The Indian compact sedan segment has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in 2025, with two heavyweights going head-to-head in an exciting battle for supremacy. The Honda Amaze and Maruti Suzuki Dzire have both received comprehensive generational updates, bringing fresh designs, modern features, and enhanced safety technology to this crucial segment. This detailed comparison explores every aspect of these popular sedans to help you make the right choice for your family and budget.
Table of Contents
Market Context: The Sedan Renaissance
The compact sedan segment has long been the backbone of India’s automotive market, offering families the perfect balance of space, practicality, and affordability. Both the Amaze and Dzire have consistently ranked among India’s best-selling cars, each bringing distinct strengths that appeal to different buyer profiles.
Honda launched the third-generation Amaze at an introductory price of Rs 7,99,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi), positioning it as a value-packed proposition with segment-first features. The Amaze has built its reputation on Honda’s legendary refinement, spacious interiors, and reliable engineering.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire received its fourth-generation makeover earlier, bringing sophisticated styling and comprehensive feature upgrades. The Dzire price starts at Rs 6.26 Lakh ex-showroom, maintaining Maruti’s traditional pricing advantage. With over two decades in the Indian market, the Dzire commands unmatched brand recognition and service network accessibility.
Both sedans now compete with enhanced credentials, making the choice more challenging than ever for prospective buyers seeking their first sedan or upgrading from a hatchback.
Design Philosophy: Contemporary Elegance vs Sophisticated Premium
The visual identity of these sedans reflects their brands’ distinct design philosophies and target demographics.
Honda Amaze: Family-Friendly Sophistication
The Amaze features Honda’s signature chequered-flag pattern grille with chrome upper moulding, LED projector headlamps integrated with LED DRLs and turn indicators, along with LED projector fog lamps. The front fascia borrows design cues from the larger Honda Elevate SUV, creating a cohesive family resemblance across Honda’s lineup.
Wing-shaped LED tail lamps provide a dynamic touch from the rear, while diamond-cut R15 alloy wheels give a touch of sophistication. The rear styling clearly draws inspiration from the current Honda City, creating a premium appearance that belies the Amaze’s affordable positioning.
The Amaze measures 3,995mm in length, 1,733mm in width and 1,500mm in height with a 2,470mm wheelbase. The compact dimensions ensure easy maneuverability in congested urban environments while the proportions create a mature, balanced appearance.
Available in seven colors including the new Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, and Obsidian Blue Pearl, Honda provides attractive choices that appeal to diverse tastes.
The overall design appears clean and contemporary without trying too hard to appear aggressive or sporty. The styling should age gracefully, maintaining visual appeal years after purchase—an important consideration for buyers planning long-term ownership.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Upmarket Sophistication
The new Dzire looks sophisticated and appealing, with its overall exterior design borrowing key styling elements from popular Audi cars while maintaining its own character. The front features a bold hexagonal grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps that create a premium appearance.
The Dzire is marginally wider and taller than the Amaze, though the Amaze has a larger wheelbase. The slightly taller stance gives the Dzire a more commanding road presence, while the styling appears more upscale than previous generations.
The profile showcases flowing character lines and well-proportioned dimensions that create an elegant silhouette. The rear design features connected LED elements that enhance night-time visibility and visual appeal. Chrome detailing throughout the bodywork adds to the premium perception.
The Dzire’s transformation represents Maruti’s most ambitious styling update yet for this nameplate, successfully elevating the sedan’s visual appeal to compete with newer rivals. The design language targets buyers seeking sophistication and status rather than aggressive sportiness.
Features and Technology: ADAS Pioneer vs Comprehensive Equipment
The technology and feature sets reveal different priorities, with Honda emphasizing advanced safety while Maruti focuses on comprehensive convenience features.
Honda Amaze: India’s Most Affordable ADAS Sedan
The 2025 Amaze is the most affordable ADAS-enabled car in India with segment-first Level 2 ADAS suite. The ADAS features include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lead Car Departure Notification System, Road Departure Mitigation System and Auto High-Beam.
Features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist grant it Level 2 autonomous capabilities, though Honda Sensing is reserved for the top-spec ZX trim. This represents a significant technological advantage, bringing advanced driver assistance features typically found on much more expensive vehicles.
The 8-inch floating HD display offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Next Gen Honda Connect with Telematics Control Unit, voice command support, and premium sound system with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters. The infotainment system responds quickly with intuitive menus and clear graphics.
Comfort features include wireless phone charger, PM 2.5 cabin air-purifying filter, fully automatic climate control with rear AC vents, remote engine start via key fob, one-touch push-button start/stop system, and 7-speed paddle shifters with CVT variants.
Safety equipment includes 6 airbags as standard, 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all 5 seats, VSA with electronic stability and traction control, HSA, ABS with EBD, brake assist, and ADAS. The comprehensive safety suite positions the Amaze as one of the safest offerings in the segment.
Even the base variant is loaded with several features including keyless entry, power windows, power adjustable ORVMs, manual AC, paddle shifters with CVT, 7-inch digital-analogue instrument console, rear parking sensors, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, ESC, and hill start assist.
The main omission remains the lack of a sunroof, which is not offered on the Honda Amaze. This feature has become increasingly popular among Indian buyers, and its absence may disappoint some prospects despite the comprehensive safety equipment.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Feature-Loaded Offering
The new Dzire gets plenty of premium features including a 360-degree camera, sunroof, a larger infotainment system, more speakers, 6 standard airbags and a wireless phone charger. The sunroof particularly stands out as a segment-exclusive feature that enhances perceived value.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire features a 9-inch touchscreen display with wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with cruise control and a first-in-segment sunroof. The larger screen provides better visibility and more intuitive operation compared to smaller displays.
