Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the compact sedans Honda Amaze and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, and find out which will be the best for you.
In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share
- What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Honda Amaze – an in-depth guide to their automatic variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
So, are these cars in the compact sedan segment affordable for first-time car buyers? Let’s find out.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a First-time car buyer looks for in a car
This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
- Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
- Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers.
First-time car buyers typically prioritize safety, affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of use. They often lean towards compact and mid-sized cars as they are easier to maneuver, park, and maintain.
Features that enhance driving convenience, such as automatic transmissions, rear parking sensors, and push-button start, are also highly appreciated in top cars for first-time buyers.
Additionally, buyers expect a certain level of modern amenities, even in base variants, without a steep learning curve, ensuring a smooth transition into the world of driving.
Why Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze are Popular
Both the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze have built a reputation for being reliable, affordable, and user-friendly – crucial elements for first-time car buyers. Their compact dimensions make them perfect for city drives and tight parking spaces.
Furthermore, the brands behind these models are known for their vast service networks and cost-effective maintenance, ensuring peace of mind for new drivers.
Their automatic transmission variants add a layer of driving ease, allowing beginners to focus on the road without the added stress of gear shifts.
The presence of essential safety and convenience features, even in mid-range variants, showcases the commitment of both brands to deliver value for money, further enhancing their attractiveness to first-time buyers. Also Read: Honda Amaze vs Hyundai Aura: A Comparison of Automatic Variants Under Rs 10 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze Automatic Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-10 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Dzire, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 September 2023 |
| ZXI AT | ₹860,000 |
| ZXI Plus AT | ₹931,000 |
For Honda Amaze, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 September 2023 |
| S CVT | ₹857,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹960,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI AT
At ₹860,000, this variant is a great entry point into the automatic world. It offers essential features like ABS, power steering, and rear parking sensors, which are crucial for first-time drivers. The AMT transmission is a boon for city driving, and its impressive mileage ensures cost-effective long drives. If you love long-distance road trips, you can check out our comparison of the Dzire with Honda Amaze.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI Plus AT
For those willing to spend a tad more, the ZXI Plus AT offers additional amenities like a rear parking camera and a better audio system. This ensures a mix of safety and entertainment, catering to both functional and leisure needs. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read how the Dzire compares with Tata Tigor.
Honda Amaze S CVT
Priced slightly lower than the Dzire ZXI AT, Honda’s S CVT variant offers the smoothness of a CVT transmission. While it lacks some of the features present in the Dzire, it compensates with the robustness and reliability Honda is known for.
Honda Amaze VX CVT
The VX CVT, though the most expensive on our list, offers several attractive features. It boasts a touchscreen and fog lights, giving first-time buyers a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. We have also compared the Amaze with Maruti Suzuki Ciaz as family-friendly cars.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze for First-time car buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI AT emerges as the best variant for first-time buyers. Its perfect balance of affordability, essential safety, and convenience features make it stand out, and is the right car from this comparison list for first-time buyers.
With an impressive highway mileage of 24.12 kmpl, it promises economical long drives. The inclusion of power steering, rear parking sensors, and AMT ensures ease of driving in urban conditions.
The reputation of Maruti Suzuki, coupled with its vast service network, further instills confidence in novice drivers.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI AT
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI Plus AT
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
| Attribute | Dzire ZXI AT | Dzire ZXI Plus AT | Amaze VX CVT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crash Warning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | 170mm | 170mm |
| Highway Mileage | 24.12 kmpl | 23.26 kmpl | 18.6 kmpl |
| Lane Keeping Assist | No | No | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Push Button Start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission Type | AMT | AMT | CVT |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI AT: As mentioned earlier, this variant provides a comprehensive package of features at an affordable price, making it the top choice.
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI Plus AT: A step ahead, this variant offers enhanced features like a rear parking camera, appealing to those willing to invest a bit more for added convenience.
- Honda Amaze VX CVT: A solid contender, this variant from Honda delivers on multiple fronts, ensuring first-time buyers don’t compromise on luxury.
In summary, all three choices cater to the needs of first-time car buyers, ensuring safety, convenience, and a taste of luxury.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
