I am planning to buy an automatic car under ₹12 lakh. The Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno fall within this budget and offer plenty of features. I plan to go on long trips out of the city at most twice a month, so my usage will be around 70% highway and the rest in the city. I am quite confused about which one to choose. The Dzire’s design looks promising, but the engine feels underpowered compared to the Baleno. I have not test-driven the Amaze yet.

Autocar India

•16m

The Honda Amaze CVT has the smoothest gearbox compared to the AMT units of the Baleno and Dzire. Its ride comfort is good, and its larger boot is its strength. That said, refinement and seat comfort aren't as good as the two Marutis.

As you've rightly mentioned, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire could feel a touch underpowered, and since your usage is primarily on the highway, we'd recommend the Baleno instead. The Baleno's four-cylinder engine delivers stronger performance (than the Dzire), and it is spacious and well-equipped. If you don't mind its relatively smaller boot, this is the one to go for.

You could also consider the Toyota Glanza, which is essentially a Baleno with brighter, beige interiors.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Amaze

from ₹8.79 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹7.07 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Dzire

from ₹7.38 Lakh

Toyota

Glanza

from ₹7.62 Lakh

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