Honda Amaze: In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, Honda has reaffirmed its commitment to the sedan segment with the launch of the stunningly redesigned Amaze.
The third generation of this compact sedan has created quite a stir among automotive enthusiasts and everyday commuters alike, offering a perfect blend of sophisticated styling, cutting-edge technology, and Honda’s legendary reliability – all packaged at a price point that keeps it accessible to the average Indian family.
Honda Amaze A Design Evolution That Turns Heads
The most striking aspect of the new Honda Amaze is its thoroughly reimagined exterior design. Gone is the somewhat conservative look of its predecessor, replaced by a bold, contemporary aesthetic that borrows elements from Honda’s global design language.
The front fascia now sports a pronounced gloss black grille that creates an immediate visual impact, flanked by sleek LED projector headlamps with integrated daytime running lights.
“The new Amaze wasn’t designed to blend in,” remarks Shailesh Kumar, a proud owner who upgraded from the previous generation. “When I park it at my office, colleagues actually stop to admire it. The sharp lines and premium touches make it look like it belongs in a higher price category.”
The profile retains the balanced proportions that have always been an Amaze strength, but now features more pronounced character lines and stylish alloy wheels that give it a more upmarket presence.
At the rear, the redesign is equally impressive, with distinctive wing-shaped LED tail lamps that create a visual signature unmistakable even at night.
What’s particularly clever about the design update is how Honda has managed to maintain the sub-4-meter dimensions (essential for tax benefits in India) while creating a visually more substantial and premium vehicle.
At 3,995mm in length, 1,733mm in width, and 1,500mm in height, the Amaze maintains its city-friendly footprint while delivering a more commanding road presence.
Cabin Refinement That Exceeds Expectations
Step inside the new Amaze, and the impression of upmarket refinement continues. The dashboard layout has been completely redesigned with a focus on creating a more premium, driver-centric experience.
The centerpiece is an 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the cable clutter that plagued earlier models.
The cabin materials have seen a significant upgrade as well, with soft-touch surfaces at key touchpoints and more premium upholstery options. Even in lower trims, the fit and finish demonstrate an attention to detail that was once reserved for more expensive segments.
“What impressed me most was the quietness,” says Priya Sharma, who recently purchased the mid-spec VX variant. “My previous car was from a different brand at a similar price point, but the difference in cabin insulation is night and day. Highway journeys are now conversations rather than shouting matches.”
The space utilization remains one of Amaze’s core strengths. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the clever packaging provides generous legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The rear seat comfort is particularly noteworthy, with adequate thigh support and well-designed contours that make long journeys comfortable even for adult passengers. The boot capacity remains class-leading at 416 liters, easily accommodating multiple suitcases for those weekend getaways.
Technology Leap With Segment-First Features
Perhaps the most significant upgrade in the new Amaze is the technology package it offers. In an unprecedented move for this segment, Honda has equipped the sedan with its Honda Sensing suite – a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that includes features previously found only in premium vehicles.
The ADAS package includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Auto High-Beam – features that not only enhance convenience but significantly improve safety.
This makes the Amaze the first and only car in the sub-compact sedan segment to offer such advanced driver assistance technologies.
Beyond the ADAS features, the new Amaze comes loaded with creature comforts that enhance the ownership experience. These include automatic climate control with rear AC vents, a wireless charging pad, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, push-button start, and a comprehensive connectivity suite that allows remote monitoring and control of various vehicle functions through a smartphone app.
The infotainment system deserves special mention for its intuitive interface and responsive touch controls. Even technologically challenged users will find it easy to navigate through menus and access functions without distraction – an important safety consideration that Honda engineers clearly prioritized.
Refined Performance With Efficiency at Its Core
Under the hood, the new Amaze continues with the tried-and-tested 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, now updated to be E20 fuel-compatible.
Producing 90 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque, this four-cylinder unit strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency.
While these numbers might seem modest on paper, the engine’s refinement and linear power delivery make it perfectly suited for both city commuting and highway cruising.
Transmission options include a slick-shifting 5-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been further refined to minimize the “rubber-band” effect often associated with such systems. The CVT variant, in particular, has found favor among urban dwellers facing increasingly congested traffic conditions.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong selling point, with the manual variant delivering an impressive 18.65 km/l and the CVT going even further at 19.46 km/l (ARAI-certified figures).
