Latest news with #SuzukiDzire
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Suzuki Dzire sedan a ‘grown-up' alternative to the playful Swift
This solid little ride will save you big bucks at the petrol pumps. Let's be honest, small sedans don't get anyone's heart racing. You will never have a poster of them on your wall (in 2025 this translates into a screen saver on your smartphone). You buy a small sedan because your budget dictates that you should. But allow me to introduce you to the new Suzuki Dzire. It's a Suzuki Swift underneath. Same basics, same light-on-its-feet energy, different face. All that has happened is that the Suzuki Dzire swaps the playful hatchback vibe for a slightly more grown-up young family feel. Talking of which, there is a decent amount of interior space. Legroom is okay too, while headroom is a bit tight. It's a compact sedan after all. The space available is what it is. Lots of space But what is not up for debate is that the boot of the Suzuki Dzire is big. At 378 litres, it's got a square shape, low load lip, and more depth than expected. This in every day speak translates into about two suitcases, a week's worth of groceries, and space for an emergency cooler box. Your hatchback can't match this without folding down the seats. ALSO READ: Suzuki DZire sedan moves out of its Swift hatch sibling's shadow What I wasn't in love with was the beige/cream covered interior. As a family/people mover, this not going to age or wear well on the Suzuki Dzire. But I did like the simple approach to the infotainment set-up with a 7-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All of which can be controlled by the buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Being the GL+ spec means you get kit like cruise control, electric windows all round, and remote central locking on your Suzuki Dzire. Safety is somewhat basic with only ABS, EBD, dual airbags, ISOFIX, and rear parking sensors on offer. The GL+ rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. Picture: Supplied Easy on the juice Nothing flashy, but all the essentials are accounted for. What must always be kept in mind, this car retails for less than R250 000. You can't buy a high-end mountain bike for this money these days. Under the bonnet, it's the familiar 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine we have come to know in the Suzuki Swift. It produces 60kW and 112Nm. Now, that doesn't sound like much, and it isn't. But the Suzuki Dzire weighs in at only 900kg. And it's paired to a five-speed manual transmission that's light and easy to use. The drive as a result feels perkier than it probably is. But who is measuring quarter mile times? Not me for a change. ALSO READ: Swift booted as Suzuki finally prices all-new DZire Where the Suzuki Dzire is a winner all over again is when it comes to fuel consumption. Suzuki claim a figure of 4.4 litres per 100km. You might get this if you take it very easy with a high percentage of open road driving. But this said, I managed 5.0 litres per 100km doing what I would call normal driving. You probably will too without too much effort. The light interior is not the most practical. Picture: Supplied Suzuki Dzire a sensible choice The Suzuki Dzire GL+ MT doesn't try to be what it's not. It just shows up and keeps running costs low. You don't buy it to make a statement. And this is what I love about Suzuki products. And so do many South Africans. The Suzuki brand has entrenched itself at number two behind mighty Toyota and ahead of stalwarts Volkswagen in the country's sales race. The Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ 5MT retails for R246 900. It includes a five-year/200 000km warranty and four-year/60 000km service plan.
Campaign ME
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Campaign ME
AMC DMCC launches 360° ‘Drive Your Dzire' campaign for Suzuki
AMC DMCC has launched a 360° integrated campaign for the all-new Suzuki Dzire in the UAE, positioning the vehicle to appeal to both business and individual buyers. The campaign was created for Al Rostamani Trading Company to support the brand's ongoing positioning in the compact sedan category. Titled Drive Your Dzire, the campaign carries a dual narrative – Drive Business Success with Dzire targets fleet and commercial audiences, while Drive Your Ambition with Dzire is aimed at younger, first-time car buyers and small families. Segmented strategy and audience focus for Dzire The strategic framework was designed with an 80:20 focus on B2B versus B2C, reflecting the vehicle's relevance as a fleet option for government agencies, rental companies, and corporate clients. At the same time, the campaign maintained consumer-facing visibility to build awareness among urban professionals seeking practical and cost-effective cars. AMC DMCC developed two visual identities to align with the campaign's dual messaging. For B2C audiences, the car was shown in stylised urban settings with youthful casting. For B2B, the visuals leaned into efficiency and reliability, using simplified, professional imagery with subtle regional cues. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suzuki Cars UAE (@suzukicaruae) Omnichannel media mix and performance Execution spanned a mix of digital, out-of-home, and direct channels. The digital plan included Meta, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn, supported by programmatic buys and listings on Dubizzle. Direct marketing was implemented via email and WhatsApp to reach priority fleet leads using first-party data. Out-of-home placements focused on Dubai's Deira district, while a series of influencer partnerships were used to demonstrate real-world use across audience segments, including students and working professionals. The campaign is currently live, with initial engagement metrics pointing to positive traction across influencer and direct outreach channels. WhatsApp remarketing has been highlighted as a potential driver of qualified leads, particularly for business enquiries. Credits Creative Director: Imran Mohideen Account Director: Bernard Mukhia Sr. Copy Writer: Samir K Shaji Art Director: Mohamed Fahim Motion Graphics: Abdul Rahman Media: Sachien Joy & Yahiya Salih
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New Honda Amaze versus Suzuki Dzire: which is the best compact sedan on the block?
