What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Aura, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Honda Amaze vs Hyundai Aura – A comprehensive analysis of their top variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
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
A performance enthusiast seeks a car that promises exhilarating acceleration, high-speed stability, and a responsive engine. Agility in handling, minimal turbo lag, and power delivery are paramount in fast cars.
The engine’s power, measured in BHP, torque, and the number of cylinders, play a critical role in determining a car’s performance.
Furthermore, advanced automatic transmissions and features enhancing driving dynamics and convenience, like cruise control and high-quality audio systems, are highly valued.
Why Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, and Hyundai Aura are Popular
Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, and Hyundai Aura have carved a niche in the sedan segment, drawing performance enthusiasts. These models offer a commendable blend of power, stability, and innovative technology at an affordable price bracket.
They come equipped with modern transmission systems like AMT and CVT that cater to smooth driving experiences. Their engines, even though compact, provide a balanced mix of power and torque, making them suitable for both city drives and long hauls.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, and Hyundai Aura Top Variants in Rs 8-10 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Dzire, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 12 September 2023 |
ZXI Plus AT | ₹931,000 |
For Honda Amaze, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 12 September 2023 |
VX CVT | ₹960,000 |
For Hyundai Aura, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 12 September 2023 |
SX Plus AMT | ₹875,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI Plus AT
The Dzire ZXI Plus AT boasts a petrol engine delivering 88.5 BHP and 113 Nm of torque. With a 4-cylinder setup, it promises steady acceleration, reaching a top speed of 155 km/h. Its AMT transmission ensures seamless shifts, and with high-speed stability and linear power delivery, it offers a competent performance-driven experience. If you’re buying a car for the first time, you can read how the Dzire compares with Honda Amaze.
Honda Amaze VX CVT
The Honda Amaze, with its 4-cylinder engine, churns out 88.5 BHP and 110 Nm of torque. The car’s CVT transmission stands out, offering fluid gear transitions. Its agility in handling, combined with a top speed of 160 km/h, appeals to those seeking responsiveness and speed. You can read our guide to the best Honda Amaze variants for family-focused buyers.
Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT
The Aura SX Plus AMT, although slightly underpowered at 81.8 BHP and torque of 113.8 Nm, offers a balanced performance with its 4-cylinder engine. The AMT transmission, combined with stable handling and linear power delivery, positions it as a worthy contender. If you’re a tech-savvy buyer, you can read our comparison of the Aura with Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, and Hyundai Aura for Performance Enthusiasts
The Honda Amaze VX CVT emerges as the top pick. The vehicle’s agility sets it apart. Its CVT transmission, known for fluid and efficient gear shifts, combined with a robust 4-cylinder engine delivering 88.5 BHP, caters to a performance enthusiast’s desires.
The car’s high-speed stability ensures confidence during speedy endeavors. The car’s ground clearance, acceleration, and power steering are other P0 attributes enhancing its attractiveness for those prioritizing performance.
The 3 Top Variants Ranked
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI Plus AT
- Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT
Attributes | Honda Amaze VX CVT | Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI Plus AT | Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT |
# of Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Agility | Agile | Moderate | Moderate |
Audio System (Brand) | OEM | OEM | OEM |
Engine – power (BHP) | 88.5 | 88.5 | 81.8 |
Engine – Torque (Nm) | 110 | 113 | 113.8 |
High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Power delivery | Linear | Linear | Linear |
Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Top Speed (km/h) | 160 | 155 | 155 |
Transmission – Auto Type | CVT | AMT | AMT |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Honda Amaze VX CVT, with its agility and efficient CVT transmission, offers an unrivaled driving experience.
- The Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI Plus AT, with its stable performance and AMT advantages, stands second.
- The Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT, given its balanced attributes at a competitive price, takes the third spot for performance enthusiasts.
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