The compact sedan segment in India has always been a fiercely competitive market, with manufacturers constantly striving to offer more value, features, and performance to meet the ever-growing demands of the Indian consumer. Honda, known for producing reliable, fuel-efficient, and feature-packed cars, has been a strong contender in this space for years.
The Honda Amaze, which has been a popular model in India since its launch, continues to evolve with the changing preferences of buyers. The latest version of the Amaze brings forward a host of new updates that aim to maintain its position as one of the best compact sedans in the market.
In this review, we take a detailed look at the new Honda Amaze, evaluating its design, performance, interior features, safety, and overall value for money. With its new styling updates, efficient engines, and feature-rich cabin, the new Honda Amaze looks to continue to appeal to those looking for a budget-friendly sedan without compromising on quality and comfort.
Introduction to the Honda Amaze
The Honda Amaze has been one of the top-selling sedans in India, especially for customers looking for a practical, stylish, and affordable option in the entry-level sedan segment. Known for its excellent fuel efficiency, spacious interiors, and a smooth driving experience, the Amaze has always delivered on its promise of being an ideal family car.
The latest iteration of the Honda Amaze is available in both petrol and diesel engine variants, with automatic and manual transmission options. The Amaze has undergone a series of updates that make it more stylish, more comfortable, and more feature-rich than ever before. With a refreshed design, advanced tech, and improved safety features, the new Honda Amaze is all set to maintain its strong presence in the segment.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the new Honda Amaze has undergone a subtle yet impactful redesign that enhances its appeal while maintaining the clean and sophisticated look it’s known for. The front fascia of the car is now more aggressive, with a bold chrome-accented grille that adds a touch of premium appeal. The updated LED projector headlights with LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) further enhance the car’s modern aesthetic, making it stand out in the crowd of entry-level sedans.
The side profile remains sleek, with well-sculpted lines running from the front to the rear, giving the car a more dynamic and youthful look. The newly designed alloy wheels complement the modern styling, while the side skirts add a sense of sportiness. The rear of the car has also been updated with sharper LED tail-lights, a new bumper design, and a refined overall look, making the Amaze appear more premium and sophisticated.
While the updates are subtle, they make a noticeable difference in how the car looks, and the new Honda Amaze is now much more in line with Honda’s global design language.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the cabin of the new Honda Amaze, and it is clear that Honda has focused heavily on enhancing the quality of materials and the overall feel of the interior. The cabin is now more spacious and refined, with an emphasis on premium materials and attention to detail. The dashboard features a sleek design, with soft-touch plastics on the upper half and a piano black finish on certain parts, which adds a premium touch to the overall look and feel.
The centrepiece of the cabin is the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is easy to use and responsive, offering seamless connectivity with smartphones, navigation, and media. The system is paired with a 4-speaker audio system that delivers clear sound quality, making long journeys more enjoyable. The multi-functional steering wheel, with controls for audio and hands-free calling, adds to the convenience.
The seats in the new Amaze are ergonomically designed to provide long-term comfort. The front seats are well-cushioned, offering good back support and comfort on extended drives. The rear seats are spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, making the Amaze a comfortable car for long family trips. The car also comes with rear AC vents, adding to the overall comfort in the rear seat. The cabin is now quieter, thanks to enhanced sound insulation, which reduces road and engine noise, making the drive more pleasant.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the new Honda Amaze is offered with two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Both engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for the petrol variant. The diesel variant comes with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The petrol engine produces 90 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for city commutes as well as occasional highway runs. The engine is smooth and refined, offering a great balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The 1.2-litre petrol engine, when paired with the CVT, delivers a smooth and hassle-free driving experience, with the CVT ensuring seamless gear shifts.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine is the real highlight of the new Amaze, offering 100 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque. This engine is particularly powerful and efficient, providing an excellent driving experience. It is well-suited for both city driving and long-distance cruising, and the 6-speed manual transmission ensures smooth power delivery. The diesel variant of the Amaze is one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its segment, delivering impressive mileage figures of around 24-25 km/l, depending on driving conditions.
The suspension setup of the new Honda Amaze has been tuned to strike a balance between comfort and handling. The car absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough city roads. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver the car in tight spaces, while still offering good feedback at higher speeds. The overall driving experience is refined, with the car providing a good mix of performance, comfort, and efficiency.
Features and Technology
Honda has equipped the new Amaze with a range of advanced features, making it one of the most well-equipped cars in the entry-level sedan segment. Some of the key features include:
- 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: The system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, providing seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication.
- Automatic Climate Control: The Amaze comes with an automatic climate control system, ensuring a comfortable cabin temperature at all times.
- Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start: These features add to the convenience, allowing easy access to the car without having to take the keys out of your pocket or bag.
- Steering-Mounted Controls: The multi-functional steering wheel allows the driver to control the audio system and make hands-free calls without taking their hands off the wheel.
- Cruise Control: This feature is available in higher trims and makes highway driving more relaxed, allowing the driver to maintain a constant speed without keeping their foot on the accelerator.
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: Parking the Amaze in tight spaces is made easier with the rear parking sensors and camera, which provide visual and audible assistance to the driver.
Safety Features
Safety is a key focus of the new Honda Amaze, and the car comes equipped with several advanced safety features as standard. These include:
- Dual Front Airbags: For enhanced safety, the Amaze comes with dual airbags for both the driver and front passenger.
- ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures maximum braking performance and stability.
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: These help prevent accidents when reversing or parking.
- ISO Fix Child Seat Anchors: The Amaze comes with ISOFIX child seat anchors for added safety when traveling with young children.
- Honda’s ACE Body Structure: The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances crash protection by distributing impact forces more evenly across the vehicle’s body.
Pricing and Value for Money
The new Honda Amaze is competitively priced in the Indian market, offering excellent value for money considering the features, performance, and safety it offers. The car is available in multiple variants, with both petrol and diesel engine options, ensuring that customers can choose a model that best suits their budget and requirements.
Conclusion
The new Honda Amaze continues to impress with its modern design, refined interior, powerful engine options, and a host of advanced features. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient commuter car or a comfortable family sedan, the Amaze ticks all the right boxes.
With its updated styling, spacious cabin, and focus on safety, the Amaze is an excellent choice in the entry-level sedan segment. If you’re in the market for a compact sedan that offers a premium feel without the premium price tag, the Honda Amaze is definitely worth considering.