Since its launch over nine years ago, the Honda Amaze has won plaudits for its elan, solidity and tech-forward nature. It has, over the years, picked up several awards from experts and found favour with a variety of discerning buyers across India.
The new Amaze, which broke cover last year, takes that story forward – in style. If you are a purist for whom a three-box sedan represents the ultimate in automotive comfort, style and performance, the Amaze is just the car for your garage. Here are some of the reasons why Honda’s compact sedan, which is big on space, features and driving pleasure, is such a compelling option.
Style check
The Amaze was always a good looking car, with great road presence. That handsomeness is now accentuated by tasteful styling updates. These include striking LED projector units with LED daytime running lamps, new chrome surrounds for the fog lamp housings on the front bumper, chrome door handles and snazzy diamond-cut alloy wheels. The rear also sports several changes, with new C-shaped LED elements at the tail-lights and a tweaked rear bumper that gets a chrome accent. These subtle, tasteful tweaks enhance the Amaze’s looks and impart a premium sheen to the car.
Inside story
The Amaze’s cabin is a refined, airy space, and one that is also practical. There are tasteful silver accents on the dashboard and steering wheel; the driving position is fantastic, and you won’t have complaints regarding visibility, which is fantastic all around.
Thoughtfully styled premium cabin has a great driving position and good visibility.
We especially love the fact that the cabin offers easy access to controls and that storage space for phones and various tech accessories is abundant. You’ll also find space inside the Amaze to be in abundance. If the driver and front passenger get to enjoy the great cushioning and support offered by the front seats, the rear seats in the Amaze also offer excellent knee and legroom.
Slick 7.0-inch touchscreen is a breeze to use.
The sedan’s slick 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, is highly intuitive, and Honda’s made things merrier in the cabin with steering-mounted controls, digital MID, automatic climate control and paddle shifters.
Rear view camera offers three views – normal, wide-angle and top-down.
If you are mostly city-bound, you’ll be glad to know that the Amaze is equipped with a rear-view camera with three views – normal, wide angle, and top-down – which is just the thing to have when flitting in and out of tight situations. The Amaze’s commodious, 420-litre boot is perfect for families that love to hit the road during long weekends, and Honda’s champion sedan also has safety covered with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts and rear parking sensors.
On the move
The Amaze comes with two engine options – a 90hp, four cylinder i-VTEC petrol and a 100hp 1.5-litre diesel (80hp with the CVT automatic gearbox). The engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The VTEC motor lives up to its reputation, offering striking refinement and a lot of go. It’s fun to rev the engine to its 6,600rpm redline – on an empty stretch, of course – and what good drivers will realise is that the Amaze has just the right amount of power to keep up with fast-paced city life. The slick-shifting manual gearbox makes a perfect partner for the i-VTEC engine, while the CVT, which delivers seamless gear changes, will be especially attractive to those looking for convenience along with driving pleasure. The Amaze’s 1.5-litre diesel has great mid-range and lots of torque low down the rev range, which, of course, means that one has to contend with fewer gear changes during rush hour. Both engines are highly fuel efficient: the petrol returns up to 18.6kpl, while the diesel engine is rated at 24.7kpl.
The Amaze has had a noticeably excellent ride quality since its launch, and the new iteration delivers yet again. The suspension deals effortlessly with whatever Indian roads can throw at it, and offers a ride that is just the right amount of firm. The Amaze also displays great straight-line stability on the highways and sticks to its line around corners. What’s especially noteworthy is the light steering that comes in handy in urban snafus.
Clearly, the new Amaze has it all covered. It can look the part, both in corporate car parks and the high street; it’s got punchy, refined engines; loads of space; and a bouquet of features. If you want to buy a sensible, stylish sedan, you’d do well to take a good look at the Honda Amaze. It’s big on everything. Plus, most importantly, it’s a Honda.
