| Parameters | Honda Amaze | Swift DZire | Ford Classic |
| Engine size (P-Petrol, D- Diesel) | 1.2 litre (P); 1.5 litre (D) | 1.2 litre (P); 1.3 litre (D) | 1.6 litre (P); 1.4 litre (D) |
| Power (bhp) | 87; 99 | 86; 74 | 99.6 ; 67 |
| Mileage (kmpl) | 18 ; 25.8 | 19.1 ; 25.4 | 13.9; 20 |
| Transmission | Automatic + Manual | Automatic + Manual | Manual |
| Price range (INR lakh) | 4.99- 7.60 | 4.92-7.50 | 5.64-7.96 |
The latest entrant in the Indian compact sedan segment is the Honda Amaze. It is the first diesel-powered compact sedan launched by Honda in the country. However, it will take much more than just launching, to displace established players Maruti Swift DZire and Ford Classic from their respective positions in this category.
One look at the Amaze is enough to ascertain that Honda has done its homework well, before releasing this compact sedan into the Indian market. It has smooth lines of design that run from one end of the vehicle to the other. Though the car looks same as the Brio from the front, the sides and the rear have been greatly modified. Its boot certainly does not look as though it has been stuck to the rear, unlike in the DZire. Tail lights look contemporary, with a slight resemblance to the previous generation Honda City.
In comparison to this, the DZire looks unmistakably like the Swift. Many users may not have liked this design during the initial period of its launch, but they would have long forgotten the same, considering the phenomenal on-road performance of the car. Design lines are clearly not as sharp as the Amaze.
The Ford Classic is clearly the oldest design among these three vehicles. There are no curves on the site, but it definitely looks American. In addition, the Classic's design is not borrowed from the Figo hatchback, but does resemble the old Ikon a bit. However, to appeal to the new generation of buyers, Ford has recently launched a 'Titanium' version in both diesel and petrol variants, On the outside, this new version gets a new black front grille, brand new alloy wheel designs and body coloured Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs). The interiors of the Titanium version have also been enhanced.
Both Maruti Swift DZire and Honda Amaze come with automatic transmission options that are not available in the Ford Classic. Instead, it is powered only by a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Amaze comes with an automatic variant in the petrol version, but not in the diesel variant.
The interiors of the refreshed Ford Classic Titanium seem to be the best of the lot. However, this particular variant is a little expensive as compared to other models of the Amaze and DZire (Rs. 6.84 lakh for Petrol and Rs. 7.82 for the Diesel). The vehicle boasts of several comfort features, such as a Bluetooth-integrated audio system with speed sensing volume controls and drive-away locks that secure all doors once the car starts moving. With new beige upholstery, the Classic Titanium looks more upmarket than other versions of this vehicle.
Honda Amaze comes with loads of space on the inside. It is truly remarkable how Honda engineers have made use of interior space, for creating legroom and headroom. Space in the Maruti Swift DZire is also good, but not as generous as the Amaze.
In sum total, if one looks at the Maruti dealership network, it is much larger than Ford and Honda. Both the others have miles to go, before catching up with Maruti Suzuki. This is one of the biggest reasons for the popularity of the DZire sedan. However, with time, it is certain that Honda will also enhance its dealership network in India.
