The Japanese automotive giant Honda Cars India yesterday launched the all-new third-generation Amaze in India. This time around, it starts at Rs 7.99 lakh. However, just before its launch, Maruti Suzuki introduced the fourth generation of the Dzire, which is the Amaze’s direct rival. The Maruti sedan starts at Rs 6.79 lakh, which is Rs 1.2 lakh cheaper. Now, this new battle between the two sub-compact sedans will confuse a lot of buyers. So, today we thought we should help you out.
If you are in the market to buy a new sub-compact sedan in this price bracket, then the following will help you assess which car is for you. So, without any delay, let’s jump right into the subject of who should buy which sedan of the two.
Want a sunroof?
If you are in the market for a vehicle that can offer the premium feature of an electric sunroof, then look no further and buy the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. It is currently the only sub-compact sedan in the segment that offers this feature. Now, you have to keep in mind that this feature is only available with the ZXI Plus and ZXI Plus AMT variants of this sedan, priced at Rs 9.68 lakh and Rs 10.14 lakh.
Great Automatic
Looking for a vehicle with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission? Well, if you are, then go ahead with the Honda Amaze. This is because this sedan comes equipped with a CVT gearbox, which is very refined. On the other hand, the Dzire comes with an AMT gearbox, which is considered very jerky and slow by many. All three variants of the Amaze – V, VX, and ZX – are offered with a CVT gearbox.
Premium Image
We all know that, as good as the new Dzire looks, it will still be called a taxi, as this is the image that the Maruti sedan has gained in India. Now, if you are someone who does not want a vehicle that many people think of as a taxi, then you’ll be better off with the new Honda Amaze. The Amaze, over the years, has been seen as a more premium sub-compact sedan in India.
Those seeking affordability
Want to look cool on a budget? If yes, then you can opt for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which starts at Rs 6.79 lakh. On the other hand, the Amaze starts at Rs 7.99 lakh. Even on the top-spec variant side, the Dzire is priced at Rs 10.14 lakh, while the Honda Amaze ZX CVT gearbox variant is priced at Rs 10.90 lakh.
Want ADAS?
Are you someone who wants the latest active safety features like ADAS? Well, if you are, then go for the Honda Amaze, as it is the only sedan in its segment to offer this safety feature. It comes equipped with Honda Sensing, which is the brand’s ADAS suite. It includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and others.
We have to mention that, although the new fourth-generation Dzire does not come equipped with ADAS, it has still managed to score a perfect 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. It is one of the only four five-star safety-rated sedans in India. The others are the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus.
Refinement
When it comes to refinement, the Amaze once again takes the cake. This is due to Honda sticking with the four-cylinder petrol engine. The newly launched Dzire, on the other hand, has lost one of its cylinders and now comes powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Z12E three-cylinder engine. The Dzire makes 82 bhp of power, while the Amaze makes 90 bhp.
What about looks?
We understand that looks can be very subjective. However, in our opinion, the new Dzire, with its LED headlights and new bolder grille, looks better. However, we also understand that some people might like the Amaze more due to its design being very similar to its elder sibling, the Honda City, which is very popular in India.
Boot capacity
In India, a big boot is appreciated, and despite their sizes, both sedans offer a decent amount of luggage room in the rear. However, when it comes to the car that offers more, it is the Honda Amaze. This sedan offers 416 litres of boot capacity; on the other hand, the Dzire only offers 382 litres.
Warranty
Apart from all the other things, Indian car buyers especially like cars that are offered with longer warranties, and Honda knows this. Honda is offering its newly launched Amaze with a 10-year unlimited-km warranty. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire, on the other hand, gets only a 3-year or 1-lakh-km warranty.
Want CNG?
If you are someone who has to drive long distances and are looking for a CNG option, well, then you’ll have to go with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Presently, Honda is not offering the Amaze with a CNG kit. The Dzire CNG makes 69 bhp of power and 101 Nm of torque. As for mileage, it offers 33.73 km/kg.
