Where braking is concerned, it’s the Amaze that has the best brakes with the DZire coming in second and the Figo Aspire finishing last. On the safety front, all three cars get dual airbags and ABS but the Honda additionally gets EBD while the Ford benefits from ESP as well as Hill Launch Assist, which holds the car in its place for three full seconds on inclines and allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the throttle without the Figo Aspire rolling back. The Ford also offers the option of six airbags, the only one on the test to offer this option.
On the question of ownership, the DZire does have the advantage with Maruti Suzuki boasting of the widest service and dealership network in the country among all manufacturers. However, on the all-important aspect of pricing, at Rs 7.91 lakh (Rs 7,90,744 to be exact), ex-showroom, Delhi, the Maruti Suzuki DZire is the most expensive vehicle on this test. With the least bang for the buck, the Dzire, therefore, stands on the lowest step of the podium. The battle for the top spot goes down to the wire with the Amaze and the Figo Aspire being separated by less than Rs 7,000, the latter being the more affordable of the two. The Amaze beats the Figo on fuel economy, boot space, steering feel and braking. It’s also got a touchscreen and a sat-nav, not to mention EBD. The Figo has better acceleration, a higher top speed, better handling and ride quality, more room and a plusher cabin. It’s also got voice activated commands, SYNC, Emergency Assistance, ESP and Hill Launch Assist. So, the two are nearly on a par with the Ford Figo Aspire just managing to edge out the Honda with its higher price-performance relation.
