Honda Amaze
The all-new Honda Amaze is here! Starting at an introductory price of Rs. 8 lakh (ex-showroom, India) to Rs. 10.9 lakh for the top-spec ZX trim, Honda’s compact sedan has entered its third generation. It’s clear Honda has come out swinging to take on its fiercest rival, the recently launched Maruti Dzire, now in its fourth-gen avatar.
Let me walk you through what’s new, what’s exciting, and whether the Amaze should be your next pick.
Under the Hood Same Heart, Slightly Sharper Punch
The Amaze still runs on the tried-and-tested 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 90hp and 110Nm of torque. This is paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a smooth CVT automatic. It’s a solid performer – slightly more powerful than the Dzire, but with slightly less torque. Honda also claims impressive fuel efficiency: 18.65kpl (manual) and 19.46kpl (CVT). Not bad at all for a city-friendly sedan!
Design A Baby Honda City (With a Dash of Elevate)
The first thing you’ll notice about the new Amaze is its sharper, more mature look. It feels like a perfect mix of Honda’s Elevate SUV and City sedan, with a sleek hexagonal grille, elegant LED headlamps, and sporty daytime running lamps. It also gets redesigned 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and the repositioned wing mirrors now sit on the doors, giving it a more premium vibe.
The rear-end? Well, it’s basically a “junior City.” The tail-lamps and clean bumper design scream sophistication. Honda’s really nailed the proportions this time, which is no small feat in the sub-four-metre segment. Oh, and it comes in six lovely colors – my personal favorites are Obsidian Blue Pearl and Platinum White Pearl.
Step Inside Classier and More Practical
Inside, the Amaze share most a bit from the Honda Elevate. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a mix of black and beige tones and silver accents. It’s not just pretty; it’s practical, too. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and even a wireless charger.
Space? It’s roomier than the old model, with a generous 416-litre boot. Honda’s also improved the AC cooling, which is a godsend for Indian summers. But one feature I really wish they’d included? A sunroof.
Tech & Safety: Segment-First ADAS!
Here’s the big headline: the Amaze now packs Honda Sensing ADAS, making it the most affordable car with advanced driver assistance features in India. That means goodies like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more. Safety-wise, it’s loaded across the board with 6 airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors as standard.
Variants & Pricing: What’s the Best Pick?
The Amaze is available in three trims – V, VX, and ZX.
– V Variant (Rs. 8 lakh – Rs. 9.2 lakh): Solid entry-level features like LED projector headlights, 8-inch touchscreen, and safety must-haves like 6 airbags.
– VX Variant (Rs. 9.1 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh): Steps it up with 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a wireless charger.
– ZX Variant (Rs. 9.7 lakh – Rs. 10.9 lakh): All about luxury and tech – you get the full ADAS suite, cruise control, and more.
For me, the VX trim strikes the best balance between price and features.
Should You Buy Honda Amaze?
If you’re looking for a compact sedan with a premium feel, practical features, and a reliable petrol engine, the Honda Amaze is a no-brainer. Sure, it doesn’t offer a factory-fitted CNG option like its rivals (Dzire, Aura, and Tigor), but the refinement of the petrol engine more than makes up for it.
With prices locked in for the first 45 days and deliveries starting in January 2025, now’s the time to check it out. Test drives are open, so why not give it a spin and see if this little stunner clicks for you?
