Today, we take a look at the popular compact sedans, the Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze, and figure out why they figure among some of the high-performance car models in India.
In this guide, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Hyundai Aura vs Honda Amaze – A comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance, style & features
- How to pick the right car for you
Both Amaze and Aura have been praised for their smooth and refined engines. The Aura’s engine has been updated to meet the Real-world Driving Emission (RDE) norms. So, as a performance enthusiast, which car should you go for? Read on.
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 typically seek out vehicles with superior engine power, impressive acceleration, smooth power delivery, and excellent high-speed stability.
Agility, ground clearance, and advanced transmission systems are other important aspects in the best performance cars. This group appreciates a car’s ability to deliver a thrill in every drive, valuing not just raw speed, but also the nimbleness and responsiveness of the vehicle.
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Why Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze are Popular
Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze have been favorites among performance enthusiasts due to their compelling combination of power, agility, and advanced features. These models are recognized for their remarkable engine performance, offering a balanced blend of power and fuel efficiency.
Their agile handling, coupled with light clutch and power steering, allows enthusiasts to enjoy a spirited drive, while the stability at high speeds ensures a secure and controlled ride.
According to Team-BHP and Autocar India, these quick cars are praised for their advanced features like modern touchscreen systems and driver assistance technology, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-10 Lakh Range
For Honda Amaze, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 31 July 2023 |
| S | ₹ 767,000 |
| VX | ₹ 878,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹ 960,000 |
For Hyundai Aura, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 31 July 2023 |
| SX | ₹ 795,000 |
| SX Option | ₹ 861,000 |
| SX Plus AMT | ₹ 875,000 |
Honda Amaze S
The Honda Amaze S offers agile handling, stable high-speed driving, and slow engine responsiveness. With an acceleration of 7.8 seconds from 0-60 km/h and top speed of 160 km/h, it offers decent performance but may not satiate a performance enthusiast’s need for speed. If you’re a family-focused buyer, you can read our guide to the best Honda Amaze variants for you.
Honda Amaze VX
The Honda Amaze VX, much like the ‘S’ variant, maintains agile handling and stability. The addition of an LCD touchscreen enhances the overall experience. However, its performance attributes remain similar to the ‘S’ variant, limiting its appeal to hardcore performance enthusiasts.
Honda Amaze VX CVT
The Honda Amaze VX CVT stands out with a CVT transmission that could offer smoother gear shifts and potentially better acceleration, providing a more engaging drive for performance enthusiasts.
Hyundai Aura SX
Hyundai Aura SX, while offering moderate agility compared to the Honda variants, excels in its features & gadgets such as ESC, and a superior fit and finish. However, its engine power and acceleration are lower than its Honda counterparts. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, we have our guide to the best Hyundai Aura variants for you.
Hyundai Aura SX Option
Hyundai Aura SX Option improves upon the ‘SX’ variant by adding wireless charging but maintains similar performance characteristics.
Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT
Finally, the Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT features an AMT transmission, offering more convenience for those who enjoy performance driving but also want the ease of automatic gear shifts.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze for Performance Enthusiasts
For a performance enthusiast, the Honda Amaze VX CVT appears to be the best variant. Its superior agility, along with CVT transmission, provides a better driving experience compared to other variants.
While its acceleration, engine power, and top speed are similar to the other Honda variants, the smoother and more responsive CVT transmission might offer better drivability and enjoyment. We also have our comparison of the Honda Amaze with Maruti Dzire for performance enthusiasts.
The Top 3 choices
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
- Honda Amaze VX
- Hyundai Aura SX
| Attributes | Honda Amaze VX CVT | Honda Amaze VX | Hyundai Aura SX |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | 7.8 s | 7.8 s | 6.2 s |
| Agility | Agile | Agile | Moderate |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Minimal | Moderate |
| Clutch [Manual] | N/A | Light | Light |
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 1199 | 1199 | 1197 |
| Engine Power (BHP) | 88.5 | 88.5 | 81.8 |
| Engine Torque (Nm) | 110 | 110 | 113.8 |
| Engine Responsiveness | Slow | Slow | Moderate |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 170 | 170 | 165 |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Power Delivery | Linear | Linear | Linear |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 160 | 160 | 155 |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Manual | Manual |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Honda Amaze VX CVT takes the top spot for its seamless transmission and agile handling.
- The Honda Amaze VX, despite having manual transmission, offers similar performance and hence is a close second.
- The Hyundai Aura SX, with its added features like ESC and superior fit & finish, bags the third spot.
The impressive performance attributes and the additional features of these three variants make them the most attractive for a performance enthusiast.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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