Do you want robust build quality, good after-sales service, low running costs and decent on-board spec and tech? We compare these Japanese rivals to see who comes out on top.
Pricing in South Africa (December 2025)
Suzuki Dzire (2025)
- 1.2 GA 5MT: R229 900
- 1.2 GL+ 5MT: R252 900
- 1.2 GL+ CVT: R272 900
The Dzire 1.2 GL+ manual in Rooi-Els this summer.
Honda Amaze (2025)
- 1.2 Trend manual: R254 900
- 1.2 Comfort manual: R274 900
- 1.2 Comfort CVT: R294 900
The Honda Amaze at its 2025 launch in Cape Town this past winter.
Takeaway: the Dzire undercuts the Amaze derivative‑for‑derivative, especially on the CVT, which is roughly R22k cheaper than Honda’s.
Read our Honda Amaze 2025 Review here.
Read our Suzuki Dzire First Drive Review here.
Engines and fuel economy
Honda's engine is slightly smoother, thanks to its four cylinders, compared to Suzuki's three.
The Honda brings a smidgen more power and classic four‑cylinder smoothness; the Suzuki counters with lower mass and standout economy.
- Suzuki Dzire: 1.2‑litre Z12E 3‑cyl, 60 kW/112 Nm; 5‑speed manual or CVT. Claimed 4.4 L/100 km (manual) and 4.6 L/100 km (CVT).
- Honda Amaze: 1.2‑litre 4‑cyl i‑VTEC, 66 kW/110 Nm; 5‑speed manual or CVT. Claimed 5.5 L/100 km across the range.
In the real world, the Dzire’s lighter build makes it easier on fuel for high‑mileage commuting or e‑hailing. The Amaze feels a bit more refined, especially at idle and on the highway.
The Honda's bigger on creature comforts, but it costs a bit more too (this is the entry-level Trend derivative, R264 900).
Safety and airbags
Both bring stability control and essential crash protection, but mind the airbag counts by trim.
- Suzuki Dzire (SA spec): ESP stability control, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX across the range. Airbags: GA has 2 (driver + passenger); GL+ has 6 (front, side, curtain). Seatbelts are 3‑point ELR on all five seats, including the rear centre.
- Honda Amaze (SA spec): VSA stability control, ABS, hill‑start assist, reverse camera and rear PDC standard. Airbags: Trend has 2; Comfort has 6.
The Dzire in GL+ trim costs slightly less than the Honda Trend, but it comes with six airbags instead of the two found in the Honda
Practicality and space
If you live by the boot, Honda wins on litres; Suzuki wins on flexibility.
- Boot space: Amaze 416 litres vs Dzire 378 litres.
- Rear seats: Dzire has a 60:40 split‑fold backrest for awkward loads; Amaze’s rear backrest is fixed but includes a fold‑down centre armrest.
- Manoeuvrability: Dzire’s tight 9.6 m turning circle makes townhouse parking and mall ramps a pleasure.
The Amaze wins this round with more room in the boot.
Tech and features
- Suzuki Dzire GL+: 7‑inch display audio with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reverse camera, cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel. Rear A/C vents plus rear USB‑A and USB‑C keep passengers happy. Lighting is halogen up front with T‑shaped LED tail lamps; no factory fog lamps on SA spec.
- Honda Amaze: An 8.0‑inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard on all models, with a 7.0‑inch driver display and reverse camera. Comfort adds LED front fog lamps and a 15 W wireless charger. LED headlights and DRLs are standard across the range.
Note: The Dzire GA features 14-inch steel wheels; the GL+ upgrade is available with 15-inch alloys. Amaze Trend features 15-inch alloys; Comfort adds a dual-tone finish.
Are fuel savings important? The Suzuki is so good at conserving petrol
Running costs, warranty and service
Both brands back their sedans well in SA:
- Warranty: 5‑year/200 000 km (both)
- Service plan: 4‑year/60 000 km (both)
- Service intervals: Dzire at 15 000 km; Honda every 12 000 km.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Suzuki Dzire if you want:
- Lowest price, best economy: It’s cheaper derivative‑for‑derivative and sips 4.4–4.6 L/100 km (claimed), ideal for high‑mileage commuting or e‑hailing.
- Value kit where it counts: GL+ adds wireless/wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reverse camera, cruise control, rear A/C vents and rear USB‑A + USB‑C.
- Everyday flexibility: 60:40 split‑fold rear seat and a super‑tight 9.6 m turning circle for townhouse/mall life. (Amaze's is 1.0 metre larger)
- Lower running costs: Light kerb mass plus extended warranty/service plan make it a numbers win.
Choose the Honda Amaze if you want:
- Bigger boot and more glitz: 416 litres (vs 378 litres) and standard LED headlights/DRLs; Comfort adds LED fogs and a 15 Watt wireless charger.
- Smoother engine feel: 1.2‑litre four‑cyl (66 kW/110 Nm) is a touch stronger and more refined, especially at idle and highway cruise, but the difference is not big.
- Bigger screen, consistent spec: 8.0‑inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on all models, plus a 7.0‑inch driver display.
- You prefer Honda’s cabin vibe: dark upholstery and a more “grown‑up” presentation.
If you asked me to pick...
- For pure value and low running costs: Dzire GA/GL+ 5MT
- For nicer toys and the biggest boot: Amaze 1.2 Comfort MT
- For two‑pedal ease on a budget: Dzire GL+ CVT
- For plush auto with LEDs and wireless charging: Amaze Comfort CVT
