The Suzuki Dzire is one of South Africa’s most popular compact sedans thanks to its low running costs, strong reliability record and sensible pricing. If you like its formula but want to shop around, several close rivals match it on size, performance, and value, though safety ratings are mixed. Here are five similar cars currently available in South Africa.
Suzuki Dzire overview
The latest Suzuki Dzire sold in South Africa uses a 1.2‑litre three‑cylinder petrol engine that produces 60 kW and 112 Nm, driving the front wheels. It is offered in GA and GL+ trim levels, with a five‑speed manual gearbox standard and a CVT automatic available on GL+. Light fuel consumption and a generous warranty make it especially attractive to private buyers and ride‑hailing operators.
Safety-wise, the S-Presso's Global NCAP rating is surprisingly good, with a 5-star rating for adults and 4 stars for kids!
Read our Suzuki Dzire review (2025)
Key competitors at a glance
All of the rivals below are front‑wheel‑drive, petrol‑powered compact cars aimed at budget‑conscious buyers.
| Model | Engine & outputs | Transmissions | Core positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Dzire | 1.2-litre, 60 kW / 112 Nm | 5‑MT, CVT | Value, efficiency, reliability |
| Kia Pegas 1.4 | 1.4-litre, 69 kW / 132 Nm | 5‑MT, 4‑AT | Warranty, space, solid feel |
| Honda Amaze 1.2 | 1.2-litre, 66 kW / 110 Nm | 5‑MT, CVT | Refinement, comfort |
| Hyundai Grand i10 sedan | 1.2-litre 61 kW / 114 Nm | 5‑MT, 4‑AT | Style, brand appeal |
| Changan Alsvin | 1.4-litre, 74 kW / 135 Nm | 5‑MT | Aggressive value, spec |
Kia Pegas
The Kia Pegas is one of the Dzire’s closest direct competitors in South Africa’s compact sedan segment. It is powered by a 1.4‑litre four‑cylinder petrol engine that produces 69 kW and 132 Nm, and drives the front wheels. Buyers can choose between a five‑speed manual and a four‑speed automatic, both aimed at easy, relaxed urban driving.
Inside, the Pegas focuses on simplicity and durability, with straightforward controls and hard‑wearing materials that suit fleet and ride‑hailing use and work well for small families. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows and an infotainment system on most derivatives, while Kia’s lengthy warranty strengthens its value proposition over the long term.
The Kia Pegas scored 2 disappointing stars for adult occupants and 4 stars for children, according to 2024 Global NCAP and #SaferCarsForAfrica.
For shoppers who like the Dzire but want a bit more engine capacity and a long manufacturer warranty, the Pegas is a logical alternative.
Here are the safety features in a Kia Pegas.
Honda Amaze
The Honda Amaze goes after the same customer who wants a compact, easy‑to‑park sedan but values comfort and refinement. All South African Amaze derivatives use a 1.2‑litre SOHC i‑VTEC petrol engine with 66 kW and 110 Nm. A five‑speed manual gearbox is standard on Trend and Comfort, with a CVT automatic offered on the higher‑spec Comfort derivative.
Honda has tuned the Amaze for a supple ride and good noise insulation, which gives it a more premium feel than its price might suggest. The cabin is neatly finished with solid materials and intuitive ergonomics, and Comfort models add desirable features such as alloy wheels and a touchscreen audio system.
Safety results are mixed. In 2019, the Amaze got 4 stars for adult protection but only 1 for children. In 2024 this dropped to 2 stars (for adults) due to stricter protocols. In 2025, all local models now have stability control.
If the Dzire’s efficiency appeals but you want a slightly more polished driving experience, the Amaze deserves a place on your 'cars to consider' list.
Read our Honda Amaze review (2025).
Hyundai Grand i10 sedan
In sedan form, the Hyundai Grand i10 offers similar dimensions and performance to the Dzire, wrapped in a more overtly stylish package. The sedan derivatives use a 1.2‑litre four‑cylinder petrol engine that delivers 61 kW and 114 Nm. Transmission options include a five‑speed manual and a four‑speed automatic, both driving the front wheels.
The Grand i10 sedan’s cabin has a youthful design with a modern dashboard layout and well‑integrated infotainment, particularly in higher‑spec Fluid derivatives. Standard features typically include air conditioning, electric windows, power steering and Bluetooth connectivity, with some models adding alloy wheels and a touchscreen. For buyers who rate brand image and styling highly but still need a frugal, compact sedan, the Grand i10 sedan is a strong competitor to the Dzire.
However (and this is a big however), the Grand i10 scored a concerning 0-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child protection, making the package less attractive.
Related: Suzuki Swift vs Hyundai Grand i10 - fuel consumption
Changan Alsvin
The Changan Alsvin is a newcomer to South Africa’s compact sedan scene and competes aggressively on power and specification for the price. The range comprises two petrol engines: a 1.4‑litre four‑cylinder in the Alsvin 1.4 CS, producing 74 kW and 135 Nm, paired with a five‑speed manual gearbox; and a 1.5‑litre four‑cylinder in the Alsvin 1.5 CE, delivering 78 kW and 145 Nm through a five‑speed dual‑clutch automatic. See the Alsvin microsite here on the Changan website.
Equipment is a major selling point for the Alsvin, especially on the 1.5 CE, which offers features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, a reverse camera, cruise control, and even a sunroof, in a segment where many rivals are more basic. Changan backs the Alsvin with a five‑year warranty and service plan, helping reassure buyers new to the brand. If you want more power and more toys than the Dzire at a similar or lower price point, the Alsvin delivers.
It is currently in its third generation, having been available overseas since 2018.
The Alsvin scores a 5-star rating in China's NCAP. It hasn't been tested by Global NCAP yet. We will be reviewing it soon, so watch this space.
Related: Changan Alsvin vs. Suzuki Dzire and Proton Saga
Renault Triber
While the Renault Triber MPV/SUV is everything but a three‑box sedan, it competes directly for the same budget‑conscious buyer and is worth considering alongside the Dzire. It uses a small petrol engine (1.0-litre capacity), and prioritises low running costs, but its key differentiator is a highly flexible seven‑seat interior in a compact footprint.
The Triber’s cabin can be configured to carry up to seven occupants or, with the third row removed, to provide a large, practical load area. Equipment levels are competitive, and the elevated driving position will appeal to buyers who prefer an MPV‑style stance over a low‑slung sedan. If your priority is maximum space and versatility at Dzire‑like money, the Triber offers something the conventional compact sedans simply cannot: true multi‑seat flexibility in the same price ballpark.
The Triber was tested by Global NCAP in 2024, but scored only 2 stars for adults and 2 for children.
Renault Triber launch report (2025)
The takeaway
The Suzuki is by far the most accomplished car in this lineup, especially when it comes to safety, after-sales, and reliability. Maybe shopping around for another car is not such a great idea; just find the Dzire of your dreams here!
If you're not afraid of taking a gamble on the Changan Alsvin, it may be worth your while.
Also consider: The Proton Saga (from R244 900 for the 1.3 Premium). It has a decent 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
