By Muhammed Hashim 
The newly launched Honda Amaze is the Japanese carmaker’s answer to the recently launched new-gen Maruti Dzire compact sedan
In this post, I am comparing the similarly-priced new Honda Amaze ZX and Maruti Ciaz Alpha on the basis of price, specs, features and design. The new Honda Amaze is the 3rd-generation model. Note that Honda sells three products in India – City, Amaze and Elevate. The latest Amaze comes with all the latest bells and whistles including a few segment-first amenities like ADAS. The aim is to capture a huge chunk of the segment which is dominated by the Dzire. On the other hand, Maruti Ciaz belongs to the segment above. The mid-size sedan rivals the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia. Still, since it has not been updated in a long time, the prices are comparable to the Amaze. Let us compare the two thoroughly.
New Honda Amaze ZX vs Maruti Ciaz Alpha – Price
The new Honda Amaze comes in three variants – V, VX and ZX. The overall price ranges from Rs 8.09 lakh to Rs 10.99 lakh, ex-showroom. In fact, the ZX CVT bears a retail sticker of Rs 10.99 lakh. On the other hand, the Maruti Ciaz retails between Rs 9.40 lakh and Rs 12.29 lakh, ex-showroom. However, its Alpha MT trim sells for Rs 11.19 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, there is a difference of just Rs 20,000 between these two variants.
| Price | Honda Amaze ZX CVT | Maruti Ciaz Alpha MT |
| Ex-Showroom | Rs 10.99 lakh | Rs 11.19 lakh |
New Honda Amaze ZX vs Maruti Ciaz Alpha – Specs and Mileage
In terms of specifications, the new Honda Amaze retains the powertrain and transmission of the last-gen model. This means an E20-compatible 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill which is good for 90 PS and 110 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing transmission duties is either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. Honda claims a mileage of 18.65 km/l with the manual and 19.46 km/l with the automatic transmission. The ground clearance is 172 mm.
On the other hand, the Maruti Ciaz possesses a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K15 smart hybrid petrol engine which produces a healthy 105 PS and 138 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. In the manual version, Maruti claims a mileage of 20.65 kmpl, while the automatic variant offers 20.04 kmpl. Its ground clearance is an almost similar 170 mm.
| Specs | Honda Amaze | Maruti Ciaz |
| Engine | 1.2L 4-cyl Petrol E20 | 1.5L 4-Cyl Petrol |
| Power | 90 PS | 105 PS |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT / CVT | 5MT / 4AT |
| Mileage | 18.65 km/l (MT) / 19.46 km/l (CVT) | 20.65 kmpl (MT) / 20.04 kmpl (AT) |
| Boot Space | 416 litres | 510 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 172 mm | 170 mm |
New Honda Amaze ZX vs Maruti Ciaz Alpha – Features and Safety
All modern car buyers want the latest tech and convenience amenities in their vehicles. That is the reason why carmakers equip their latest automobiles with tons of high-tech functionalities to pamper the occupants. In fact, the new Amaze gets a few segment-first features for exactly that same reason. Firstly, let us delve into the things you would find in the new compact sedan:
- 7-inch Semi-Digital TFT MID Instrument Cluster
- 8-inch Floating Touchscreen Infotainment with HD IPS Display in All Variants
- Digital AC
- Welcome Animation and Customization
- Honda Sensing ADAS Safety Tech (First-in-Segment)
- Class-Leading Rear Headroom and Legroom
- 6-speaker Premium Surround Sound System
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Paddle Shifters
- Honda Connect with 5 Years Free Subscription with over 37 Features
- Remote Engine Start with AC
- Bluetooth App Connectivity
- Wireless Charger
- Smart Keyless Entry with Walk-Away Lock
- Rear Armrest with Cupholders
- Rear AC Vents
- PM 2.5 Cabin Air Purifier
- 6 Airbags as Standard
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Hill Start Assist
- Lane-watch Camera (First-in-Segment)
- 6 Colour Options
- Signature Package with Accessories (Optional)
Similarly, the Maruti Ciaz is also a feature-laden vehicle with top highlights including:
- Leather Seat Upholstery and Steering Wheel
- Chrome Garnish on Interior Components
- MID with Coloured TFT
- Wooden Finish on I/P and Door Garnish
- Rear Seat Adjustable Headrest
- Cruise Control
- Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
- Auto AC with Rear AC Vents
- Pollen Filter
- Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Footwell Lamps
- Tilt Steering Adjustment
- 7-inch Touchscreen Display with SmartPlay Infotainment System
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Voice Command
- 6-speaker Audio System
- 2 Airbags
- Rear Defogger
- Reverse Parking Sensors and Camera
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill Hold Assist
- Seat Belt Reminder for Front and Rear Seats
- Speed Alert System
Design and Dimensions
Next up, we take a look at the details of how these two look. Admittedly, this is one aspect where the distinctions are the most obvious. That is simply because the two belong to different categories. Hence, the Ciaz is much larger than the Amaze in terms of just about everything. Anyway, the new Amaze bears a new front fascia which has been inspired by its larger siblings – City and Elevate. The LED headlamp cluster with integrated LED DRLs is almost identical to the City. Furthermore, there is a thick chrome slab between the two. Also, the grille section will remind you of the Elevate. In fact, the grille gets chrome surrounds. The lower half contains elegant fog lamp housings with a sporty bumper. On the sides, we see 15-inch alloy wheels and relatively creaseless door panels. At the rear, there is a shark fin antenna, slim LED taillamps and a panel connecting them on either side at the rear.
On the other hand, the Maruti Ciaz carries the familiar appearance which we have been witnessing for a long time now. The front section contains prominent LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, a narrow grille section with chrome frames around the headlights, a massive fog lamp section with chrome housing, and a sporty bumper. Moving down the sides highlights stylish 16-inch alloy wheels with a shark crease on the door panels, a chrome belt underneath the window frames, and black side pillars. Completing the exterior styling are LED taillamps with a chrome bar connecting them, a chrome frame around the reflector lights and a bootlid-integrated spoiler at the rear. Both these have their individual charm.
| Dimensions (in mm) | Honda Amaze | Maruti Ciaz |
| Length | 3,995 | 4,490 |
| Width | 1,733 | 1,730 |
| Height | 1,500 | 1,485 |
| Wheelbase | 2,470 | 2,650 |
My View
Now this is quite an interesting comparison between two vehicles from different segments. Still, the proximity of their prices is what justifies this comparison. On the one hand, buyers can experience the top model of the new Honda Amaze. It comes with tons of modern amenities, safety tech and strong performance. Aspects like ADAS further boost the active safety prowess of the vehicle. Also, at this price point, buyers are getting the convenience of an automatic transmission. On the other hand, if you want a larger vehicle, the association with Maruti Suzuki due to its dense sales and aftersales network, going for the Maruti Ciaz Alpha makes more sense. In any case, this is a classic case of preference rather than anything else.
Also Read: New Honda Amaze Seen Next to Old Model – Which One Looks Better?
