What is the ground clearance of the Suzuki Dzire?

The Suzuki Dzire has 145 mm of ground clearance — enough for SA speed bumps, gravel driveways, and light dirt roads without catching the underside.

What engine is in the Suzuki Dzire?

The Suzuki Dzire comes with a 1197 cc engine, putting out 60 kW (80 bhp). It's available in multiple variants — check the specs tab above for fuel type and transmission options.

What fuel consumption can I expect from the Suzuki Dzire?

The claimed figure is around 13.5 km/l. Real-world SA driving — city stop-start plus highway speeds — typically runs 10–15% higher than that. Diesel variants tend to pull ahead over longer distances.

Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ CVT Price in South Africa 2026 – ZAR272,900 | Specs & EMI

Suzuki Dzire — 1.2 GL+ CVT

The Dzire GL+ CVT is the complete package — AEB, lane departure warning, LED headlights, alloy wheels and wireless CarPlay with a smooth CVT at R272,900.

The Dzire GL+ CVT at R272,900 is the range-topping variant and the one that makes the most complete argument for the model. The CVT gearbox adds automatic convenience for city traffic — smooth, stepless power delivery in stop-start conditions that removes manual clutch fatigue entirely. The Z12E DualJet engine's claimed consumption on the CVT is 4.6L/100km — 0.2L/100km higher than the manual due to the CVT's slightly lower efficiency at light load, but still excellent in absolute terms. The most significant specification additions over the GL+ MT are the active safety systems: low-speed AEB monitors the road ahead and intervenes with braking below 35km/h if an imminent collision is detected; lane departure warning uses a forward-facing camera and alerts the driver when the vehicle crosses lane markings without indicator input. These systems are standard on the GL+ CVT and unavailable on either manual variant. LED projector headlights replace the halogen units of the GL+ MT, providing better illumination quality on unlit SA night roads. LED tail lamps replace halogen. 15-inch alloy wheels complete the specification upgrade over the GL+ MT. At R272,900, the Dzire GL+ CVT competes directly with the Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort CVT but delivers more safety technology (AEB, LDW) and comparable connectivity at a lower price. This specific configuration has been engineered to balance practical capability with realistic ownership costs across SA driving conditions. The transmission type, engine displacement, and trim level combine to create a variant that serves a specific buyer profile without compromise. The Gl Cvt variant of the Dzire brings specific engineering tuning and equipment configuration to address particular buyer priorities. This variant combines automatic transmission provides smooth operation in all traffic conditions with front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency and daily driving comfort. Transmission selection meaningfully impacts daily driving character. Manual variants appeal to enthusiasts wanting direct control over gear selection and engine braking. Automatic variants suit buyers prioritizing daily convenience without sacrificing efficiency. Each configuration delivers proven reliability through years of operational service. Drivetrain configuration addresses specific geographic and usage patterns. Front-wheel drive variants maximize fuel efficiency and interior space allocation. Four-wheel drive variants provide capability for weekend adventure and inclement weather confidence. Buyers select configurations matching their anticipated driving patterns and regional conditions. Variant-specific equipment includes targeted features addressing typical user scenarios. Climate control tuning, lighting packages, and assistance systems vary by variant to deliver appropriate capability for intended use. Warranty coverage remains consistent across variant portfolio. Ownership satisfaction derives from configuration alignment with actual driving needs. Over-specification wastes capital and increases depreciation. Under-specification limits capability and daily satisfaction. This variant represents a considered balance of practical requirements and budget allocation.

Who buys this: First-time car buyers upgrading from a used hatchback, small families needing practical boot space, single-income households wanting the most reliable and fuel-efficient sedan under R275,000, small business owners needing a commuter vehicle with low running costs

City

Urban driving characteristics reflect transmission and drivetrain configuration. Automatic transmission smooths congested traffic navigation without driver attention demands. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency in city fuel consumption. Visibility remains adequate for metropolitan traffic navigation. Parking sensor systems assist in tight spaces. Climate control maintains comfort in extended urban congestion. The variant functions reliably through daily city driving without demanding specialist operation technique.

Highway

Highway driving reveals configuration-specific characteristics. Automatic transmission handles extended highway cruising with smooth power delivery. Front-wheel drive maximizes highway fuel economy through optimized power distribution. Conventional powertrain balances performance with fuel consumption across highway speeds. Fuel economy on highway runs reflects powertrain configuration and driving technique. The transmission settles into efficient cruising operation. Comfort supports multi-hour highway periods. Road noise remains controlled. Engine operation proves relaxed at sustained highway speeds. Extended highway driving confirms the variant's suitability for regional travel.

Off-Road

Off-road performance reflects configuration-specific capability. Front-wheel drive handles basic gravel and farm track access. Automatic transmission manages power delivery automatically in off-road conditions. Conventional engine delivers proven torque for off-road work. Ground clearance addresses obstacles according to configuration. The variant handles appropriate off-road scenarios for which it was engineered. Buyers selecting this configuration understand capability boundaries and drive accordingly.

Suzuki Dzire — Quick Facts

Starting price in South Africa: ZAR 272,900 ex-showroom
Engine: 1197 cc
Power output: 60 kW (80 bhp)
Ground clearance: 145 mm — handy for those South African potholes
Claimed fuel economy: 13.5 km/l
Body style: Sedan

Suzuki Dzire Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.

Variant	Trim	Fuel	Transmission	Price
1.2 GA MT	Base	Petrol	Manual	ZAR 229,900
1.2 GL+ MT	Mid	Petrol	Manual	ZAR 249,900
1.2 GL+ CVT	Flagship	Petrol	Automatic	ZAR 272,900

Variant	Trim	Fuel	Transmission	Price
1.2 GA MT	Base	Petrol	Manual	ZAR 229,900
1.2 GL+ MT	Mid	Petrol	Manual	ZAR 249,900
1.2 GL+ CVT	Flagship	Petrol	Automatic	ZAR 272,900

2 variants selected

1.2 GL+ CVT — Should You Buy It?

The Dzire GL+ CVT is the rational top-spec pick — AEB and lane departure warning at R272,900 make it the safest-equipped sedan under R300,000 in SA.

The Gl Cvt variant is the correct choice for buyers whose driving patterns align with its specific configuration. Automatic transmission provides smooth operation in all traffic conditions. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency and daily driving comfort. This combination addresses realistic ownership scenarios across South African conditions.

What's Good

✓Automatic transmission provides daily convenience without sacrificing efficiency.
✓Front-wheel drive maximizes fuel efficiency and interior space.
✓Proven powertrain delivers reliable performance across ownership duration.
✓Service costs align with configuration and complexity expectations.
✓Fuel economy reflects realistic operational consumption for this variant.
✓Resale values develop as market recognizes configuration desirability.
✓Warranty coverage protects against manufacturing defects across components.
✓Conventional powertrain balances capability with operational economy.
✓Configuration aligns with actual driving requirements avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Watch Out For

✕Automatic transmission adds complexity compared to manual simplicity.
✕Front-wheel drive limits off-road capability for adventure-focused buyers.
✕R272,900 is R23,000 more than the GL+ MT — manual gearbox drivers who do not want CVT should not pay this premium for active safety systems they cannot access in manual form
✕Depreciation follows market trends as used inventory accumulates.
✕Ground clearance limitation unchanged — 145mm is appropriate for SA urban roads but the GL+ CVT's full specification deserves a higher ground clearance that sedan packaging cannot provide

Buyers researching the Suzuki Dzire often compare it with rivals such as Honda Amaze , KIA Pegas . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — performance, petrol economy, price and running costs all vary more than you'd think.