In real-world driving conditions, owners report consistently achieving 16-17 km/l in mixed driving scenarios – numbers that make the Amaze exceptionally economical to run in times of fluctuating fuel prices.
“The CVT is a game-changer for my daily commute,” explains Rahul Mehta, an IT professional who drives 30 kilometers each way to his office in Bengaluru.
“The traffic here can be brutal, but the smooth transmission takes away much of the stress. And despite being an automatic, it’s actually more fuel-efficient than my previous manual car.”
Safety That Doesn’t Compromise
Safety has been given prominent consideration in the new Amaze, with six airbags as standard across the range – a welcome departure from the industry practice of restricting multiple airbags to higher variants.
The structural integrity has been enhanced with the use of high-tensile steel in key areas, creating a more rigid passenger cell while optimizing overall weight.
Beyond the passive safety features, the active safety suite includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The previously mentioned ADAS features further elevate the safety quotient, making the Amaze one of the safest vehicles in its segment.
Particularly useful in everyday driving situations is the Lane Watch camera system that activates when the left turn signal is engaged, displaying a wide-angle view of the blind spot on the infotainment screen.
This simple yet effective feature significantly reduces the risk of side-swipe collisions during lane changes – a common occurrence in India’s often unpredictable traffic conditions.
Value Proposition That Makes Financial Sense
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the new Amaze is how Honda has managed to pack all these improvements while keeping the price increase relatively modest.
Starting at ₹8.10 lakh and going up to ₹11.20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Amaze positions itself competitively against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor.
When factoring in the segment-first features, superior build quality, and Honda’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, the value proposition becomes even more compelling.
The company’s standard 3-year/unlimited kilometers warranty provides additional peace of mind, with options to extend coverage for even longer periods.
For those concerned about long-term ownership costs, Honda’s service network of over 300 facilities across India ensures easy access to genuine parts and trained technicians.
Scheduled maintenance costs remain reasonable, with typical service intervals costing between ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the service type.
Honda Amaze The Verdict: A New Benchmark in Its Segment
The new Honda Amaze represents a significant step forward not just for the model but for the entire sub-compact sedan segment. By introducing premium features, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced safety at an accessible price point, Honda has effectively raised the bar for what customers can expect in this category.
In a market where many manufacturers are shifting focus away from sedans, Honda’s commitment to the body style is refreshing and strategic.
The Amaze proves that sedans still have much to offer in terms of driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and overall value – qualities that continue to resonate with a significant portion of Indian car buyers.
As urban infrastructure improves and highway networks expand across the country, the balanced capabilities of the Amaze – comfortable and efficient in the city, composed and refined on the highway – make it a versatile choice for the evolving mobility needs of Indian families.
With its striking design, premium features, advanced safety technology, and value-focused pricing, the new Honda Amaze has rightfully earned its place as one of the market’s favorite sedans – a position it seems poised to maintain for years to come.
FAQ: Honda Amaze
Q: How does the new Honda Amaze compare to SUVs in the same price range in terms of practicality?
A: The Amaze offers several practical advantages over similarly priced compact SUVs. Its sedan configuration provides better fuel efficiency (18.65-19.46 km/l versus 15-17 km/l typical for compact SUVs), easier ingress/egress for elderly family members due to the lower height, and superior driving dynamics with better stability at highway speeds.
The 416-liter boot is actually more usable than many compact SUVs due to its lower loading lip and regular shape. Where compact SUVs win is in ground clearance (172mm for Amaze versus 190-200mm for SUVs) and a more commanding driving position.
For urban families who occasionally venture onto highways but rarely tackle truly rough terrain, the Amaze often proves to be the more practical daily companion.
Q: Is the ADAS system in the Honda Amaze actually useful in Indian traffic conditions?
A: The effectiveness of the ADAS features varies depending on driving conditions. The Collision Mitigation Braking System works well even in chaotic traffic, providing valuable protection against sudden obstacles.
Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation are most useful on highways with clear lane markings, while their effectiveness diminishes on poorly marked Indian roads.
Adaptive Cruise Control functions as designed but requires adjustment to Indian driving styles – many owners report setting longer following distances to prevent abrupt braking when vehicles cut in.
Overall, while not perfect for all Indian driving scenarios, the system provides tangible safety benefits once drivers understand its capabilities and limitations.
Honda has specifically calibrated these systems for Indian driving conditions, making them more applicable than those in cars designed primarily for Western markets.
