When choosing a subcompact sedan under ₹10 lakh, the recently-launched Honda Amaze and Hyundai Aura stand out as two formidable contenders in terms of value-for-money. Both cars cater to buyers seeking a combination of performance, comfort, and practicality without breaking the bank. In this comparison, we focus on the manual variants of both models – including the Honda Amaze ZX and Hyundai Aura SX Option – to determine which offers the best mix of safety features, fuel efficiency, and long-term ownership value. While Honda Amaze impresses with superior mileage, engine performance, and a segment-leading unlimited-kilometer warranty, Hyundai Aura counters with enhanced safety features, including six airbags and convenience-driven options like automatic climate control. This article delves into a detailed comparison, analyzing parameters like pricing, features, ownership costs, and resale value, to help buyers identify the most compelling value-for-money option in this competitive segment.
Variants Overview
The list of selected variants and their ex-showroom prices:
| Brand | Car Model | Variant | Price (₹) |
| Honda | Amaze | V | 8,00,000 |
| Honda | Amaze | VX | 9,04,000 |
| Honda | Amaze | ZX | 9,70,000 |
| Hyundai | Aura | SX | 8,09,200 |
| Hyundai | Aura | SX Option | 8,65,700 |
Key Comparison Parameters
Features Offered vs Price
Features critical for value buyers: safety (airbags, ABS), convenience (infotainment, rear AC), and comfort.
| Parameter | Amaze V | Amaze VX | Amaze ZX | Aura SX | Aura SX Option |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Infotainment Screen | 7-inch | 7-inch | 7-inch | 3.5-inch Display | 3.5-inch Display |
| Alloy Wheels | No | 14-inch | 15-inch | 15-inch | 15-inch |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Climate Control | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Observation
• Aura SX and SX Option stand out with 6 airbags and automatic climate control.
• Amaze ZX offers a premium interior feel with features like 15-inch alloys and cruise control.
Performance
| Parameter | Amaze V | Amaze VX | Amaze ZX | Aura SX | Aura SX Option |
| Engine Power (bhp) | 89 | 89 | 89 | 81.8 | 81.8 |
| Torque (Nm) | 110 | 110 | 110 | 113.8 | 113.8 |
| Mileage (kmpl) | 18.65 | 18.65 | 18.65 | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Transmission | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 172 | 172 | 172 | 165 | 165 |
Observation
• The Honda Amaze outperforms the Aura in engine power and fuel efficiency.
• Hyundai Aura compensates with better torque at a lower RPM, enhancing city driving experience.
Ownership Costs
Ownership costs include fuel efficiency, service charges, and warranty:
| Parameter | Amaze V | Amaze VX | Amaze ZX | Aura SX | Aura SX Option |
| Fuel Efficiency (kmpl) | 18.65 | 18.65 | 18.65 | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 37 | 37 |
| Warranty | 3 years/Unlimited | 3 years/Unlimited | 3 years/Unlimited | 3 years/1 lakh | 3 years/1 lakh |
Resale Value
• The Honda Amaze has traditionally enjoyed stronger resale value due to its reputation for reliability.
• Hyundai Aura, while competitive, may have slightly lower resale value due to higher depreciation.
Variant-Wise Comparison Table
| Parameter | Amaze V | Amaze VX | Amaze ZX | Aura SX | Aura SX Option |
| Price (₹) | 8,00,000 | 9,04,000 | 9,70,000 | 8,09,200 | 8,65,700 |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Mileage (kmpl) | 18.65 | 18.65 | 18.65 | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Alloy Wheels | No | 14-inch | 15-inch | 15-inch | 15-inch |
| Cruise Control | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 yrs/Unlimited | 3 yrs/Unlimited | 3 yrs/Unlimited | 3 yrs/1 lakh km | 3 yrs/1 lakh km |
Key Observations & Insights
• The Hyundai Aura SX Option emerges as the safest choice, offering 6 airbags and better features for ₹8.65 lakh.
• For fuel efficiency and long-term costs, Honda Amaze V provides the best mileage for ₹8 lakh.
• Amaze ZX justifies its price with premium features like cruise control, while retaining strong mileage.
Value-for-Money Winner
Winner: Hyundai Aura SX Option
The Hyundai Aura SX Option emerges as the most balanced offering, especially for safety-conscious buyers, thanks to its six airbags, automatic climate control, and modern convenience features, all at a competitive price of ₹8.65 lakh. While the Honda Amaze ZX provides strong performance, impressive mileage (18.65 kmpl), and excellent long-term ownership appeal due to its unlimited-kilometer warranty, it falls short on the safety front, offering only dual airbags.
Buyers prioritizing safety and modern features will find the Hyundai Aura SX Option to be a compelling pick, while those seeking fuel efficiency and reliability may lean towards the Honda Amaze ZX. Ultimately, the Aura’s feature-loaded package, competitive pricing, and well-rounded design make it the standout choice for value-conscious buyers under ₹10 lakh.
