of the CBD. The little DZire never skipped a beat, delivering a comfortable and enjoyable drive throughout.
Fuel Economy
The best part about the DZire is, of course, its extremely frugal nature. Suzuki claims a low 4.4l /100km consumption, but we can confirm that they have once again overreported, with our test route through the busy city, returning 4.3l/100km. This was with us pushing the small sedan hard, rowing through gears, and even sitting in heavy traffic.
Models and Pricing
Suzuki offers a 5-year / 200,000km promotional warranty and a 4-year / 60,000km service plan
| Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA 5MT | R 224 900 |
| Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+ 5MT | R 246 900 |
| Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+ CVT | R 266 900 |
*Pricing was correct at time of article publication.
Verdict
It is comforting to know that manufacturers are still making compact and frugal sedans in world obsessed with expensive crossovers and SUVs. The sad part here is that the majority of these brilliant little cars will end up as fleet vehicles, rentals or taxis. The odd vehicle may find its way into the hands of families that are upgrading from a Swift or A0 segment vehicles, but we just know that the brilliance of these cars will be lost to the hands of a driving service. Their passengers, however, will be able to enjoy the comfort from the backseat.
