2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire VS Volkswagen Ameo – Specs Comparison

Volkswagen Ameo vs Maruti Suzuki Dzire makes for an exciting rivalry as the two India-specific comapct sedans head-to-head in our comparo

Volkswagen has received positive response with its Ameo compact sedan in India. Being positioned in one of the most competitive segment of Indian auto market, stylish and upmarket looking Volkswagen Ameo compact sedan competes with several cars in the segment. It takes on tough and already popular rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze and Ford Aspire.

Being the bestselling model in the segment, Maruti Suzuki Dzire is certainly the biggest rival against the Volkswagen Ameo. Swift Dzire as it was known earlier and now the company has christened it as Dzire. This compact sedan is based on its popular hatchback sibling Swift and it appears with quite an upmarket appeal to the customers at an affordable pricing. For quite long time this model has been a very popular offering in the segment, despite receiving tough competitions from Hyundai Xcent and Honda Amaze.

Volkswagen Ameo on the other hand is one of the young entrants in the segment. Also, it is the German car maker’s first India-spec compact sedan. Initially, Volkswagen launched the petrol variant of the car. But as Indian customers at large love diesel, VW also introduced the diesel variant to Ameo at a later stage. Apart from sharp styling what makes the Ameo more attractive, the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission available in the diesel variant is another USP of this vehicle. On the other hand, Dzire comes with an automatic box in the petrol variant and an AMT (AGS) is available in the top-end diesel model.

In terms of pricing as well, Volkswagen has kept Ameo’s pricing pretty competitive against Maruti Suzuki Dzire. While the Dzire is priced at Rs. 5.45 lakh – Rs. 9.41 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), Volkswagen Ameo is priced closely ranging between Rs. 5.53 lakh and Rs. 9.88 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Here we take a look at the spec-sheet based comparison between the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Volkswagen Ameo.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Ameo Exterior

In terms of design, Volkswagen Ameo is certainly the sharper looking and a very stylish compact sedan compared to its rival Maruti Dzire. This car is positioned in the sub-4 meter compact category; therefore it comes shorter in length than Vento. The car sports similar design language, which is seen in Polo and Vento as well. It gets sharp dual-beam halogen headlamps, horizontally slated front grille with the VW logo at centre.

A wide air intake with a wide chrome trim and rectangular fog lamps enhance its style quotient further. The hood features sharp creases running toward nose section. At side profile, the Ameo sports turn indicator integrated wing mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, sharp character lines, blackened glass area, chrome appliqué on door handles. Moving to the rear of the car you find compact and large taillights, while the registration enclosure and surrounding area looks very sculpted.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire on the other hand is not that sharp like its German rival, but it comes with an upmarket design, which catches eye instantly and it looks very practical indeed. The all-new Dzire comes with sharp swept back headlamps with projector lamps, integrated LED daytime running lights and a large chrome garnished front grille sporting horizontal slats. The front bumper comes with a wide air intake and blackened fog lamp housing.

At side profile of the car Maruti Suzuki Dzire gets multi-spoke alloy wheels, turn indicator integrated wing mirrors, blackened glass area, subtle character lines and nicely curved roofline. The rear fascia of the compact sedan features compact LED taillights, sculpted look around registration enclosure, and a thick and wide chrome trim running between the taillights.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Ameo Dimension

Dimensionally, both the Volkswagen Ameo and Maruti Suzuki Dzire appear with same length of 3,995 mm. The Dzire comes a quite wider at 1,735 mm compared to Ameo’s 1,682 mm. In terms of height, the Dzire is much taller than Ameo as the former compact sedan gets 1,515 mm of height compared to its rival’s 1,483 mm.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Turning Radius	Volkswagen Ameo Turning Radius
4.8 meters	4.8 meters

