Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ (2025) Review
Budget hatchbacks are popular, but what if you need those low running costs along with a bit of boot space? This is where the small budget sedan comes in, and the latest Suzuki Dzire promises prospective owners a well-rounded package. Is it a sound investment?
The latest iteration of the Swift-based Dzire was launched in the winter months of 2025 (read our launch report), and penny-wise South Africans are taking the bait. Does this small sedan check all the necessary boxes, and is it a worthwhile drive? Suzuki loaned me the 1.2 GL+ model with a manual 'box, and I found that it had plenty of aces up its metal sleeve.
Fast Facts
- Price: GA R229 900; GL+ MT R252 900; GL+ CVT R272 900
- Engine: 1.2‑litre Z12E 3‑cyl petrol (60 kW; 112 Nm)
- Gearboxes: 5‑speed manual or CVT; FWD
- Fuel consumption (claimed): 4.4 L/100 km (MT); 4.6 L/100 km (CVT)
- My tested consumption (GL+ MT): 4.4 l/100 km (mixed)
- Boot: 378 litres
- Wheels/tyres: GA 14-inch steel (165/80 R14); GL+ 15-inch alloys (185/65 R15)
- Spare: Space‑saver
- Dimensions: 3 995 mm L / 1 735 mm W / 1 525 mm H; wheelbase 2 450 mm
- Turning circle: 9.6 m
- Safety: GA 2 airbags; GL+ 6 airbags; ESP standard
- Warranty/plan: 5‑year/200 000 km; 4‑year/60 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals)
- Rivals: Honda Amaze, Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan, Kia Pegas
Related: What is the difference between the Dzire and the Swift
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ESP stability control standard; GL+ gets 6 airbags
- Big 378‑litre boot and 60:40 split‑fold rear seat
- GL+: wireless/wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto + reverse camera
- Light, efficient and easy to drive; tight 9.6 m turning circle
- Solid value: long warranty and service plan
Cons
- GA only has two airbags
- Pale-coloured cloth seats (but dark cloth has become available on 5 Dec 2025)
- Halogen headlamps; no LED headlights, no factory fogs
- Space‑saver spare
SELL YOUR OLD CAR NOW!
Styling
There’s only so much a design team can do with a brief like this, and none of the cars in this segment are what I’d call an eight or a nine. Still, the front end is neat and modern, featuring a wide, glossy black grille and a sprinkling of chrome on the GL+, along with slim halogen headlamps that keep it looking current, even without the use of LED technology.
Related: Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX (2025) Review
The lower bumper housings are cleanly executed too (no factory fogs on SA spec), and the 15‑inch black alloys on GL+ (“murdered‑out”, if you like) add a bit of mystery and fill the arches better than the GA’s 14‑inch steels.
From the rear, the T‑shaped LED taillights do a lot of heavy lifting, tying in nicely with the shapely lower bumper and the chrome garnish across the boot lid. The proportions are tidy from three‑quarter angles; it doesn’t read as a “Swift with a boot” anymore, just a compact sedan with a cohesive tail.
Colour choice helps, too: Alluring Blue and Gallant Red are easy on the eyes, although I quite liked this muted, metallic hue. Even my 16‑year‑old son commented he wouldn’t mind owning a Dzire, which is about the best beauty contest result a budget sedan can hope for.
Interior and Tech
If you’ve met the latest Swift, you’ll recognise the wrap‑around dash and simple, logical controls. The beige/black cabin brightens things, and nothing feels flimsy, but what was Suzuki thinking, covering their seats in beige cloth? Our test car was basically brand new, yet the seats were already showing faint stains. If I were to buy a Suzuki Dzire, I'd order seat covers immediately. However, in a press release which appeared on 5 December, the Dzire is now offered with black seats, so there's that problem sorted!
As for the rest, the basics are covered: electric windows, a height‑adjustable driver’s seat, ISOFIX and rear parking sensors across the board. The GL+ trim (as tested) adds the everyday wins: a 7.0-inch display audio system with both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a rearview camera, cruise control, and a multifunction steering wheel.
The screen's housing is oversized, though, which creates unnecessary visual clutter. A USB-A port charges and enables screen mirroring, but as we've mentioned, it also supports wireless connectivity.
As for ergonomics, Suzuki has this aspect well in hand, and it's refreshing to flick a switch to adjust the air conditioning's blower speed and temperature, rather than navigating on-screen menus. I miss this kind of simplicity in modern touchscreen-dominated cars!
The sound quality of the audio system leaves a lot to be 'Dzired', however, and I would definitely spend some money to have this upgraded if you're someone who lives for your music and can't drive without having your playlist in your ears. Just be careful you don't void your warranty.
Space and Comfort
Looking at the Dzire's side profile, it appears relatively compact, until you get into the back, where legroom is far, far more generous than it initially seems. If you have older passengers with longer legs, this is a real selling point. Those on row two also have a set of air vents to keep them comfortable, and every seat in the car offers a three-point seatbelt (both GL+ and entry GA trim).
The rear bench features three headrests and a folding centre armrest with cup holders, and the boot offers a generous 378 litres of space. The 60:40 split-fold backrest is handy for handling awkward loads.
The Drive
“Easy to drive and own” sums up the Dzire. The clutch is feather‑light, the steering is light and precise, and the 5‑speed slots cleanly. The 1.2‑litre triple feels keener than the numbers suggest around town, with a faint thrum at idle that fades at a cruise. Cabin noise is perfectly acceptable for this class.
Load it up or point it at a steep incline, and you’ll stir the lever a bit, but keep it in the sweet spot, and it holds freeway pace like the loyal and disciplined soldier it is.
Ride quality is tidy over less-than-perfect surfaces, the steering stays consistent, and the brakes are progressive and confidence‑inspiring. More importantly, the fuel gauge hardly moved, and I gave it back with plenty of range left.
Performance
On paper, the Dzire is no Olympic sprinter (11.7 seconds 0–100 km/h for the manual; 13.2 seconds for the CVT), but its low weight helps it feel perkier than the numbers appear. Use the revs, and it rewards you with easy, economical progress.
Safety
The latest Dzire has achieved a 5-star adult and 4-star child rating under Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForIndia protocol, offering strong reassurance at this price point, especially if you're buying for a student or any inexperienced driver.
ESP stability control, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX and rear park distance control are standard. The GA model comes with two airbags (driver and passenger), while the GL+ model upgrades to 6 (front, side, and curtain).
Fuel Consumption
Suzuki claims 4.4 L/100 km for the manual and 4.6 L/100 km for the CVT. My GL+ manual returned a stellar 4.4 L/100 km on a mixed urban/highway loop, echoing colleagues’ launch results. Drive with a light foot, and you’ll live in the mid‑4s; heavy city slog will nudge it up, but not by much. What a win!
Related: Dzire vs. Changan Alsvin and Proton Saga
Price
- Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA 5MT: R229 900
- Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ 5MT: R252 900
- Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ CVT: R272 900
Use our car finance calculator.
Resale and Reliability
Suzuki’s simple, efficient hardware, combined with the Swift/Dzire’s popularity among private owners and fleets alike, means you'll easily find a buyer. As always, a full service history and reasonable mileage will protect your trade‑in.
Related: How reliable is the Suzuki Dzire?
The Verdict
If you're looking for arguably the most sensible small sedan on the market, the Dzire is an excellent choice. Just sort those beige seats out with some covers (or ensure you buy a newer model with black seats), improve the sound system, and you'll have a car you'll love for a very long time.
Related: Kia Pegas vs. Honda Amaze vs. Suzuki Dzire
