“When you drive in traffic, do you want smooth shifts or quick responses? Let’s see whether the Hyundai i20 or the Honda Amaze CVT is the better pick for your drive.”
Many car buyers today prefer automatics, especially CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions), to avoid the effort of shifting gears in traffic. Two popular choices in India are the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Amaze, both offering CVT (or IVT) options. But which one gives a better drive, more value, and better mileage? In this news-style article, we’ll compare them simply so you can decide which is better for you.
What Are These Cars & Their CVT Versions?
Hyundai i20 with CVT / IVT
- Hyundai offers the i20 with an IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission), which works similarly to CVT.
- Recently, Hyundai introduced the Magna CVT variant, priced at around ₹8.89 lakh (ex-showroom), making the automatic version more accessible.
- The i20’s 1.2L petrol engine mated to IVT delivers a balance of performance and smoothness.
Honda Amaze with CVT
- The Honda Amaze’s CVT version pairs a 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine with automatic transmission.
- It offers a fuel efficiency of about 19.46 km/l (ARAI) in CVT form.
- Power output is around 89 bhp and torque of 110 Nm in the CVT model.
Performance & Driving Feel
When you drive, how the car responds and feels under your foot really matters.
- i20 / IVT offers smooth gear transitions and is gentle in city traffic. Owners often praise the “smooth CVT” and “well-balanced ride.”
- Amaze / CVT is tuned for efficiency. It may feel a bit more conservative in acceleration, but it rewards you with better fuel use.
- In slow traffic, both cars will feel easy to drive since you won’t need to manually shift gears.
Note: CVT / IVT does not “step” like traditional gears, so you’ll feel a more gradual change in speed. Some drivers prefer that.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Cost
For many buyers, how much fuel the car uses is a key factor.
- The Honda Amaze CVT claims about 19.46 km/l as per the ARAI test.
- For the Hyundai i20, the exact published fuel numbers for IVT are harder to find publicly in current data. But i20 variants are generally efficient in city & highway use.
- Because the Amaze is a sedan, it may enjoy slightly better aerodynamics on highways than a hatchback like the i20, helping fuel efficiency.
Tip: To get real-world fuel efficiency, drive your day-to-day route and check how much you fill vs how many kilometers you travel.
Features & Comfort
You want a car that gives you features and comfort, especially when driving daily.
- i20: It has many modern features, touchscreen systems, comfortable interiors, and safety features.
- Amaze: In its CVT variants, it offers features like automatic climate control, Bluetooth, power windows, and good cabin comfort.
- Both cars should be decent for 4–5 people for city use.
Remember: Features alone do not decide — how reliable they are and how good the servicing support is will matter more over time.
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Price & Value
You also need to compare what you pay vs what you get.
- i20’s automatic (IVT) variant (Asta CVT) is priced starting at about ₹9.95 lakh ex-showroom in India.
- Amaze CVT variants (like Amaze V CVT) are priced around ₹10.30 lakh (on-road in certain cities) depending on features.
- Recently, Honda cut prices on Amaze by up to ₹1.2 lakh due to GST reforms, which improves its value.
So in many cases, the Amaze CVT may give you a stronger feature-to-price ratio, depending on variant and location.
Verdict
So, the Hyundai i20 or Honda Amaze, which is better? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your priorities:
- If you want a sporty hatchback feel with a smooth automatic drive, the i20 IVT is a strong choice.
- If fuel efficiency, comfort on longer drives, and a sedan form factor matter more, then the Amaze CVT has advantages.
What you should do: Go for test drives of both in your area, check local prices, servicing costs, and see which “feel” you like more. In the end, you should drive the one that makes you feel confident and happy behind the wheel.
