Used Honda Amaze: Why CVT Variants Have Limited Appeal

In the compact sedan segment, the Honda Amaze is a strong proposition to consider. This is not just the case for Amazes fresh off the factory floor, but also for used examples of the compact sedan. As a matter of fact, the Honda Amaze was the fourth best selling used sedan and the fifth best selling used automatic sedan in 2024.

The appeal for the Amaze compact sedan comes thanks to a number of reasons, including that it gets multiple engine and transmission options. However, as per our used car sales report, only 9.9% of all used Amazes sold in 2024 were automatic (with the national average for used automatics being 14.66%). In this article, we will take a closer look at why manual gearbox-equipped Amazes dominated the used space, and also understand how transmission trends are evolving.

2024 Manual vs Automatic Used Amaze: What Buyers Preferred

When it comes to used Honda Amaze sales in 2024, manuals continue to lead by a huge margin. Here’s how the sales breakdown looks:

• Petrol/manual: 50.15% of total used Amaze sales.
• Petrol/automatic: 8.26% of total used Amaze sales.
• Diesel/manual: 39.91% of total used Amaze sales.

• Diesel/automatic: 1.67% of total used Amaze sales.

   

Clearly, used manual cars dominate across both petrol and diesel variants. The diesel/manual combination remains a strong seller, especially for those prioritising mileage and highway performance. Meanwhile, automatic transmission sales remain low, largely due to higher costs and a limited customer base.

How the Market Trend has Shifted from 2021 to 2024

Over the past four years, used Honda Amaze sales have shown a gradual shift toward automatics, though manuals still command an overwhelming share.

• 2021: Manual (92.62%), Automatic (7.38%)
• 2022: Manual (93.88%), Automatic (6.12%)
• 2023: Manual (91.9%), Automatic (8.1%)

• 2024: Manual (90.1%), Automatic (9.9%)

   

While manual transmission still dominates, the share of second hand automatic cars has risen from 7.38% in 2021 to 9.9% in 2024. This suggests that while automatics are gaining traction, they still have a long way to go before they challenge the dominance of manuals in the used Amaze market.

Honda Amaze Engine and Transmission options

Over the years, the Honda Amaze has been offered with multiple engine and transmission combinations. Here’s a detailed look at the options available:

Petrol Engine Variants

• 1.2-litre 4-Cylinder i-VTEC petrol (First, Second and Third Generation)

   

  • Power: 89 bhp
  • Torque: 110 Nm

  • Transmission: 5-speed manual, CVT

     

Diesel Engine Variants (Discontinued in 2023)

• 1.5-litre 4-Cylinder i-DTEC diesel (First Generation)

   

  • Power: 98.6 bhp
  • Torque: 200 Nm
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual, CVT automatic
     

• 1.5-litre 4-Cylinder i-DTEC diesel (Second Generation, BS6-compliant)

   

  • Power: 98.6 bhp (MT), 80 bhp (CVT)
  • Torque: 200 Nm (MT), 160 Nm (CVT)

  • Transmission: 5-speed manual, CVT automatic

     

While diesel variants were hugely popular among highway users, Honda discontinued the diesel Amaze in 2023 due to stricter emissions norms.

The Average Used Price of a Honda Amaze was ₹5.21 lakh in 2024

The Honda Amaze maintains a strong resale value in India. Here’s a breakdown of used Amaze prices.

Key Takeaways on Resale Value

• Manual transmission variants remain the most in-demand due to lower acquisition costs, better fuel efficiency, and more widespread buyer preference.
• Petrol/manual Amazes offer the best affordability, with prices starting as low as ₹1.80 lakh, making them a top pick for budget-conscious buyers.
• Petrol automatics command a higher price (₹6.53 lakh on average), showing growing urban demand for convenience, but supply remains limited.
• Diesel/manual variants have retained strong value, appealing to long-distance drivers and fleet operators who need a balance of power and economy.
• Diesel automatics are rare but costly, with an average resale price of ₹7.51 lakh.
• Older first-gen models are among the most affordable sedans available.
• Well-maintained manual Amaze models under five years old, retain a resale value above ₹6 lakh.

Conclusion

The Honda Amaze continues to be a great option in the used car market, with manual transmissions leading sales by a significant margin. While automatics have seen a gradual increase in demand, their market share remains much lower than the national average, indicating that affordability and fuel efficiency still drive most purchasing decisions.

For those seeking budget-friendly and reliable transportation, a manual Amaze is the best option. It offers lower initial costs, better mileage, and strong resale value. However, the slow but steady rise in automatic transmission sales suggests that convenience is becoming a priority for urban buyers.

Looking ahead, the trend may shift further in favor of automatics, but manual variants will likely remain the go-to choice for cost-conscious and mileage-focused buyers.