The Honda Amaze (left) and Suzuki Dzire are both fresh from comprehensive redesigns. Image: Jason Woosey Sedans have gone from being the go-to body style a few decades back to a relatively small niche in today's SUV-obsessed motoring landscape. Buyers have for the most part given the boot, the boot. Yet the two latest small sedans on the market, the recently launched Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze, are still selling in reasonably good numbers, with the latter being Honda's most popular vehicle at the moment. Ok, we know what you're thinking - surely these two purely exist for the ride-hailing market? Granted, they are really popular in that space, but dealers tell us there is also a demand for them among buyers with small families and pensioners. The two Japanese-branded sedans that we see here are rather similar in concept. Both are built in India, and measure a shade under four metres in length to take advantage of a tax break in that country. The pair are also powered by 1.2-litre normally aspirated engines. They're among the most affordable sedans on the market, with the Suzuki priced from R224,900 to R266,900 and the Honda costing between R254,900 and R294,900. But keep in mind that the Honda is available with higher spec levels, so to keep things as fair and equal as possible, we compared the Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+, which is the flagship manual version at R246,900, with Honda's base-spec 1.2 Trend manual, which costs R254,900. Dimensions and Design Both cars were recently redesigned, with the Suzuki being an all-new model and the Honda being a comprehensive facelift that bears little resemblance to its predecessor. Styling is a subjective thing, but we'd say both are successful restyles that inject some much-needed attitude into what were rather bland designs in the past. The design updates make both cars appear more purposeful than before. Image: Jason Woosey Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Honda's large honeycomb grille makes quite a statement and its new taillights, taking inspiration from the Ballade and Civic, are elegant and give a car a more upmarket appearance. The Suzuki is also very easy on the eye, with its new slim headlights and grille bar, and wide, tapering lower grille, but the back end is perhaps a bit forgettable. Interior design and practicality When it comes to practicality, these sedans are on a fairly equal footing. Rear legroom is surprisingly generous given their small dimensions. Sitting behind my driving position - I'm average-sized - there was room to stretch in both vehicles, with perhaps a smidgen more in the Suzuki. But rear headroom is really tight, with my head touching the ceiling in both cases if I leaned all the way back to the headrests. Their boots are similar in size, at 378 litres for the Honda and 416 litres in the Suzuki's case. Keep in mind that the boot apertures are relatively small, making it difficult to load bulkier items, and the rear seats don't fold in either of these vehicles. This does bring a security advantage, though, for what it's worth. Honda Amaze Image: Jason Woosey When it comes to interior design, we have to hand a solid win to the Honda. With a cockpit layout inspired by the latest Civic, it looks classy, and the materials appear to be of good quality. The 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument display is also a surprising addition at this end. Build quality is impressive, and the black cloth seat trim feels like it's made for life, with its dark colour scheme well suited to South African tastes. The Suzuki loses points here for its beige seat trim, which not only looks like it belongs in your Grandma's lounge, but it's sure to show dirt and grime very quickly. Suzuki Dzire. Image: Jason Woosey It's a popular colour scheme in India, but not so much in our market, and you'll certainly have to invest in seat covers for this vehicle. The Suzuki's 7.0-inch touchscreen is also smaller than its binnacle, which looks odd. User friendliness and features Neither of these vehicles disappoints when it comes to interior functionality, offering separate digital controls for the climate control systems and rather straightforward touchscreen infotainment systems - though the Honda's is bigger at 8.0 inches versus Suzuki's 7.0. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard in the two cars. Rear passengers have their own aircon vents in both cars, although the Suzuki scores extra points for having USB ports (both A and C type) positioned at the back of the centre console where both front and rear passengers can access them easily. It also has an additional USB A port upfront, while the Honda has two A-ports in this location. Both vehicles ship standard with electric windows and mirrors, multi-function steering wheels and rear park distance control with reverse cameras. But the Suzuki is the only one here with cruise control, while the Honda hits back with additional features over the Suzuki, such as automatic climate control, push-button start and LED headlights. When it comes to safety, both have stability control and ABS, but the Suzuki's airbag count of six (front, side and curtain) is a big win over Honda's two frontal crash bags. What they're like to drive As mentioned, they both have 1.2-litre normally aspirated engines and five-speed manual gearboxes, with CVT transmissions optionally available, although in the Honda's case you have to upgrade to the top-spec variant for that. The Suzuki comes with a new three-cylinder engine that delivers 60kW and 112Nm, while the Honda retains its trusty four-cylinder VTEC unit, offering 66kW and 110Nm. Their kerb weights are very similar, with the Suzuki tipping the scales at 940kg and the Honda at 963kg. Small 1.2-litre engines are the norm here. Image: Jason Woosey
