Sedans versus hatchbacks, they're both practical body styles, but sedans have fallen out of favour in recent years. This is somewhat starting to be the case with hatchbacks also, as car buyers have shown great interest towards crossover vehicles. Though the aforementioned body styles still have popularity to some extent.
Related: Most affordable hatchbacks to maintain in South Africa
You're pretty much covered when it comes to all body styles in the budget segment. Suzuki occupies much of the market here with the evergreen Swift and even Dzire models. You can check out our respective Swift and DZire reviews here. Though what are the differences between them?
Suzuki Swift
The Swift is the base of the DZire, and when you look at the two side by side, they're in the same class. The Swift's styling has been more European in nature, with youthful and welcoming design cues. The revisions to the latest Swift give it a premium feel, rather than something that feels cheap. The car has substance to it, rather than making you feel shortchanged. You have three variants to choose from with the Swift, ranging from GL to GL+ and finally GLX. The GL+ and GLX variants are also available with either a manual or CVT automatic gearbox. In terms of boot space, you're looking at 265 litres of boot capacity, and that can be increased with the 60:40 split rear seats.
| Model | Pricing |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL | from R227 900 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ Manual | from R249 900 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ Auto | from R269 900 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Manual | from R275 900 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Auto | from R295 900 |
The purchase price for the Swift includes a 2-year /30 000km service plan and a 5-year /200 000km promotional warranty.
Suzuki DZire
Based on the same platform as the Swift, the Heartect platform delivers both lightweight chassis performance and safety. Here, we have the vehicle in sedan form. Previously, the DZire was merely a Swift with a bigger rear end attached to it. The DZire is aggressively styled, with a confident front end and a sporty rear end. Considering boot space, you have 378 litres to work with, and this capacity can be increased with the 60:40 rear split seats. You have three variants to explore: the GA, GL+ manual, and GL+ auto.
| Model | Pricing |
| Suzuki DZire 1.2 GA | from R229 900 |
| Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+ Manual | from R252 900 |
| Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL+ Auto | from R272 900 |
The purchase price for the DZire includes a 4-year /60 000km service plan and 5-year /200 00km warranty
What are the differences?
Powerplant
Well, let's start with what's the same first: both vehicles use the same new Z12E three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, making 60kW/112Nm, but only consume a frugal claimed 4.4L/100km.
Body styles
In the older Swift/DZire generations, the DZire was very similar in styling to the Swift, but it has since evolved to become more distinctive. The DZire, interestingly, is only 23kg heavier than the Swift at 940kg versus the Swift's 917kg.
Interior
While the majority of the interiors for both cars are similar in style and layout, the Swift features a dark grey interior, whereas the DZire has a beige interior with dark grey accents. The GLX Swift comes with a 9-inch infotainment display, whereas the maximum size available in a DZire is a 7-inch display.
Safety
Regarding safety, across both ranges, you'll find standard 6 airbags, stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX, and ABS as standout features. They're pretty much the same here.
*The pricing stated here was correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.
You can search for the latest Swift and DZire deals here on AutoTrader, you can sell your car too.
