What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at Honda Amaze and Renault Kiger, and find out what their performance is like, and why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Honda Amaze vs Renault Kiger – A comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
While the Honda Amaze is a compact sedan, the Kiger is a compact SUV. Let’s see how their performance compares.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts seek a vehicle that offers rapid acceleration, agile handling, good braking performance, and a responsive engine. They prioritize high-speed stability, optimal power delivery, and minimal turbo lag.
An intuitive infotainment system, an advanced audio setup, and modern driving aids further enhance their driving experience. The car’s overall design, both interior and exterior, alongside its comfort features, also play a role.
Why Honda Amaze and Renault Kiger are Popular
Both Honda Amaze and Renault Kiger have carved a niche for themselves in the compact sedan and compact SUV segments respectively.
Honda Amaze, with its refined engines and balanced handling, offers a plush ride quality and linear power delivery.
On the other hand, Renault Kiger impresses with its turbocharged variants, quick engine responsiveness, and high ground clearance, making it a favorite for those who crave agility and zest.
Its stable ride even at higher speeds coupled with a modern design has grabbed the attention of many enthusiasts.
Honda Amaze and Renault Kiger Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-10 Lakh Range
For Honda Amaze, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 August 2023 |
| S CVT | ₹ 857,000 |
| VX | ₹ 878,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹ 960,000 |
For Renault Kiger, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 August 2023 |
| RXT AMT Opt DT | ₹ 878,000 |
| RXZ AMT DT | ₹ 958,000 |
| RXZ Turbo | ₹ 1,000,000 |
Honda Amaze S CVT
This variant boasts a decent engine power and torque for its price, making it an affordable entry into performance driving. Its FWD drivetrain ensures balanced handling and agility, though its audio system is basic ORM and it doesn’t have a touchscreen. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the Amaze with Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
Honda Amaze VX
An upgrade from the S CVT, it comes with alloy wheels and a basic LCD touchscreen. The performance metrics remain consistent with the S CVT, but the inclusion of body-colored door handles and bumpers provide it with a more aesthetic appeal.
Honda Amaze VX CVT
A top-end variant with a CVT transmission. Performance remains consistent with other Amaze models, but it offers a smoother driving experience due to its CVT transmission.
Renault Kiger RXT AMT Opt DT
Offers a slightly lower engine power than Amaze but compensates with a quicker engine responsiveness. Its 205 mm ground clearance gives it an edge over bumpy terrains. The AMT gearbox, however, might not be the enthusiast’s first choice. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Kiger with Maruti Suzuki Brezza. 
Renault Kiger
Renault Kiger RXZ AMT DT
Similar to the RXT variant but comes with the added convenience of wireless charging. The performance metrics remain largely unchanged. You can also read our guide to the best Kiger variants for style-conscious buyers.
Renault Kiger RXZ Turbo
The Turbo variant offers significantly higher power and torque figures than its counterparts. Its Arkamys audio system is a notable upgrade for audiophiles. With alloy wheels and enhanced features, this variant is the pinnacle of Renault Kiger’s line-up.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda Amaze and Renault Kiger for Performance Enthusiasts
The Renault Kiger RXZ Turbo stands out. With its powerful turbocharged petrol engine, it provides swift acceleration and a torquey drive experience.
The engine’s responsiveness is quick, and the high ground clearance ensures it performs well even on uneven terrains. The upgraded Arkamys audio system and alloy wheels further add to its appeal.
The Top 3 choices
- Renault Kiger RXZ Turbo
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
- Renault Kiger RXZ AMT DT
| Attributes | Renault Kiger RXZ Turbo | Honda Amaze VX CVT | Renault Kiger RXZ AMT DT |
| # of cylinders | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | – | 7.8 | – |
| Agility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio System (Brand) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine – power (BHP) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground clearance (mm) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High-Speed Stability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Top Speed (km/h) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – # of gears | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wheel Type (alloy, steel) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The RXZ Turbo, with its turbocharged engine, delivers exhilarating performance.
- The Amaze VX CVT brings Honda’s trusted engineering to the table.
- The RXZ AMT DT, though slightly lower in power than the Turbo, provides a balanced blend of performance and convenience.
All three variants offer commendable performance attributes. For the performance enthusiast, these variants assure a satisfying driving experience.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
