Faizan Nizami
The Honda Amaze marks the entry of the first diesel engine-based vehicle offering from the Japanese automobile major.
So, the Amaze qualifies for the excise duty benefit, enjoyed by small cars in India, and directly takes on Maruti Suzuki's Swift Dzire, which is the current undisputed segment leader.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, with its impressive 1.3 litre Fiat-based turbo diesel engine, has awed the Indian market, and why not, with its highly efficient fuel utility and its promising performance, Maruti has reigned supreme.
With an impressive line-up of specs, the new sub-4-metre sedan Amaze promises to bring a lot to the table. But does it have the muscle and the power to defeat and out do the reigning champion in one of India’s fastest growing car segment? And will it become a new benchmark in the diesel sedan category? We pit these two very fine specimens against each other.
Let’s put their names to the test!
Interiors
The interior design concept of the Amaze focuses upon privilege comfort. Keeping in mind the Indian middle class, Honda has provided bigger trunk space in the car which can quite comfortably accommodate "two big luggage and two small luggage". The interiors are, however, a tad insipid and do not feel that plush. The brown and beige colour scheme coupled with a simple yet pleasing overall décor is what the Amaze wishes to convey.
What customers can look forward to is the efficient way in which Honda has managed to provide space. The Amaze looks and feels comfortable. Plenty of bootspace and luggage management calls for a relaxed ride in this sub 4-metre sedan!
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire set the precedent for sub 4-metre cars that sail in comfort. Though many would disagree with the design language provided to it by Maruti, especially the rear, the Dzire wins hands down when it comes to the interiors. The black and beige colour scheme looks spectacular; throw in some aluminum finish and a heads up display for climate control and what you get is an appealing and brilliant look.
Where it shines in the interior department it fades in the area of space management. The Amaze carries plenty of space but the Dzire falls a bit short with just enough to sit three abreast. It also has less luggage volume area too.
Engine/Performance
Honda Amaze is the answer to Indian customer's longstanding demand for a Honda diesel and should look to have a strong acceptance.
The DOHC 16-valve engine with a displacement of 1498cc and features cylinder dimensions measuring 76.0 x 82.5mm. This 1.5-litre i-DTEC for India has been kept at 100PS at 3600rpm which gives 200Nm of torque at 1750rpm.
The 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine will also allow greater-comfort driving. The diesel engine will have Solenoid fuel injector — a high-efficiency cooling system. The Pistons will be narrower and shorter with environment friendly fuel system also.
The DDiS 16-valve engine with a displacement of 1248cc and has 190NM at 2000rpm of torque. The 4-cylinder DDiS has been kept at 75PS at 4000rpm. This is the same combo offered on the Maruti Swift and if that is anything to go by, the Dzire provides a cultured and a fine ride.
Maruti Swift DZire has shown diesel competitors that its 1.3 litre Fiat-based turbo diesel engine can impress customers and dominate the diesel sedan market.
Now, to fuel efficiency. The Dzire has created a niche for itself with a fuel efficiency of 14.8 km/litre in city limits and 19.2 km/litre on the highway. Those are numbers which are not easily surpassed, and those numbers owe Dzire the top seat in the market.
The Amaze has shown that it has all the capabilities to become the market leader in the diesel category. With its i-DTEC giving 20.5 km/litre in the city and an astounding 23.2 km/litre on the highways, the Amaze can easily look forward to setting new a benchmark for the diesel cars in the country.
Prices
The Dzire and Swift give Maruti Suzuki 40-50 percent of its profits. If Amaze eats into Dzire volumes, Maruti Suzuki’s profits will hurt.
Honda, however, may not come close to Maruti Suzuki's monthly volumes due to limited penetration in smaller cities. Moreover, Maruti has roots that spread all across the country.
Therefore, taking all the factors combine, Honda has price the Amaze competitively ranging from Rs 4.92 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh.
Price for diesel variant — Honda Amaze
Rs 5.99 lakh for E Grade
Rs 6.24 lakh for EX Grade
Rs 6.67 lakh for S Grade
Rs 7.60 lakh for VS Grade
Price of the petrol variant — Honda Amaze
Rs 4.99 lakh for E Grade
Rs 5.24 lakh for EX Grade
Rs 5.62 lakh for S Grade
Rs 6.60 lakh for VS Grade
Rs 6.62 lakh for Sat Grade
Rs 7.50 lakh for VXAT Grade
Price for diesel variant — Maruti Swift Dzire
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire LDI — Rs 5,99,500
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Vdi — Rs 6,66,641
Price for petrol variant — Maruti Swift Dzire
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Lxi — Rs 4,92,354
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Vxi — Rs 5,53,479
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Zxi — Rs 6,44,129
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Zdi — Rs 7,50,484
