Which is better Honda Amaze or Suzuki DZire

In the battle of the entry-level city car, there are two manufacturers that stand head and shoulders above all others. Honda and Suzuki both offer very competent machines but which one is better?

Lawrence Minnie

22 Sep 2022 · 09:11Buying a Car

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Amaze-ing DZire

Small, cheap, city cars are big business in a country where mobility is front of mind for many. Sub R300k cars do duel duty as reliable transport and as a business tool for taxi operators while being a social status symbol for many. These cars have to do a lot while still being cheap enough for cash-strapped motorists to afford.

We have taken a look at two popular entry-level city cars and compared them in a few categories to see which one is the better option when it comes to cars in this segment.

Space and Convenience

The Honda Amaze has a few more tricks up its sleeve when it comes to interior convenience, especially in the tech department. The DZire has less packing space and fewer toys but shines in other departments.

	Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort auto	Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL auto
Boot Size	420l	378l
Infotainment	7" touchscreen	Bluetooth radio
Keyless Start	No	No
Steering wheel controls	Yes	Yes
Cruise Control	No	No
Climate Control	Auto air con	No
Park Assistance	Rear camera and PDC	No

Engine size and type

Both vehicles are equipped with a 1.2l naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to an auto transmission. The Dzire will feel peppier than the Amaze due to power losses through the CVT on the Honda.

	Amaze	DZire
Engine size	1.2l petrol NA	1.2l petrol NA
Power figures	66kW / 110Nm	61kW / 113Nm
Transmission	Automatic CVT	Automatic

Fuel Consumption

The Suzuki DZire is the clear winner in this category, getting over 100km more range on a tank of fuel than the Honda Amaze

	Amaze	Dzire
Fuel tank size	35l	37l
Consumption	5.7l /100km	4.9l /100km
Estimated range	614km	755km

Safety

Safety is important to many young buyers and on the safety front, the Amaze and Dzire are evenly matched until you get to passive driver assistance systems of which the DZire has a few more than the Amaze.

	Amaze	DZire
Airbags	2	2
Isofix	Yes	Yes
Driver Assistance	ABS	ABS, EBD and TSC

Pricing

In this market segment, price is everything and both vehicles are under the golden R300 000 mark. Both vehicles are also evenly matched when it comes to warranties and service plans.

	Amaze	DZire
Price	R261 000	R221 900
Warranty	5 year / 200 000km	5 year / 200 000km
Plans	2 year / 30 000 service plan	2 year / 30 000km service plan

Verdict

The Suzuki DZire may be R40 000 cheaper than the Amaze, but it comes in a little short when it comes to interior conveniences, The Amaze loses out with driver assistance systems and overall consumption figures. Both vehicles are relatively even keel, and it really comes down to what you want to prioritise in your drive.

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more