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Last checked on 2026-05-09 • Verified by the Hagalu team

Suzuki Dzire — 1.2 GA MT

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

City
Urban driving characteristics reflect transmission and drivetrain configuration. Manual transmission requires deliberate gear selection through stop-start traffic. 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. Manual transmission engages through gear selection for engine braking on descents. 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. Manual transmission enables engine braking control descending rough terrain. 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 229,900 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.
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
2 variants selected

Suzuki Dzire Specifications

Engine
1.2L Z12E DualJet 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code
Z12E
Cylinder Layout
Inline 3 (I3)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1197 cc
Cylinders
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
Cylinder Bore
73.0 mm
Piston Stroke
95.5 mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Variable Valve Timing
Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Power
60 kW
Power @ RPM
5,700 rpm
Power
82 bhp
Torque
112 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4,300 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6700 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity
2.9 l
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Top Speed
163 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.7 sec
Engine Type Config
Available
0–100 km/h
Available sec
Battery Capacity
Available
Charging Port
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Engine Displacement
Available cc
EV Range
Available km

1.2 GA MT — Should You Buy It?

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.

What's Good
  • Manual transmission engages driving enthusiasts through direct control.
  • 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
  • Manual transmission requires active gear selection through traffic.
  • Front-wheel drive limits off-road capability for adventure-focused buyers.
  • Conventional powertrain offers no electric efficiency assistance.
  • Depreciation follows market trends as used inventory accumulates.
  • Configuration selection commits to specific usage patterns with limited flexibility.

Suzuki Dzire FAQs

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.

Compare Suzuki Dzire with Similar Sedans

Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.

Other Suzuki Models in South Africa

Data verified against: Suzuki Official South Africa Website

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