Which Subcompact Sedan is Right for You in 2025?
When it comes to subcompact sedans in India, the Honda Amaze and Maruti Dzire are two names that consistently come up in conversations. Both cars have earned a reputation for offering solid performance, great fuel efficiency, and a comfortable driving experience. But how do they stack up against each other in 2025? In this article, we’ll compare these two popular sedans based on design, features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
Honda Amaze:
The Honda Amaze comes across as more modern and bold. With its sharp lines, aggressive front grille, and sleek LED headlights, it gives off a more dynamic and premium feel. The design is sophisticated, with a slightly elevated rear end and stylish tail lamps that contribute to its balanced look. Overall, the Amaze has a more youthful and sporty vibe compared to the Dzire.
Maruti Dzire:
On the other hand, the Maruti Dzire sports a more conventional, rounded design. While its front is soft with a wide grille and chrome accents, the rear is more understated with fluid contours. The Dzire’s design has a more timeless, refined appeal that will attract those who appreciate simplicity. The dual-tone color options and subtle chrome highlights add a touch of elegance to its overall appearance.
Winner: Tie
The Amaze has a sportier, sharper design, while the Dzire leans towards a smoother, more classic look. Your personal style preferences will determine which one appeals to you more.
Interior and Features
Honda Amaze:
Inside, the Honda Amaze focuses on creating a spacious and premium feel. The cabin features a modern dashboard layout with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a digital instrument cluster. The materials used throughout the cabin feel premium, and the overall build quality is impressive. Comfort is prioritized with generous space for both the front and rear passengers, along with rear AC vents for added convenience.
Maruti Dzire:
The Dzire, though more conservative in its design, doesn’t fall short on features. The interior is well laid out, offering a high level of comfort with an intuitive 7-inch SmartPlay Studio system that also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives, and the cabin is designed to make the most of available space. The Dzire’s interior features are designed for ease of use, with a focus on practicality and user-friendly layouts.
Winner: Honda Amaze
While both cars offer great interiors, the Amaze takes the lead with its more premium feel, better cabin materials, and modern layout.
Engine and Performance
Honda Amaze:
The Honda Amaze is powered by a 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 90 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. It offers both a 5-speed manual transmission and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) option. The CVT variant is particularly appealing for those who want a smooth driving experience, especially in city traffic. The Amaze offers solid performance and is known for its well-tuned suspension, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on rough roads.
Maruti Dzire:
The Maruti Dzire comes with a similar 1.2-liter petrol engine, also delivering 90 horsepower, but with 113 Nm of torque. It is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) option. The Dzire’s AMT is great for city driving, offering convenience without sacrificing fuel efficiency. While the Dzire is built more for comfort, it doesn’t lack in performance. The Dzire’s suspension is tuned for a smooth and cushioned ride, making it an excellent choice for urban commuting.
Winner: Tie
Both cars offer a comparable engine output and great driving performance. The Amaze stands out for its smooth CVT transmission, while the Dzire impresses with its AMT for ease of use in traffic.
Safety Features
Honda Amaze:
The Amaze offers a range of safety features designed to give you peace of mind. These include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a strong body structure. The Amaze also features ISOFIX child seat anchors, which add an extra layer of security for families.
Maruti Dzire:
The Dzire also offers essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. Additionally, the Dzire features Suzuki’s TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) body, which enhances the safety of the vehicle in the event of a collision. For the AMT variants, there’s hill-hold assist, making driving on inclined surfaces easier.
Winner: Honda Amaze
While both cars have similar safety features, the Amaze edges ahead due to its stronger body structure and better crash test ratings.
Pricing and Value for Money
Honda Amaze:
The Honda Amaze is slightly more expensive than the Dzire. The base petrol variant starts at around ₹7.50 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-end variant can go up to ₹11 lakh. The Amaze offers a more premium feel, which is reflected in its pricing.
Maruti Dzire:
The Dzire is priced more affordably, starting at ₹6.50 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant and going up to ₹9.50 lakh for the top variant. For those looking for an entry-level sedan with good features and value for money, the Dzire is hard to beat.
Winner: Maruti Dzire
If budget is a primary concern, the Dzire offers better value, especially considering its competitive pricing and features.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Honda Amaze and Maruti Dzire offer strong performance, a host of features, and solid value. The Honda Amaze shines with its premium feel, modern design, and smooth driving experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and style. On the other hand, the Maruti Dzire stands out for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences. If you’re willing to spend a little extra for a more premium experience, the Amaze is a great choice. But if you’re looking for practicality and great value, the Dzire is hard to beat.
Whichever you choose, both cars are reliable, efficient, and ready to offer a fantastic driving experience. Be sure to test drive both models before making your final decision!