The subcompact sedan segment in India, which has faced stiff competition from SUVs, has received a significant boost with two of its key players achieving top safety honours. The recently launched fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the third-generation Honda Amaze have both secured coveted five-star safety ratings in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. While the Dzire was tested in June 2025, the Amaze's results were declared more recently, reinforcing a new era of safety in the affordable car segment.
A Closer Look at the Bharat NCAP Crash Test Scores
Both sedans have demonstrated strong overall safety, but a detailed analysis reveals nuanced differences. In the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire scored 29.46 out of 32, edging out the Honda Amaze, which scored 28.33 out of 32. The Dzire offered superior protection in the side movable deformable barrier test, while the Amaze scored slightly higher in the frontal offset test.
The more notable divergence appears in the Child Occupant Protection (COP) rating. Here, the Dzire scored 41.57 out of 49, securing a five-star COP rating. The Honda Amaze, with a score of 40.81 out of 49, received a four-star rating for child occupant safety. This 0.76-point difference primarily stemmed from the vehicle assessment score, where the Amaze lost a point.
Detailed Breakdown of Protection Levels
In the frontal offset test, both cars provided good protection for the driver's head, neck, pelvis, and lower limbs. However, the Dzire showed weak protection for the driver's chest, whereas the Amaze offered adequate chest protection. For the front passenger, the Amaze provided good protection for all critical body areas.
During the side impact test, the Dzire ensured good protection for all occupant parts except the chest, which was adequate. In the Honda Amaze, the passenger's chest protection was rated as marginal in this test. Both vehicles performed well in the side pole impact assessment.
Safety Features and Market Context
Standard safety across both models is comprehensive. Each comes equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), rear seat ISOFIX anchors, three-point seatbelts for all seats, reverse parking sensors, and hill-hold assist. The Honda Amaze adds an extra layer of technology with a Level 1 ADAS suite and a lane-watch camera, features absent in the Dzire, which instead offers a 360-degree camera.
The launch of these new-generation models, coupled with recent GST rate cuts just before the 2024 festive season, has revitalized consumer interest in the segment. The significant price reduction made these cars more accessible, while the independently verified five-star safety ratings have provided crucial reassurance to safety-conscious buyers.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is priced between ₹6.26 lakh and ₹9.32 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Honda Amaze ranges from ₹8.1 lakh to ₹11.2 lakh (ex-showroom). The combination of aggressive pricing, modern features, and now, proven top-tier safety, positions both the Dzire and Amaze as compelling choices for Indian families seeking secure and practical mobility solutions.
