The compact sedan segment in India has long been a battleground for two titans: the undisputed king, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, and its most formidable challenger, the Honda Amaze. For years, Indian families looking for a practical, efficient, and aspirational car within a budget have found themselves weighing these two options.

The Dzire has built its legacy on unparalleled efficiency and trust, while the Amaze counters with premium-ness, space, and a refined driving experience. But in the current market, which one truly deserves the crown of the "Best Budget Sedan"? Let's break it down.

Design and Kerb Appeal

Your first impression of a car is its design, and both sedans take different approaches.

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire: The Dzire sports a curvy, flowing design that is universally appealing. It's soft, elegant, and designed to please the masses. The front grille with chrome accents and projector headlamps give it a sophisticated look that has aged gracefully. It’s a safe and handsome choice.
• Honda Amaze: The Amaze follows Honda’s "solid wing face" design language, giving it a bold, upright stance that resembles its elder sibling, the Honda City. Its strong shoulder lines and more angular design give it a mature and robust appearance. It looks more like a traditional three-box sedan, which many buyers appreciate.

Verdict: This is subjective. The Dzire is for those who prefer elegant curves, while the Amaze appeals to those who want a bolder, more classic sedan look.

Engine, Performance, and Drivability

This is where the two cars start to show their distinct personalities.

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire: The Dzire is powered by the 1.2-litre K12N DualJet petrol engine, a masterclass in refinement and fuel efficiency. It produces 90 PS of power and is incredibly smooth in the city. It comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AGS (AMT) automatic. The biggest trump card for the Dzire is the factory-fitted CNG option, making it the go-to choice for those with high mileage and a focus on running costs.
• Honda Amaze: The Amaze features Honda’s legendary 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, also producing 90 PS. This engine is known for its free-revving nature and spirited performance. While the 5-speed manual is slick, the Amaze’s ace is its CVT automatic. It is significantly smoother and more refined than the Dzire’s AMT, offering a seamless driving experience, especially in stop-go traffic. The top-end CVT variant even comes with paddle shifters for a more engaging drive.

Verdict: For sheer fuel efficiency and the option of CNG, the Dzire is unbeatable. For a more refined automatic driving experience and a slightly more enthusiastic engine feel, the Amaze's CVT is the clear winner.

Interior, Space, and Features

Step inside, and the practical differences become even more apparent.

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire: The Dzire welcomes you with a familiar beige-and-black dual-tone interior that feels airy. The dashboard is smartly laid out, featuring the SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, cruise control, and automatic climate control in higher variants. Cabin space is good, but it's the Honda Amaze that truly excels in this department.
• Honda Amaze: The Amaze prioritises space above all else. The cabin feels incredibly generous, especially for rear passengers who get ample legroom and headroom. The biggest practical advantage is its massive 420-litre boot, which easily swallows more luggage than the Dzire's 378-litre boot. While the dashboard design is more functional than flashy, it's well-built and ergonomic.

Verdict: If maximum cabin and boot space is your top priority for family trips, the Honda Amaze has a clear and significant edge.

Safety – The Deciding Factor?

In recent years, safety has become a crucial factor for Indian buyers, and this is where the comparison becomes stark.

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire: The Dzire received a 2-star rating from Global NCAP for adult occupant protection. While it comes with standard safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD, this score is a point of concern for many safety-conscious buyers.
• Honda Amaze: The Honda Amaze scored an impressive 4-star rating for adult occupant protection in its Global NCAP test (for the pre-facelift model). This significantly better score gives a huge boost of confidence and makes the Amaze a much more reassuring choice for family safety.

Verdict: For buyers who prioritise safety, the Honda Amaze is the undisputed winner. The 4-star GNCAP rating provides peace of mind that its rival simply cannot match.

After-Sales Service and Resale Value

This is Maruti's home turf.

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire: With the largest service network in the country, finding a workshop is never an issue. Spare parts are affordable and readily available. This "peace of mind" ownership, combined with phenomenal brand trust, ensures the Dzire has an excellent resale value.
• Honda Amaze: Honda also has a strong reputation for reliability and a decent service network. While servicing is not prohibitively expensive, Maruti's network and parts cost are generally lower. The Amaze holds its value well, but the Dzire often has a slight edge in the used car market due to the sheer demand.

Verdict: For the ultimate in low-cost maintenance and service accessibility, Maruti Suzuki remains the king.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

The "best" budget sedan depends entirely on your priorities.

You should buy the Maruti Suzuki Dzire if:

• Your number one priority is maximum fuel efficiency and low running costs.
• You want the CNG option for even cheaper travel.
• You value Maruti’s unbeatable service network and easy maintenance.
• Your driving is primarily in the city, and you want a reliable, no-nonsense car.

You should buy the Honda Amaze if:

• Safety is non-negotiable for you and your family (4-star GNCAP rating).
• You need a spacious cabin and a large boot for family outings.
• You prefer a smoother and more refined automatic (CVT) transmission.
• You want a car that feels more planted and confident on the highway.

In essence, the Maruti Dzire is the pragmatic, head-over-heart choice that guarantees efficiency and peace of mind. The Honda Amaze, on the other hand, is a more well-rounded, heart-and-head choice, offering a compelling package of space, safety, and premium feel that is hard to ignore.