The Indian compact sedan segment has been a battleground for years, with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Honda Amaze competing fiercely for dominance. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, performance, and efficiency, but which one truly provides the best value for money? We break down the key aspects to help you make an informed choice.
Design and DimensionsBoth the Dzire and Amaze are nearly identical in size, but the Dzire stands 25 mm taller, giving it a well-proportioned sub-4-meter stance. The Amaze, on the other hand, carries a more upright and commanding presence, thanks to its large grille and boxy lighting. It also boasts a 9 mm higher ground clearance (172 mm), making it slightly better suited for rougher terrains.
Boot Space and PracticalityIf boot space is a priority, the Honda Amaze takes the lead with 416 litres, compared to the Dzire’s 382 litres. The Amaze offers a deeper, wider cargo area with a more accessible opening, making it a better choice for family road trips. However, the Dzire’s lower boot lip allows for easier loading of heavy luggage.Interior ExperienceMaruti Suzuki has given the Dzire a more premium-looking cabin, with vibrant textures, silver accents, and a stylish layout. However, the Amaze leans towards a more functionally robust interior, featuring durable plastics and a heftier feel to its switchgear.When it comes to infotainment, the Amaze’s power digital instrumentation is a step ahead of the Dzire’s simple analogue dials. However, the Dzire fights back with a superior 9-inch touchscreen, offering sharper visuals, better responsiveness, and wireless phone mirroring—features missing in the Amaze’s outdated 8-inch unit.Rear Seat ComfortFor passengers who spend most of their time in the backseat, the Amaze proves to be the more comfortable option. With a wider bench, better thigh support, and slightly more knee room, the Amaze offers a spacious and airy feel. It also has a lower central hump, making three-passenger seating more viable.Features and SafetyThe Dzire boasts additional features like a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a 360-degree camera, while also being the first Maruti Suzuki car to receive a 5-star NCAP safety rating. The Amaze has yet to be tested but stands out by offering an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), adding an extra layer of security. That said, the clarity of the Dzire’s camera systems is superior to the Amaze’s.Ride Quality and ComfortOn the road, the Dzire provides a more balanced and comfortable ride. Maruti Suzuki has fine-tuned its suspension to handle Indian roads better, absorbing bumps and potholes more effectively. The Amaze, in contrast, has a firmer setup, resulting in a slightly harsher ride over uneven surfaces.Performance and EfficiencyBoth cars are powered by a 1.2-litre engine with a five-speed manual transmission. The Amaze retains its four-cylinder engine, producing 90PS and 110Nm of torque, while the Dzire has transitioned to a new three-cylinder Z-series engine, generating 82PS and 112Nm of torque. While the Amaze has a power edge on paper, real-world performance sees little difference between the two.For the entire comparison watch the accompanying video. In addition, Overdrive also gets the first look of the new Volvo XC90.