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Good news: Fuel price reprieve all but confirmed for June
South African motorists can anticipate further relief at the pumps in June, with unaudited mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund indicating potential decreases in both petrol and diesel prices. Here is what we could be paying at the pumps from the new month. Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! Fluctuations in price have seen South African motorists experience a rollercoaster ride over the past year, but the past several months have yielded decreased prices at the pumps, and that seems set to continue in June. The expected reductions are attributed to a combination of factors, including a relatively stable rand-dollar exchange rate and subdued international oil prices. As of mid-May, the rand was trading at approximately R18 to the US dollar, while Brent crude oil prices hovered around $65 per barrel. Related: Living With It – Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line Vignale [Final Update] Predicted June fuel price adjustment summary Should these conditions persist, the anticipated fuel price adjustments for June are: Unleaded 93 : Decrease of 26 to 30 cents per litre : Unleaded 95 : Decrease of 25 to 30 cents per litre : Diesel 500 ppm : Decrease of 53 to 60 cents per litre : Diesel 50 ppm: Decrease of 53 to 61 cents per litre These projected cuts would mark the fourth consecutive month of fuel price reductions, offering continued financial respite to consumers and businesses alike. Notably, diesel prices are expected to reach a three-year low, which could have positive implications for sectors reliant on transportation and logistics. Related: Review: Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ Manual However, it's important to note that these figures are based on mid-month estimates and are subject to change. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will announce the official fuel price adjustments at the end of May, with the new prices taking effect on June 4. Motorists are advised to stay informed of the final announcements to plan their fuel purchases accordingly. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Fuel Price Reprieve All But Confirmed for June 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Honda's redesigned Amaze compact sedan launching in South Africa this week
The Honda Amaze gets a bolder look for 2025. Image: Supplied Honda's heavily updated Amaze compact sedan arrives in South Africa this week, sporting a bolder look and smarter cabin. It goes up against the newly launched Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Grand i10 sedan and Kia Pegas in a segment that has become somewhat sidelined by SUVs and hatchbacks. Pricing for the new Honda Amaze will be announced shortly, but it is expected to start below the R300,000 mark. For 2025, the compact sedan gains a more confident exterior design, with highlights including a large honeycomb grille reminiscent of the latest Honda CR-V and a more elegant rear section with horizontal taillamps that forge a close family resemblance to the latest Ballade. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ballade's baby bro.. Image: Supplied Honda's modern DNA is further evident inside, where we see a new dashboard that takes inspiration from the latest Civic and CR-V. The cockpit features a strong horizontal design theme, largely thanks to a full length air vent bar, and the tech package includes an 8.0-inch 'floating' infotainment screen. The local features list remains under wraps, but in its home market of India the Amaze offers new features such as wireless phone charging. The cabin has been completely redesigned. Image: Supplied Furthermore, it is now fitted with six airbags and is offered with an expanded range of ADAS active safety features, including a LaneWatch Camera and multi-angle rear camera. Power comes from the familiar 1.2-litre i-VTEC normally aspirated petrol engine, which delivers 66kW and 110Nm. While the mechanicals remain unchanged, Honda is promising lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, thanks to improved soundproofing and measures to mitigate engine and road noise. Stay tuned for updates on the new Honda Amaze, with pricing and detailed specifications expected to be announced on Tuesday. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL
