Honda Amaze

The Honda Amaze engine is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol unit. It produces 90 PS at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm at 4,800 rpm. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol

The naturally aspirated petrol engine is tuned more for smoothness and everyday usability than outright performance. It feels refined at normal speeds and works well with the manual gearbox when driven progressively. The engine does need to be revved when quick acceleration is required, particularly during highway overtakes.

The CVT makes the Amaze easier to drive in traffic. It keeps the power delivery smooth and avoids frequent gear changes, although hard acceleration can make the engine sound busier and produces the familiar rubber-band effect associated with CVTs.

City Driving

In urban conditions, the Honda Amaze feels light and easy to place on the road. Its compact dimensions and relatively small turning radius help when navigating narrow streets or parking in tight spaces. The CVT is the more convenient choice for buyers who spend a significant amount of time in stop-start traffic.

The suspension also suits Indian city roads well. It absorbs smaller imperfections effectively and keeps the cabin reasonably comfortable over broken patches and speed breakers.

Highway Driving

On highways, the Amaze is best suited to relaxed cruising rather than aggressive driving. The petrol engine remains smooth at cruising speeds, but overtaking slower traffic requires some planning because there is no turbocharged surge of torque.

The CVT keeps acceleration progressive and makes long-distance driving easy, but enthusiastic drivers may find the powertrain less engaging than turbocharged alternatives. Overall, the Amaze feels more convincing as a comfortable family cruiser than as a driver's car.

Real-World Character

The Honda Amaze's strongest dynamic quality is its easy-going nature. Light steering, a comfortable suspension setup and a refined petrol engine make it uncomplicated to drive. It does not have the sharpest handling or strongest performance in the segment, but its predictable responses suit daily commuting and family use.

The Honda Amaze variants are V, VX and ZX. All three are available with the 1.2-litre petrol engine and 5-speed manual, while the CVT automatic is available across the range.

V

The V is the entry-level Amaze variant but comes with a useful set of standard equipment. It gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounts and rear parking sensors. It also gets the 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

For buyers looking for the basic Amaze package at the lowest possible price, the V offers the essential mechanical and safety equipment without moving into the higher price bands.

VX

The VX adds several features that make the Amaze more convenient for everyday use. These include automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless smartphone charging, a multi-angle rear camera, LaneWatch camera, power-folding mirrors and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The VX is worth considering for buyers who want a more complete equipment package without paying for the top-spec ZX.

ZX

The ZX is the flagship Amaze variant and adds Honda Sensing ADAS. Its safety-assistance package includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lead Car Departure Notification, Road Departure Mitigation and Auto High-Beam. It also gets dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels and additional exterior and interior detailing.

For buyers who want the maximum safety and technology package, the ZX is the variant to choose. The ZX CVT combines this equipment with the convenience of an automatic gearbox.

The Honda Amaze mileage is rated at 18.65 km/l for the manual and 19.46 km/l for the CVT automatic under ARAI testing conditions. The CVT therefore has a small certified efficiency advantage over the manual.

Actual fuel economy will vary with traffic, driving style, road conditions, passenger load and air-conditioning use. The certified figures are therefore best used for comparing variants rather than as guaranteed real-world mileage.

The Honda Amaze new model adopts a more mature and contemporary interpretation of the compact-sedan shape. The third-generation car gets a distinctive chequered-flag pattern grille, LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs and turn indicators, and wing-shaped LED tail lamps. Higher variants also get alloy wheels and additional exterior detailing.

Front Profile

The front is the most distinctive part of the new Amaze. The wide grille and chrome detailing give it a more substantial appearance, while the LED projector headlamps and integrated DRLs add a sharper look. The ZX gets a gloss-black grille treatment that further differentiates the top variant.

Side Profile

The side profile retains conventional compact-sedan proportions with a relatively long-looking bonnet and a clean shoulder line. The VX and ZX get 15-inch alloy wheels, while the entry V uses 14-inch steel wheels with covers.

Rear Profile

At the rear, the wing-shaped LED tail lamps give the Amaze a distinctive appearance. The boot design remains conventional, which helps preserve usable luggage space without making the car look overly complicated.

The Honda Amaze interior follows a simple and functional layout, with the emphasis on usability rather than an excessively feature-heavy dashboard. The cabin gets an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch full-colour TFT multi-information display and a wireless smartphone charger on higher variants.

Front Row

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the dashboard keeps the major controls within easy reach. Higher variants get automatic climate control, one-touch start/stop, remote engine start on the CVT and additional connectivity features through Honda Connect.

Second Row

Rear-seat comfort is one of the Amaze's stronger points. The cabin offers useful legroom and headroom for a compact sedan, while rear AC vents and a centre armrest improve comfort on longer journeys. The presence of three-point seatbelts and head restraints for all five occupants also adds to its family-friendly character.

Boot Space & Practicality

The Honda Amaze offers a 416-litre boot, which is adequate for family luggage, airport runs and weekend travel. The sedan's conventional boot also makes it a practical alternative to a hatchback for buyers who regularly carry luggage.

The Honda Amaze safety package includes six airbags as standard across all variants, along with ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounts, rear parking sensors and seatbelt reminders for all seats. Higher variants add a multi-angle rear camera and LaneWatch, while the ZX gets Honda Sensing ADAS.

Honda Sensing ADAS

Honda Sensing is available on the ZX variant and includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lead Car Departure Notification, Road Departure Mitigation and Auto High-Beam. These systems are designed to assist the driver and should not be treated as a substitute for attentive driving.

Bharat NCAP Safety Rating

The third-generation Honda Amaze has a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult occupant protection and a 4-star rating for child occupant protection. This is an important distinction from older Amaze models and should be used when discussing the safety credentials of the current generation. Honda's current brochure also highlights the Amaze's 5-star Bharat NCAP result.a

The Honda Amaze competes primarily with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura. The Tata Tigor is another compact sedan alternative, although its positioning is different because of its CNG and AMT options.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

The Dzire is the most significant rival for buyers focused on efficiency and running costs. It offers strong fuel-economy credentials and a broader powertrain choice, including CNG. The Amaze counters with its refined four-cylinder petrol engine, CVT option and Honda Sensing on the ZX.

Hyundai Aura

The Hyundai Aura is another compact sedan aimed at buyers who want a feature-rich and relatively affordable family car. The Amaze has a more relaxed driving character and places greater emphasis on ride comfort and the refinement of its four-cylinder petrol engine.

Tata Tigor

The Tata Tigor is relevant for buyers who want a compact sedan with a CNG option and a more affordable entry point. The Amaze is better suited to buyers who prioritise petrol refinement, CVT convenience and Honda's ADAS package.a

The Honda Amaze has a clear focus on comfort and practicality, but it also has a few limitations that buyers should consider before making a decision.

The Amaze's biggest strengths are its balanced nature and predictable driving experience. It does not attempt to win on outright performance or an exceptionally long feature list. Instead, it combines a refined petrol engine, comfortable ride, useful cabin space, a practical boot and strong safety equipment.

The Honda Amaze makes sense for buyers looking for a compact sedan that is comfortable, easy to drive and practical enough for regular family use. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine is smooth and dependable, while the CVT makes it particularly convenient for urban commuting.

The V is the logical choice for buyers who want the Amaze at the lowest price while retaining its core safety equipment. The VX adds useful comfort and convenience features and is a stronger all-round choice for buyers willing to spend more. The ZX is aimed at those who want Honda Sensing ADAS and the most comprehensive equipment package.

The Amaze CVT is worth considering if most of your driving takes place in traffic. It offers smoother operation than the manual and has a slightly higher ARAI fuel-efficiency figure. Buyers who frequently drive on highways or enjoy more enthusiastic driving, however, may find the naturally aspirated engine's performance less compelling.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a stronger choice for buyers who place maximum importance on fuel efficiency and CNG availability, while the Hyundai Aura and Tata Tigor offer alternatives at different price and equipment points. For buyers who value refinement, ride comfort, automatic convenience and a strong safety package, the Honda Amaze remains a well-rounded compact sedan.

Overall, the Honda Amaze new car is best understood as a sensible family sedan rather than a performance-oriented or feature-first product. Its combination of a refined four-cylinder petrol engine, comfortable cabin, practical boot, CVT option and Honda Sensing on the ZX gives it a clear identity in India's compact-sedan market.