Honda Amaze: The Refined Compact Sedan That Strikes a Perfect Balance
In the highly competitive compact sedan segment in India, few cars have managed to stand out as clearly as the Honda Amaze. Over the years, it has created a niche for itself by combining Honda’s global reputation for quality, durability, and driving pleasure with features tailored for the Indian market. The Honda Amaze is not just another sub-four-meter sedan—it’s a thoughtfully engineered offering that delivers a sophisticated experience while remaining within the budget-conscious bracket.
Now in its second generation, the Honda Amaze continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. It’s an ideal choice for those who want the practicality of a sedan, the convenience of compact dimensions, and the reassurance of Honda’s proven engineering.
Evolution of the Honda Amaze: A Quick Recap
The journey of the Honda Amaze began in 2013, marking Honda’s entry into the compact sedan segment in India. Designed specifically for markets like India, it was Honda’s answer to the demand for a budget-friendly sedan that didn’t compromise on quality or space.
The second-generation Honda Amaze, launched in 2018, took things a notch higher with a complete design overhaul and significant improvements in performance, refinement, and safety. A facelift in 2021 added subtle yet meaningful updates that kept it fresh amidst growing competition.
Styling and Design: Understated Elegance with Honda DNA
Visually, the Honda Amaze exhibits a clean, confident, and mature design that feels more premium than most rivals in its class. Up front, the bold chrome grille lends it a strong family resemblance to bigger Honda sedans like the City. Sleek headlamps with integrated LED DRLs give it a contemporary edge, while sharp character lines across the body add visual dynamism.
Unlike many compact sedans that suffer from an awkward rear-end due to sub-four-meter restrictions, the Honda Amaze maintains balanced proportions. The rear styling is tidy with wraparound tail lamps and chrome accents that enhance its road presence without going overboard.
Inside, the Honda Amaze continues to impress with its intelligent use of space. The dashboard follows a clean, horizontal layout that emphasizes width and airiness. There’s a refined blend of piano black panels, beige upholstery, and silver inserts, giving the cabin an upscale feel. Controls are logically placed and easy to use, which reinforces Honda’s focus on user-friendly ergonomics.
Engine and Transmission Options
The Honda Amaze is available with both petrol and diesel powertrains, offering options for a wide variety of buyers.
| Specification | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.2L i-VTEC | 1.5L i-DTEC |
| Displacement | 1199cc | 1498cc |
| Power Output | 90 PS @ 6000 rpm | 100 PS @ 3600 rpm |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm | 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT / CVT | 5-speed MT / CVT |
| ARAI Mileage | 18.6 kmpl (MT), 18.3 kmpl (CVT) | 24.7 kmpl (MT), 21.0 kmpl (CVT) |
The 1.2-litre petrol engine, a tried-and-tested i-VTEC unit, is known for its smooth and refined operation. It’s perfect for city driving with a responsive throttle and linear power delivery. The CVT gearbox, in particular, complements the engine well, ensuring a jerk-free and smooth driving experience.
The diesel, a 1.5-litre i-DTEC unit, is equally impressive with strong mid-range performance and frugal fuel consumption. The availability of a CVT with the diesel engine is a rare offering in this segment, making the Honda Amaze unique. Whether you prefer a manual or automatic transmission, Honda gives you the flexibility to choose.
Ride and Handling: Designed for Indian Roads
What truly sets the Honda Amaze apart from many of its competitors is its impressive ride quality. The suspension is tuned specifically for Indian conditions—capable of handling potholes, speed breakers, and rough patches with ease. Whether you’re navigating city roads or taking it on the highway, the Honda Amaze remains composed and stable.
The steering is light at low speeds, which makes parking and tight turns effortless, yet it weighs up nicely as speeds increase. The car’s compact footprint, combined with good visibility and tight turning radius, makes it extremely city-friendly.
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Another strong point is the braking performance. Disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear provide confident stopping power, and the inclusion of ABS with EBD as standard across variants adds another layer of safety.
Key Features That Enhance the Driving Experience
- Best-in-class 420-liter boot space—rivaling even some C-segment sedans.
- CVT options for both petrol and diesel variants—a rarity in its class.
- Paddle shifters (in CVT trims) for manual override, giving more control to the driver.
- Rear seat comfort is a highlight, offering good headroom and ample legroom for tall passengers.
- LED projector headlamps and DRLs add a premium touch.
- Multi-angle reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.
- Smart key access and push-button start in higher trims.
- 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test rating (on similar export models), reassuring safety credentials.
Real-World Practicality and Everyday Usability
Living with the Honda Amaze daily is a pleasant experience. The cabin is filled with smart storage solutions—bottle holders in all doors, a deep glovebox, and cup holders in the center console. The rear seat benefits from a flat floor, making it more comfortable for the middle passenger—a thoughtful touch not always found in this segment.
The 165mm ground clearance is sufficient for most Indian road scenarios, and the car easily tackles regular speed breakers and slightly broken roads without scraping.
The infotainment system, though not as flashy as some rivals, is intuitive and gets the job done. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and the screen size is adequate for navigation and music controls.
Reliability and Maintenance: Honda’s Peace of Mind
One of the strongest selling points of the Honda Amaze is the hassle-free ownership experience. Honda’s service network is widespread, and parts availability is generally excellent even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The service interval of 10,000 km or one year is standard, and the running costs remain competitive within the segment. Honda’s reputation for durability means fewer unplanned visits to the service center and greater long-term satisfaction.
Buyers also benefit from a standard 3-year/unlimited km warranty. Extended warranty packages are available and recommended for those who plan on holding onto their car for the long term.
Market Positioning and Rivals
The Honda Amaze takes on competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor in the compact sedan space. What sets it apart is its premium positioning and no-nonsense approach. While the Dzire is the most popular, the Honda Amaze brings a more refined feel and better build quality to the table.
It appeals to a wide demographic—from first-time sedan buyers to those upgrading from hatchbacks. Many existing Honda customers also choose the Honda Amaze as a second car due to brand loyalty and satisfaction.
Final Verdict: Why Honda Amaze Is Still a Smart Buy
The Honda Amaze represents everything a compact sedan should be—efficient, comfortable, refined, and reliable. It blends the practicality of a compact footprint with the sophistication of a full-sized sedan. Whether you prioritize boot space, fuel efficiency, comfort, or smooth city driving, the Honda Amaze delivers on all fronts.
By focusing on quality, driving comfort, and intelligent design, Honda has managed to build a car that continues to resonate with Indian buyers year after year. It’s not the flashiest, but it is one of the most complete packages available in this segment.
For anyone in the market for a compact sedan that prioritizes long-term peace of mind, mature design, and real-world practicality, the Honda Amaze remains a compelling choice in 2025.
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