Amaze 2nd Gen

What is it?

A practical three-box sedan; A well rounded sedan is the simple answer. The car is Honda’s entry-level model, and though sub-four-meter SUVs are all the buzz in this segment, the Amaze has a strong and loyal following. Honda’s superb engineering and the peppy motor add a bit of fun to your mundane city commute.

Who is the Honda Amaze for?

In a market saturated with sub-four-meter SUVs, the Honda Amaze stands out as a practical, understated sedan. You are someone who prefers a sedan and LIKES the scaled-down Accord looks that the car offers. What sets your choice apart is that, unlike its main rivals, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura, the Amaze offers a distinct advantage. Because Honda has deliberately avoided the fleet market, the Amaze retains the Honda badge's snob value in India, ensuring that you won't be mistaken for a commercial cab driver.

How are the Honda Amaze interiors?

The interiors have got a major upgrade in this refresh, and like most modern cars, the infotainment screen sits on top of the dual-tone dashboard. The 8-inch touchscreen is smaller compared to the Dzire but offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There’s wireless charging, and most functions, like the air conditioning, are manually operable, WHICH reduces distractions while driving. The instrument cluster is partially digital and displays most of the diagnostic functions of the car on this screen. The front seats are firm and will keep driver fatigue in check on long drives. The under-thigh support feels adequate for most drivers unless you are six feet and above. The rear-seat passengers now get AC vents, but a USB charging port is still missing. Headroom is adequate, and two people can sit comfortably in the back, but three people on a long drive might be a squeeze.

Engine and Transmission

The Honda Amaze sets itself apart in its segment with a superior 1200cc, four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a class-leading 90 horsepower, though its 110Nm of torque is 3Nm less than some competitors. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT, being a more advanced and costly technology than an AMT, provides a notably smoother driving experience.

In real-world driving, the CVT variant excels. Its smooth shifting is a major benefit in daily stop-and-go traffic, eliminating the 'head nods' often experienced with AMTs during gear changes. With 90 horsepower on tap, the engine is responsive, making overtaking manoeuvres easy and requiring little planning. The manual mode offers greater control, especially on hilly terrain, though paddle shifters would have greatly enhanced the overall driving experience.

Ride and Handling

The Amaze's suspension setup is soft, providing excellent ride comfort, especially in the city, where minor road imperfections are absorbed smoothly.  The trade-off, however, is a slightly bouncy ride when hitting bumps at high speeds on the highway, although this isn't a major issue. The steering is nicely weighted, instilling confidence during highway driving. Furthermore, the class-leading 172mm ground clearance is a significant advantage, preventing the car's underbelly from scraping on most speed breakers, even with a full load of four occupants.

Is the Honda Amaze safe?

The Honda Amaze is the first car in its segment TO OFFER Level 2 ADAS. The wide-view camera integrated into the windscreen works in conjunction with the electronic stability control and brakes to provide semi-autonomous functions like lane-keeping assist and road-departure mitigation. This is especially helpful on long highway drives, as it reduces DRIVER fatigue.

Apart from ADAS, the Amaze gets a long list of safety features that include six airbags, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), ABS, ESP, Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX child-seat anchors, 3-point ELR seatbelts for all passengers, and rear parking sensors with A reverse camera.

Should I buy one?

The Honda Amaze stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a compact sedan. It boasts superior technology, including a four-cylinder engine and a smooth CVT transmission. Notably, it's a segment leader with the introduction of Level 2 ADAS safety features. Practicality is another strong suit, highlighted by an unmatched 420-liter boot capacity, surpassing its key rivals, the Aura and Dzire. While it lacks a sunroof for vanity, the Amaze excels as a practical city sedan—easy to park, offering good comfort for both front and rear passengers, and capable of being a reliable highway cruiser. It is, therefore, the ideal car for a blend of city practicality and highway capability.