If you’re eyeing a fuel efficient sedan that’s also kind to your wallet, you’re in for a real head scratcher. The CNG segment just got hotter with Honda stepping into the game. Honda Amaze CNG has finally arrived, and it’s coming straight for Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG’s long held crown. But which one should you actually pick?
Let’s break it down in a no nonsense way to help you decide what’s best for your driveway.
Honda vs Maruti: A Fresh Rivalry in the CNG Arena
Until recently, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG was comfortably cruising with little to worry about in the CNG sedan space. But now, Honda has made a surprise move by launching the Amaze with a CNG powertrain. It’s a bold statement from Honda, and one that’s likely to shake things up for good.
Here’s how they stack up.
Performance and Engine Specs
Let’s start under the hood because that’s where it gets interesting.
Honda Amaze CNG:
- Powered by a 1.2 litre i VTEC petrol engine tuned for CNG
- Delivers 88 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque in petrol mode
- In CNG mode, it drops to 73.5 PS and 95 Nm torque
- Comes with a 5 speed manual transmission only
Maruti Dzire CNG:
- Also runs on a 1.2 litre petrol engine
- Produces 77.5 PS and 98.5 Nm torque in CNG mode
- Mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox
Verdict: The Dzire CNG slightly edges out the Amaze in CNG mode performance. While both are city friendly, the Dzire feels just a bit more responsive on the throttle. If zipping around town is a priority, Dzire might be your pick.
Fuel Efficiency: Which Goes the Extra Mile?
When it comes to CNG cars, mileage matters. You want a sedan that keeps fuel costs low without compromising your daily drive.
Maruti Dzire CNG:
- Claimed mileage of 31.12 km/kg
Honda Amaze CNG:
- Claimed mileage not officially disclosed, but expected around 27–28 km/kg based on the same engine family and past data
Verdict: Dzire CNG wins this round too with a more fuel efficient rating. That could translate into significant savings in the long run, especially for high mileage drivers.
Features and Cabin Comfort
This is where Honda strikes back. The Amaze has always been positioned as a more premium offering in the compact sedan space.
Honda Amaze CNG Features:
- Based on the S trim variant
- Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors
- 7 inch infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (in higher trims)
- Better sound insulation and premium cabin feel
Maruti Dzire CNG Features:
- Available in VXi and ZXi trims
- Dual airbags, ABS, reverse parking sensors
- Touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity (in ZXi)
Verdict: Honda Amaze CNG offers better interior quality and comfort, even if it’s only available in the S trim for now. If you value cabin refinement and feel good elements, Honda takes the lead.
Boot Space and Practicality
CNG kits tend to eat up boot space. So if you’re planning weekend getaways or need cargo room, this part’s worth noting.
Honda Amaze CNG:
- Slightly compromised boot due to CNG tank placement
- However, flat floor layout and larger boot design in the base model help
Maruti Dzire CNG:
- Also suffers from limited boot space
- Slightly tighter luggage room compared to Amaze
Verdict: Both sedans make a compromise here, but the Amaze might feel just a bit more usable. Neither will carry large suitcases easily, but for daily use or grocery runs, you’re covered.
Price and Value for Money
This is a crucial deciding factor for most buyers.
Honda Amaze S CNG:
- Priced at ₹8.10 lakh (ex showroom)
Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG:
- VXi: ₹8.39 lakh
- ZXi: ₹9.07 lakh
Verdict: Honda offers a lower entry price, making it the more budget friendly option. But with Maruti, you get higher trims with more features. It’s a classic trade off between price and perks.
After Sales and Ownership Experience
Here’s where Maruti continues to shine, especially for CNG buyers.
- Maruti has a massive service network across India
- Parts are cheaper and easier to source
- Higher resale value in the compact CNG sedan space
Honda, while reliable, has a smaller dealership and service presence, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. If peace of mind and ease of maintenance are high on your list, Maruti might still be the safer bet.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
Let’s break it down for different types of buyers.
Choose the Honda Amaze CNG if you:
- Want a sedan that feels more premium and refined inside
- Prefer Honda’s smooth ride quality and build
- Are okay with slightly lower performance and mileage for a lower price
Go for the Maruti Dzire CNG if you:
- Want the best mileage in the segment
- Need a stronger service and resale ecosystem
- Prefer higher trim levels with more tech features
Both cars make a compelling case, but the final call comes down to what you value more. If you want better features and mileage, the Dzire is hard to beat. But if you’re looking for a stylish new entrant with Honda’s reputation for quality, the Amaze CNG could be the smart underdog.
Design and Space
The Amaze sports a bold new look with sleek LED headlights and a chrome heavy grille, giving it a premium vibe. Its cabin feels airy, with beige interiors and decent legroom. However, the CNG tank eats into boot space, leaving about 200 liters for luggage.
The Dzire’s sharper, angular design screams modern, with LED headlights and a minimalist grille. Its cabin is functional, with black beige tones and slightly better rear legroom. The CNG tank also reduces boot space, but Maruti’s clever packaging offers a bit more room than the Amaze.
Design Notes:
- Amaze CNG: Premium and plush, but boot space is tight.
- Dzire CNG: Sleek and practical, with a slight edge in space.
Both cars look sharp, but the Dzire feels more spacious, while the Amaze leans toward luxury.
Reliability and Service
Maruti Suzuki’s service network is unmatched, with over 4,000 touchpoints across India. The Dzire’s maintenance costs are lower, and spare parts are widely available. Honda’s network is solid but smaller, and the Amaze’s CNG system, being retrofitted, might face teething issues. Maruti’s factory fitted CNG kit is more reliable long term.
Service Snapshot:
- Dzire CNG: Cheaper to maintain, wider service reach.
- Amaze CNG: Reliable but pricier upkeep.
For fleet buyers or those in smaller towns, the Dzire’s service edge is a big win.
Which One Should You Pick?
Choosing between the Honda Amaze CNG and Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG boils down to priorities. If you want top notch mileage, a lower price, and unbeatable service support, the Dzire CNG is your best bet. It’s a no nonsense sedan that’s hard to fault for fleets or budget buyers. But if you’re after premium features, cutting edge safety tech, and a comfier ride, the Amaze CNG will make you smile.
Both sedans are fantastic in their own right, and you can’t go wrong either way. Test drive them to see which vibe suits you better, and keep an eye on festive season discounts to snag a deal. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a fuel sipping sedan that’s kind to your wallet and the planet.
Final Takeaway
The CNG sedan market just got a lot more exciting. With Honda entering the space, buyers now have a legitimate alternative to the Dzire. And that’s great news for everyone. Expect competitive pricing, better features, and possibly even more innovation in this segment soon.
If you’re planning to buy in the next few months, it’s worth taking both for a test drive. Sometimes, how a car feels behind the wheel tells you everything you need to know.
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