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Price in South Africa, real specs & fuel economy — 2026
On-road varies by dealer. Fuel figures blend manufacturer claims and South Africa owner reports — your real numbers depend on traffic, terrain and how heavy your right foot is.
* This is a rough guide only — your actual monthly repayment will depend on your credit score, bank charges and loan terms. Get a proper quote from your bank or dealer before committing.
Last checked on 2026-05-09 • Verified by the Hagalu team
The Dzire GA MT is the starting point — 5-speed manual, Z12E DualJet engine, dual airbags, and a 378L boot at R229,900.
The Dzire 1.2 GA MT is Suzuki SA's lowest-cost entry into the compact sedan segment. At R229,900 it is a no-compromise affordability proposition: the Z12E DualJet engine delivers 60kW and 112Nm with a claimed 4.4L/100km fuel economy, the 378-litre boot provides sedan-class practicality, and the 5-year/200,000km warranty covers the entire ownership period for most buyers. The GA specification is intentionally lean — 14-inch steel wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen with wired CarPlay and Android Auto, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESC, dual front airbags, and manual air conditioning. No rear camera. No keyless entry. No cruise control. For buyers whose primary requirement is reliable, fuel-efficient transport with a practical sedan body at the lowest possible acquisition cost, none of these omissions matters. The 5-speed manual gearbox is the engagement choice — well-suited to drivers who prefer control over convenience and who find the manual's directness more satisfying than any automatic alternative. Claimed fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km is SA-market realistic within 25% in mixed driving, meaning most owners will achieve 5.0 to 6.0L/100km in combined use. At 20,000km per year, the Dzire GA MT's annual fuel spend is approximately R8,000 to R10,000 lower than a turbopetrol competitor averaging 7.5L/100km. That saving, compounded over five years of ownership, represents a meaningful financial advantage that makes the GA MT the rational choice for buyers managing tight household budgets. 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 Ga Mt variant of the Dzire brings specific engineering tuning and equipment configuration to address particular buyer priorities. This variant combines manual transmission delivers direct engagement for driving enthusiasts 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
Engines: Single powertrain across all three variants: 1.2-litre Z12E DualJet three-cylinder producing 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm at 4,300rpm. DualJet technology uses two injectors per cylinder firing at different stages of the intake stroke, improving combustion efficiency by 8 to 10% compared to conventional single-injector MPFI. Compression ratio of 12.0:1. Runs on 93 RON unleaded petrol. 15,000km service interval. GA and GL+ MT use a 5-speed manual gearbox; GL+ CVT uses a smooth belt-drive CVT.
Generation: Second generation Dzire on HEARTECT platform — same structural architecture as the fifth-generation Swift, updated with Z12E DualJet engine for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Updates: Second-generation Dzire (ZD41S) introduced globally in 2017; engine updated to Z12E DualJet in SA specification for 2024 launch; minor equipment and colour updates in 2026.
Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.
| Cmp | 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 |
| Cmp | Variant | Trim | Transmission | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 GA MT | Base | Manual | ZAR 229,900 | ||
| 1.2 GL+ MT | Mid | Manual | ZAR 249,900 | ||
| 1.2 GL+ CVT | Flagship | Automatic | ZAR 272,900 |
The purest value proposition in the SA sedan market — Z12E efficiency plus sedan practicality at R229,900.
The Ga Mt variant is the correct choice for buyers whose driving patterns align with its specific configuration. Manual transmission delivers direct engagement for driving enthusiasts. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency and daily driving comfort. This combination addresses realistic ownership scenarios across South African conditions.
The Ga Mt appeals to buyers whose driving demands align with transmission and drivetrain configuration. Manual transmission suits enthusiasts who enjoy engaged driving daily. Front-wheel drive maximizes efficiency and interior space for daily commuting. Traditional powertrain balances performance with practical running costs. Service costs align with configuration complexity. Maintenance intervals follow standard schedules. Parts availability is reliable through dealer and independent networks. Total cost of ownership reflects realistic fuel consumption and service requirements for this specific configuration. Resale value reflects configuration desirability as market matures. Manual variants appeal to enthusiast buyers. Automatic variants attract busy professionals. Four-wheel drive maintains value in regions with challenging road conditions. Front-wheel drive variants suit metropolitan buyers. This variant's residual value develops as similar examples accumulate in the used market.
The Suzuki Dzire has 145 mm of ground clearance — enough for SA speed bumps, gravel driveways, and light dirt roads without catching the underside.
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.
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.
Buyers researching the Suzuki Dzire often compare it with rivals such as Honda Amaze . 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.
Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.
Data verified against: Suzuki Official South Africa Website