Tata Aeris takes on third-generation Honda Amaze in compact sedan clash

Tata has stepped up its presence in the compact sedan market by launching the new Aeris to rival the third-generation Honda Amaze. This comparison examines the top-spec Tata Aeris Accomplished trim against the Honda Amaze ZX trim. Both sedans match each other with an identical length of 3,995 millimetres, but the Amaze offers a wider body, longer wheelbase, and a ground clearance of 172 millimetres compared to the Aeris at 170 millimetres. In contrast, the Aeris stands taller at 1,532 millimetres and provides a larger 419-litre boot that features gas struts for easy opening, beating the Amaze's 416-litre boot with a traditional hinge mechanism.

Powertrains And Performance

Under the hood, both cars use a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, but the Tata unit relies on a 3-cylinder layout producing 86 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque, while the Honda engine adds an extra cylinder to deliver 90 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. The Aeris pairs its petrol and AMT automatic options with a factory-fitted dual-cylinder CNG kit that saves boot space, whereas the Amaze offers a dealer-fitted CNG kit exclusively with a manual transmission. For transmissions, both offer a 5-speed manual, but the Aeris uses an automated manual transmission while the Amaze features a smooth CVT.

Features And Safety

Inside the cabin, the Aeris pulls ahead with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, and a cooled glovebox, whereas the Amaze counters with a colourful TFT instrument display. Safety equipment is robust on both, including six airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and tyre pressure monitoring. However, the Aeris includes a 360-degree camera and a dashcam recording setup, while the Amaze holds a five-star BNCAP crash safety rating and offers a Level 1 ADAS suite alongside adaptive cruise control.

Pricing And Verdict

When comparing like-for-like powertrain combinations, the Tata Aeris proves more affordable than the Honda Amaze by up to Rs 1.25 lakh, with the petrol manual priced at Rs 8.20 lakh for the Aeris versus Rs 9.39 lakh for the Amaze. Although the Amaze provides a more refined CVT automatic ride, the Aeris wins this comparison by offering extra features, diverse powertrain choices, and a lower price tag.

Context

Compact sedans remain a popular choice in India because they offer the boot space and comfort of a traditional car while keeping overall vehicle length under four metres to benefit from lower tax rates. Automakers frequently update these models with new tech features and safety equipment to attract buyers who want big-car features at a budget-friendly price point.