The Dzire comes with a turning radius of 4.8 mm which is same as Ameo. On the other hand, Dzire also comes with shorter wheelbase of 2,450 mm compared to Ameo’s 2,470 mm. The Swift Dzire comes with 163 mm ground clearance, while Ameo gets 165 mm. The Maruti Dzire comes with a boot space capacity of 378-litre, while the Ameo gets only 330-litre capacity storage.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire	Volkswagen Ameo
Length – 3,995 mm	3,995 mm
Width – 1,735 mm	1,682 mm
Height – 1,515 mm	1,483 mm
Wheelbase – 2,450 mm	2,470 mm
Ground Clearance – 163 mm	165 mm
Boot Space – 378-litre	330-litre
Fuel Tank Capacity – 37-litre	45-litre

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Ameo Interior and Features

Volkswagen Ameo comes with a stylish interior with several upmarket features inside the cabin. It gets dual-tone interior theme, multi-function steering wheel, dual analog dial and a digital MID consisting instrument cluster. The top-end Highline trim sports leather wrapping on steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system at centre console which comes with Bluetooth, USB connectivity and voice command function, AUX-in, SD card compatibility as well. The MirrorLink infotainment system also comes with iPod connectivity.

Interior of VW Ameo looks similar with Vento and Polo in several ways. It gets air dam detailing in chrome, front arm rest with storage. Apart from that Ameo also comes with electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, scratch resistant dashboard, cooled glove-box, class-leading automatic rain sensing wipers, heat insulating glass on windshield, anti-pinch power windows, Climatronic automatic AC in the Highline trim.

On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki Dzire sports a very practical and upmarket interior, which boasts a sporty flat-bottom multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, dual-pod istrument cluster with analog dials and a digital MID. The dual-tone dashboard gets a touchscreen SLDA at the centre console with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and various other connectivity options.

Apart from this, the Dzire gets faux wooden finish on steering wheel and dashboard, which are enough to fool you for real wood trims. Talking about space and storage, Maruti Suzuki Dzire offers plenty of practical storage spaces and sufficient head and legroom for occupants offering a comfortable experience inside the cabin. The rear armrest offers a little bit of extra comfort for rear occupants.

So far, both the cars look pretty stylish and they come ofering the best possible comfort and upmarketness available, through the features on offer at this pricing range, and that too, without hurting the practicality and the buyer’s pocket.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Ameo Engine and Specifications

Volkswagen initially launched the Ameo compact sedan with petrol engine only, but recently it introduced diesel engine to the car. The updated EA189 1.5-litre TDI four-cylinder diesel engine kicks out 110 PS of peak power at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque generated between 1,500 rpm and 3,000 rpm. The diesel powered VW Ameo is available in both 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission options.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Engine	Volkswagen Ameo Engine
1.2-litre K-Series petrol 1.3-litre DDiS diesel	1.2-litre MPI petrol 1.5-litre TDi diesel

The automatic transmission is available in Comfortline and Highline trims only, while all the three trims are available with manual gearbox option. On fuel efficiency front, the manual transmission equipped model delivers 21.66 kmpl and automatic transmission equipped Ameo delivers 21.73 kmpl.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Transmission	Volkswagen Ameo Transmission
5-speed MT 4-speed AT (Petrol only) AMT (Diesel only)	5-speed MT 7-speed DSG automatic (Diesel only)

On the petrol front, the Ameo gets 1.2-litre MPI engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and it is capable of churning out 75 PS of peak power at 5,400 rpm and 110 Nm of peak torque at 3,750 rpm and it returns 17.83 kmpl of fuel efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Maximum Power	Volkswagen Ameo Maximum Power
84 PS @ 6,000 rpm (Petrol) 75 PS @ 4,000 rpm (Diesel)	75 PS @ 5,400 rpm (Petrol) 110 PS @ 4,000 rpm (Diesel)

On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki Dzire gets a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine and a 1.3-litre DDiS four-cylinder CRDI turbo diesel engine. The petrol engine is capable of churning out 84 PS of peak power at 6,000 rpm and 115 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The oil-burner on the other hand kicks out 75 PS of peak power at 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm of peak torque at 2,000 rpm.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Maximum Torque	Volkswagen Ameo Maximum Torque
115 Nm @ 4,000 rpm (Petrol) 190 Nm @ 2,000 rpm (Diesel)	110 Nm @ 3,750 rpm (Petrol) 250 Nm @ 1,500 rpm – 3,000 rpm (Diesel)

