By Muhammed Hashim 
These two are direct rivals to each other which is why it makes sense to compare their base trims to see which car offers more amenities
In this comparison between the New Honda Amaze base and the Maruti Dzire base, we shall explore which car is a better value for money. We will compare the two on the basis of specs, price, features, design and safety. Dzire is the highest-selling sedan in the country. It has been at the top of the sales charts since 2008. Currently, in its 4th-generation version, it still commands an impressive demand and traction. On the other hand, the new 3rd-generation Honda Amaze is the latest product in our market in this segment. Let us check out the details of the two.
New Honda Amaze Base vs Maruti Dzire Base – Price
The Maruti Dzire starts at Rs 6.79 lakh, ex-showroom. This is a pretty enticing price point. On the other hand, the entry-level trim of the new Honda Amaze bears a retail sticker of Rs 8.09 lakh, ex-showroom. Note that it gets tons of standard features which is why its base variant costs more.
| Price (ex-sh.) | Honda Amaze | Maruti Dzire |
| Base Model | Rs 8 lakh | Rs 6.79 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 10.90 lakh | Rs 10.14 lakh |
New Honda Amaze Base vs Maruti Dzire Base – Specs
The new Honda Amaze comes with a familiar E20-compatible 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill which produces a healthy 90 PS and 110 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is a 5-speed manual in the base trim. Note that in the higher variants, one can even opt for the CVT automatic gearbox. Furthermore, 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 which is great for our road conditions. Also, the turning radius is a handy 4.7 m.
On the other hand, the Maruti Dzire base draws power from a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild hybrid technology which outputs a decent 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. This mill pairs with a 5-speed manual in the base version and a 5-speed AMT in higher trims. The compact sedan offers a class-leading mileage of 24.79 km/l with the manual and 25.71 km/l with the AMT. Also, the higher models even get the option of a CNG mill.
| Specs | Honda Amaze | Maruti Dzire |
| Engine | 1.2L 4-cyl Petrol E20 | 1.2L 3-Cyl Z Series Petrol / CNG |
| Power | 90 PS | 82 PS / 70 PS |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 112 Nm / 102 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT / CVT | 5MT & AMT / 5MT |
| Mileage | 18.65 km/l (MT) / 19.46 km/l (CVT) | 25.75 kmpl (AMT) & 24.8 kmpl (MT) / 33.73 km/kg (CNG) |
| Boot Space | 416 litres | 382 litres |
New Honda Amaze Base vs Maruti Dzire Base – Interior and Features
Both these cars offer attractive cabins with the availability of the latest tech and convenience amenities. We know that new-age car buyers want the absolute top features and functionalities. Also, they are conscious about the safety prowess of their cars. The new Dzire boasts a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP. That is a huge achievement since Dzire became the first Maruti Suzuki car to get this rating. Firstly, let us discuss what the base variant of the new Dzire offers:
- 6 Airbags
- Rear Defogger
- High-Speed Warning Alert
- 3-Point seat belts for all Seats
- Seat Belt Reminder Lamp & Buzzer (all occupants)
- Electronic Stability Program
- Speed-Sensitive Auto Door Locking
- Hill Hold Assist
- ABS with EBD
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages
- Front Seat Belt with Pre-Tensioner & Force Limiter
- Gear Shift Indicator
- All Four Power Windows
- Electromagnetic trunk opening
- Adjustable Front Seat Headrests
- Driver Side Footrest
- Remote Keyless Entry System
- Central Locking
- Power & Tilt Steering
- Bottle Holder on All Doors
- Digital Air Conditioner with Panel Illumination
- Centre Room Lamp
- Co-Driver Side Sunvisor with Vanity Mirror
- Driver Side Sunvisor with Ticket Holder
- Front Door Armrest with Fabric
- Multi-Information Display
- Speedometer with Tachometer
- Low-Fuel Warning Lamp
On the other hand, the new Honda Amaze is slightly more feature-packed which also justifies the higher retail price. Its top highlights include:
- 6 Airbags
- 3-Point Seatbelts for All Seats
- ISOFIX Child Seats with Lower Anchorages and Top Tether
- Rear Parking Sensors
- ABS with ABD and Brake Assist
- Vehicle Stability Assist
- Electronic Stability and Traction Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Day/Night Rear View Mirror
- 8-inch Advanced HD Touchscreen Display
- Wireless Smartphone Connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Voice Command
- Remote Control by Smartphone
- USB Port
- 4-speaker Premium Surround Sound System
- Steering-mounted Audio Controls
- Piano Black Garnish on Steering Wheel
- Electrical Trunk Lock and Unlock
- Follow-me-home Headlights
- All Four Power Windows
- Power Adjustable Door Mirrors
- Manual AC with Heater
- PM2.5 Cabin Air Purifying Dust and Pollen Filter
- Driver Seat Height Adjustment
- Driver and Passenger Sunvisor Vanity Mirror
- 7-inch HD Full Colour TFT MID
Design and Dimensions
Let us now compare the design and dimensions of the two compact sedans. The new Honda Amaze, in its base trim, gets full LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, and a massive grille section with a sporty bumper. On the sides, we get to witness 14-inch steel wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, integrated LED side turn indicators on door mirrors, black sash tape on the B-pillars, etc. At the rear, the base trim of the new Honda Amaze offers iconic wing-shaped LED taillamps, a shark fin antenna and a simple bumper. In essence, there are barely any differences on the outside in comparison to the higher trims.
On the other hand, the new Maruti Dzire comes with a fresh exterior styling in comparison to the outgoing model. At the front, it bears sleek halogen projector headlamps with a matte panel between the two. Being the base trim, there are no fog lamps, which is understandable. Moving down the sides, we witness 14-inch steel wheels with black door handles and plastic ORVMs. Furthermore, the turn indicators are mounted on the front fenders. At the rear, the base trim gets striking LED taillamps, a shark fin antenna and a sporty bumper. All in all, it certainly looks elegant with a hint of cheap elements.
| Dimensions (in mm) | Honda Amaze | Maruti Dzire |
| Length | 3,995 | 3,995 |
| Width | 1,733 | 1,735 |
| Height | 1,500 | 1,525 |
| Wheelbase | 2,470 | 2,450 |
My View
Now, choosing between the base trims of the Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze can be quite tricky. However, it really depends on the preferences of the buyers. If you are willing to spend some additional money to get a wide range of basic amenities, the Honda Amaze is the better pick of the two. I believe its higher asking price is certainly justified once you evaluate the kind of functions it offers. However, if you want mileage and safety without having to spend a lot, the Maruti Dzire is the one for you. It offers the best-in-segment mileage figures and a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP. Moreover, I would suggest you visit your nearest showroom to experience both of these in the flesh. That will help you make up your mind. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these compelling products.
Also Read: New Honda Amaze vs Hyundai Venue – What Offers What?
