Honda Amaze

Honda Amaze

The Honda Amaze has always been a successful proposition for the company, particularly with its attractive design language and competitive price tag over the years.

How is the Design?

The Honda Amaze has undergone a massive change over the last few years. The latest version of the Amaze looks and feels completely different. The looks, while polarizing to an extent, make it look more enticing on the road without a doubt. The overall styling remains quite similar although there is a thick chrome touch for the grille while there are newer slats for the downward mesh. The top-end versions now come with LED projector headlights and LED DRLs. The front bumper has been revised slightly with new surrounds in chrome for the fog lamps. The door handles get the chrome touch while diamond-cut alloys also reinforce the sleeker look. One thing the Amaze misses is slightly broader options in terms of tyres. The rear has a new C-shaped tail lamp cluster with a revamped bumper and a nifty chrome touch here as well. The sedan looks more premium and appealing this time around.

How does it perform?

 
The Honda Amaze gets the 1.2 litre four cylinder i-VTEC petrol unit with the i-DTEC 1.5 litre diesel engine. You also get choices in terms of 5-speed CVT automatic and manual transmission systems. The petrol engine is refined and you will feel this even while idling. The vibrations are minimal and there is lower noise as well. The engine gets up to speed swiftly and is excellent for city driving. The only thing is that the mid-range is somewhat flatter and you will have to downshift for overtaking swiftly. The tall fourth-gear is what makes this slightly niggling at higher speeds on the highway. The engine has a good top-end with nice power delivery and confident revs. The manual transmission system is fun and sporty while the CVT is better for city driving needs. The diesel engine is still refined although the petrol engine feels better to drive. It feels more powerful though and could be a better option for covering longer distances on a regular basis.

How’s the mileage?

• Diesel Automatic- 24.7 kmpl
• Petrol Automatic- 18.6 kmpl
• Petrol Manual- 18.6 kmpl
• Diesel Manual- 24.7 kmpl

How’s the driving experience?

The Honda Amaze offers excellent drivability overall, while the suspension can take poor stretches nicely. It also contains overall noise and vibrations. Yet, insulation could have been slightly better, especially since road noise does filter into the cabin when you press on the accelerator. The Amaze drives and handles reasonably well, while being planted and stable while cornering as well. The light steering is decent for maneuvering the car in the city although it may not be a preferred pick for those desiring a sportier driving experience.

What’s the interior like?

The Honda Amaze gets silver dashboard, steering wheel and door card accents this time. The cabin remains practical and premium enough with great visibility, simple controls, and thoughtful storage spaces galore. The dual-tone theme is also nifty although some plastics are still not as premium as one would expect. The front seats offer good support and cushioning for users while the seating position is good. The front central armrest is an optional accessory that you should choose. There are many storage spaces though the one for the phone is not large enough. The rear seats also have good cushioning and comfort, with decent thigh support and knee room alike. Headroom is however slightly less for those who are taller. The rear seats can take three people although it is more suited for two passengers. The central armrest at the back is also slightly lower than desired. The Amaze does not have rear air conditioning and this is a big miss in this category along with adjustable rear headrests. The features are decent enough, with the digital MID, steering mounted controls, automatic climate control, 7-inch touch screen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more.

Tech and infotainment

The Honda Amaze comes with the basics including a 7 inch touch screen infotainment system which is slightly dated in terms of its look and feel. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with steering mounted controls. There is also automatic climate control and the impressive digital MID alongside.

Safety equipment

The Honda Amaze comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, rear parking sensors and other basic safety features. Top-end variants come with the rear view camera and automatic headlights. The rear view camera’s quality, however, leaves a lot to be desired.

Which variant to buy?

You can consider the E variant which gets the basic safety features, the MID, power steering, rear parking sensor, power socket, and power windows. The pricing is affordable although there is no CVT option. Most people will like to go for the slightly costlier S variant with its aesthetic enhancements, power door locks, keyless entry, central locking, and some other features. The V variant comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLS, the 7-inch MID, automatic climate control and more. The top-end VX is the most expensive and gets all the connectivity features and GPS along with the reverse camera and cruise control. If you can stretch it, then this is the variant to opt for.

Which cars compete in the segment?

The Honda Amaze takes on the Maruti Suzuki Dzire which offers good fuel economy, attractive features, and contemporary styling. Then there is the Hyundai Aura which also offers good features and engine options. The Tata Tigor is a pocket-friendly option in the category with decent features. The Ford Aspire is also another choice for buyers in the category. The Dzire has a sportier petrol version while the Aura has a more premium touch to it. The Tigor is a better value proposition. The Ford Aspire may be a safer car to drive. However, the Honda Amaze is priced right and continues to be a good pick for its styling, refinement, comfort, and overall proposition.