Transmission options for the Dzire include a 5-speed manual gearbox for both petrol and diesel models. Apart from that, petrol Dzire gets a 4-speed AT and the diesel one comes with an AMT, which the Indo-Japanese automaker calls as AGS (Auto gear Shift). The AGS is available on top end ZDI trim only though.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Fuel Efficiency	Volkswagen Ameo Fuel Efficiency
22 kmpl (Petrol MT) 22 kmpl (Petrol AT) 28.4 kmpl (Diesel)	17.83 kmpl (Petrol) 21.66 kmpl (Diesel MT) 21.73 kmpl (Diesel AT)

The AGS saves the driver from hassle of pressing clutch and gear shifting in bumper to bumper traffic conditions. On the other hand, it doesn’t affect the fuel economy, as it delivers same 28.4 kmpl of fuel economy like the manual Dzire diesel. The petrol model delivers 22 kmpl of fuel efficiency. The new Dzire has the economy improved slightly courtesy of the lightweight platform and is now the best-in-class.

When it comes to diesel, the Volkswagen Ameo is certainly comes with more power and torque compared to Maruti Suzuki Dzire. But on the petrol front, Maruti Dzire takes edge over the Ameo with higher power and torque output. In terms of fuel efficiency, Dzire petrol is much more impressive than Ameo and on the diesel front too, Dzire offers better value for money compared to the Ameo.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Ameo Safety Features

Volkswagen Ameo comes with dual front airbags as standard in all the three trims Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Apart from that, the car comes with standard ABS in all the trims. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Control offered in only Comfortline and Highline trims equipped with DSG automatic transmission, but not in Trendline. Apart from these, the car comes with electronic engine immobilizer, three-point seat belts for all the occupants. Also high-end Highline trim gets auto-dimming interior rear view mirror, static cornering lights and rear de-fogger.

On other hand, the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire gets dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front ELR seatbelt with height adjuster and reverse parking camera and sensor. Apart from that, the car comes with three-point rear seatbelts, rear door child lock, ISOFIX child safety system, door ajar alarm, speed sensing automatic door lock, engine immobilizer etc.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Ameo Price

Volkswagen Ameo is available at a pricing range between Rs. 5.53 lakh to Rs. 9.88 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), while on the other hand Maruti Suzuki Dzire comes priced between Rs. 5.45 lakh and Rs. 9.41 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Therefore Volkswagen Ameo is priced slightly higher than the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire	Volkswagen Ameo
Rs. 5.45 lakh – Rs. 9.41 lakh	Rs. 5.53 lakh – Rs. 9.88 lakh

* All price ex-showroom, New Delhi

Maruti Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Ameo Comparison Verdict

In terms of design, Volkswagen Ameo looks pretty stylish and sharp, while the flowing and curvy design of Maruti Suzuki Dzire grabs attention at the very first glimpse. Both the cars have been designed to lure the new-age customers. Both of them appear with very practical styling.

Both of them arrive with loads of features inside their respective cabin. Apart from the upmarket features and styling they offer generous amount of space to the occupants ensuring a comfortable journey experience.

On powertrain front, The Dzire and Ameo come with engines that are bult to provide power for the cars to make them capable of running in and around the city with ease. While the Ameo petrol gets only manual gearbox, the Dzire takes the edge with an automatic transmission.

On the diesel front too, the Dzire looks more attractive as the AMT on offer doesn’t drink too much fuel like an automatic. It offers the convenience of dual-pedal technology and returns same fuel efficiency of the manual gearbox. No wonder, fuel economy is still a major deciding factor for Indian customers and if you consider the lower pricing, plenty of upmarket features on offer from Dzire, the Maruti vehicle seems perfect choice as always. Despite having potential, Volkswagen Ameo is a step behind the Dzire.