The comprehensive feature list includes automatic climate control, premium upholstery, LED lighting throughout, electrically adjustable and foldable mirrors, rear parking camera and sensors, and push-button start. The equipment levels match or exceed expectations for this segment.
The Dzire received a five-star rating from Global NCAP, proving to be one of the safest cars in the segment. The structural integrity and comprehensive safety equipment ensure the Dzire provides genuine crash protection, not just feature checkboxes.
Safety equipment includes six airbags as standard across all variants, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminders for all occupants, and speed alert system. The equipment rivals more expensive offerings.
The only features that the Amaze gets and the Dzire does not are paddle shifters. While a minor detail, paddle shifters enhance driver engagement and provide manual control when desired, particularly valuable during hill driving or overtaking maneuvers.
The Dzire’s comprehensive convenience features combined with the segment-first sunroof create strong perceived value that appeals to buyers prioritizing equipment over advanced driver assistance systems.
Pricing Strategy: Value for Money Battle
Honda Amaze price starts at Rs 7.41 Lakh ex-showroom and Maruti Dzire price starts at Rs 6.26 Lakh ex-showroom. The Honda Amaze base variant costs Rs 20,000 more than the comparable Maruti Dzire variant, while the difference between the starting automatic variants is Rs 95,000.
The Amaze’s top-end variant costs Rs 75,000 more, but for that extra money, you get camera-based Level-2 ADAS suite, more boot space, and better ground clearance. The top-end manual variants of both sedans are priced exactly the same, creating an interesting comparison point.
After recent GST revisions, Honda Amaze prices see reductions of up to Rs 1.2 lakh, significantly improving the value proposition. September 22, 2025: Honda Amaze’s prices dropped by up to Rs 95,500 owing to the new GST rates, with prices now starting at Rs 7.41 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Dzire maintains its traditional pricing advantage, particularly at entry levels where budget-conscious buyers concentrate their search. The lower starting price makes it more accessible to first-time car buyers or families stretching budgets to upgrade from two-wheelers.
However, the pricing gap narrows considerably when comparing similarly-equipped variants, with the Amaze offering compelling value through its four-cylinder engine, CVT transmission, larger boot space, and segment-exclusive ADAS technology on top variants.
Both sedans offer strong value propositions within their positioning, with the choice ultimately depending on whether buyers prioritize the Dzire’s lower entry price and superior fuel efficiency or the Amaze’s refinement, space, and advanced safety technology.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Compact Sedan Champion
Selecting between the Honda Amaze and Maruti Suzuki Dzire ultimately depends on individual priorities, usage patterns, and personal preferences.
Choose the Honda Amaze If:
You prioritize engine refinement and smooth operation. The four-cylinder configuration delivers vibration-free performance that makes every journey pleasant, particularly valuable for drivers spending significant time behind the wheel.
You need maximum boot space for family duties. The 416-liter capacity easily accommodates luggage for road trips or bulky weekly grocery runs without compromises.
You value advanced safety technology. The segment-exclusive ADAS suite provides peace of mind and future-proof technology that may become standard in coming years.
You prefer CVT smoothness over AMT efficiency. The continuously variable transmission delivers seamless acceleration without gear change jerks that can prove annoying in traffic.
You appreciate Honda’s brand reputation for reliability and quality. The legendary durability and refined engineering justify the premium positioning for buyers valuing long-term dependability.
Choose the Maruti Suzuki Dzire If:
You prioritize fuel efficiency above all else. The superior mileage delivers meaningful savings over the vehicle’s lifetime, particularly valuable for high-mileage drivers or those seeking minimal running costs.
You want a sunroof for enhanced premium feel. The segment-exclusive feature adds perceived value and enjoyment that appeals to families with children.
You need the widest service network for maximum convenience. Maruti’s unmatched service accessibility ensures easy maintenance regardless of location, crucial for buyers in smaller towns.
You prefer lower purchase prices to stretch your budget. The more affordable entry point makes the Dzire accessible to more buyers, particularly first-time car purchasers.
You require factory CNG option for ultra-low running costs. The dual-fuel capability provides maximum flexibility for buyers prioritizing economy over performance.
You value comprehensive convenience features. The generous equipment list including larger touchscreen, 360-degree camera, and extensive connectivity creates strong perceived value.
Final Thoughts: Two Excellent Choices
Both the Honda Amaze and Maruti Suzuki Dzire represent well-executed products that successfully serve their target audiences. Neither sedan is objectively superior; they simply prioritize different attributes that appeal to distinct buyer profiles.
The Amaze is more practical and refined, delivering Honda’s trademark smoothness, generous space, and now segment-leading safety technology. The recent GST-related price reductions significantly enhance its value proposition, making the premium over the Dzire easier to justify.
The Dzire excels through superior fuel efficiency, comprehensive features including the segment-exclusive sunroof, and Maruti’s unmatched service accessibility. The comfortable ride quality and attractive styling create broad appeal across demographics.
For buyers prioritizing refinement, space, and advanced safety, the Amaze represents the clear choice. Its four-cylinder smoothness, generous boot space, and pioneering ADAS technology justify the modest premium over the Dzire.
For buyers seeking maximum fuel efficiency, lower purchase price, and comprehensive convenience features, the Dzire delivers exceptional value. The superior mileage alone can offset the Amaze’s advantages for high-mileage drivers.
The ideal approach involves test-driving both sedans extensively, experiencing their distinct characters firsthand. Consider your typical usage scenarios, family size, budget constraints, and feature priorities. Either selection will serve you well, delivering reliable, practical transportation with the reassurance of strong brand backing and proven engineering.
The compact sedan battle of 2025 proves that competition benefits consumers, with both Honda and Maruti delivering compelling products that raise segment standards and provide genuine value for Indian families seeking their perfect first sedan or sensible family transportation.
