Honda’s reputation as a sedan expert is largely built on the shoulders of the City. While the Amaze offers solid value with a spacious cabin, smooth engines, and premium feel, it struggles in a market dominated by Maruti Suzuki’s service network and reliability perception. But the 2024 Amaze aims to change that narrative.

The Dzire has scored a goddamn 5-star safety rating, shattering the long-standing "tin-can" stereotype that plagued Maruti Suzuki’s Arena and Nexa cars for years. Maruti had already started turning things around with models like the Brezza, Fronx, and Grand Vitara, which were designed with safety as a priority. These cars brought a level of credibility that Maruti desperately needed in the safety department. But now, with the Dzire joining the 5-star club, it feels like Maruti has driven the final nail in the coffin of its “tin-can” image.

This 5-star safety rating is hands down the biggest update the Dzire has ever received.

Have you seen the new Dzire? It looks like it had a late-night brainstorming session with an Audi A4 and a Toyota Innova! The headlights scream “luxury sedan vibes,” while the grille gives off that “family MPV swagger.” It’s like Maruti told its designers, “Take inspiration from the best and make it… affordable.” The result? A car that looks like it’s trying to attend two parties at once—one where it’s flaunting its Audi-esque charm, and the other where it’s channeling its inner Innova practicality. It’s the ultimate mashup, and let’s admit, it somehow works! Whether you call it a baby Audi or a mini Innova, one thing’s clear—Maruti has figured out how to make “inspired design” work for the masses. No wonder Dzire sold more than 11K units in November 2024!

On the other hand Amaze has sold 2628 units only. It is around 4 times less than what Dzire sells but that doesen't mean Amaze has less fans. I mean who knows how many Dzire owners will hear "Badhai ho, Ola hua hai" and "Badhai ho, Uber Hua hai". It simply means, due to good fuel efficieny, Dzire has a good presence in cab services. The Amaze caters to a niche audience that values Honda’s refined engines.

Why Dzire Sells More but Amaze Still Shines

The Dzire sells like hotcakes, not just because of Maruti’s unbeatable service network, better resale value, and slightly lower price tag, but also due to its dominance in the commercial segment. Ola, Uber, and Rapido fleets swear by the Dzire for its bulletproof reliability, easy repairability, and wallet-friendly running costs, especially with its factory-fitted CNG variant. For ride-hailing services, the Dzire is the golden standard—spacious for passengers, efficient for operators, and easy on the pocket when it comes to maintenance.

The Amaze, on the other hand, attracts a different kind of buyer—those who want a premium touch, a quieter cabin, and the sophistication that Honda brings. But here’s the catch: Honda operates in a closed ecosystem for parts, making repairs more expensive and often requiring exclusive service centers. This makes the Amaze less appealing to fleet operators, who prioritize cost-effectiveness and widespread service availability.

Do Not Go by Sales Numbers

When comparing the Honda Amaze and Maruti Dzire, it’s tempting to rely on sales numbers alone. Sure, the Dzire outsells the Amaze by nearly 4.5 times (11,779 units vs. 2,628 units), but those numbers tell only part of the story. Let’s not forget—both Honda and Maruti are Japanese brands, renowned for their engineering, reliability, and longevity. However, they cater to completely different segments of customers, and their appeal varies drastically based on regions and buyer preferences.

Maruti Suzuki is a household name in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where affordability, service network, and low-cost maintenance dominate decision-making. The Dzire thrives in these markets because it ticks all those boxes. It’s also heavily favored by fleet operators and cab services in metro and tier 1 cities due to its running cost efficiency and repair-friendly design.

Honda, on the other hand, appeals to customers in metro and tier 1 cities who seek sophistication and premium quality. The Amaze’s quieter cabin, refined interiors, and smoother drive attract buyers who prioritize comfort and elegance over sheer numbers. In tier 2 cities, Honda’s appeal exists, but its limited service network and higher costs make it a tougher choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Maruti has mastered the art of mass appeal. Its cars, like the Dzire, resonate with the “practical and dependable” image, which is a huge selling point for families and small business owners. The Dzire’s design, though inspired by premium cars, still caters to the masses who value simplicity and functionality.

Honda, meanwhile, leans on its “premium and aspirational” image. The Amaze feels more personal and less commercial. It’s the choice of a buyer who wants a car that looks and feels a notch above the ordinary, even if that means paying a little extra for exclusivity.