If there was ever a sub-4m sedan that lived as much as its title, it’s the Honda Amaze. After spending 500 km behind the wheel of the newest Third-gen model, we got here away completely impressed. The query isn’t whether or not the brand new Amaze has improved, however by how a lot.
Design That Turns Heads
The Third Gen Honda Amaze will get a serious design revamp, making it look extra premium than ever. The entrance finish now options a big gloss-black grille with built-in LED DRLs, LED projector headlamps and LED fog lamps. The refined chrome detailing throughout the grille and bumper strikes an excellent steadiness between sporty and chic. The rear is equally fashionable with new 3D LED tail-lamps, clearly drawing inspiration from the Honda Metropolis – and dare we are saying, a touch of BMW too.
The silhouette stays largely unchanged, which isn’t a nasty factor. The three-box design continues to work properly. The brand new alloy wheels and chrome door handles add a contemporary contact, whereas practical parts like proximity-based sensible entry on each doorways, a shark fin antenna and LaneWatch digital camera convey in additional premium attraction.
Cabin Expertise – A Massive Step Up
Inside, the brand new Amaze includes a much-improved format and end. The dashboard now homes a free-standing 8-inch infotainment unit with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. AC vents have been reworked for a cleaner design, and parts just like the steering wheel, local weather controls and middle console are shared with the Elevate and Metropolis, enhancing the premium really feel.
Delicate-touch door pads have been launched (although the material texture could possibly be extra refined), and there’s a wi-fi charging pad up entrance. Rear passengers profit from devoted AC vents and a middle armrest. Nonetheless, adjustable rear headrests are nonetheless lacking. The semi-digital instrument cluster is legible and well-designed, though we want Honda used the display actual property higher, maybe for map integration.
Options and Tech
The brand new Amaze packs in an honest set of options for the section. Auto headlamps, cruise management, LaneWatch, wi-fi charging, rear AC vents, proximity-based keyless entry, and a sensible MID display are all current. What actually units it aside is the inclusion of Honda Sensing, making it the one sub-4m sedan in India with energetic security tech like ADAS — an enormous plus for tech-savvy patrons.
That stated, a number of misses do stand out. There’s no entrance middle armrest, IRVM is guide, there’s no rain-sensing wiper, and no cooled glovebox – a few of which rivals provide.
Efficiency & Driving Impressions
Beneath the hood, the 1.2L i-VTEC 4-cylinder petrol engine continues. It’s refined, rev-happy and free from the vibrations seen on 3-cylinder rivals. Mated to a 5-speed guide, the automobile delivers robust efficiency for its class. Gear shifts are slick, although barely shorter throws would’ve been welcome. With 90 bhp and 110 Nm, the Amaze doesn’t really feel underpowered in any respect. The engine likes to be revved and pairs properly with the automobile’s light-weight nature.
On twisty hill roads and lengthy freeway stretches, Amaze impressed with its steering really feel, physique management and street manners. Suspension is barely on the firmer facet, however that provides it good stability in corners. It might not take in damaged roads as properly, but it surely doesn’t crash harshly both. Brakes are ample for the efficiency on faucet.
Verdict
In the event you’re looking for a sub-4m sedan, the Honda Amaze deserves to be excessive in your listing. It’s the one one with a clean 4-cylinder engine, energetic security options, a premium cabin really feel, and sporty dynamics. It’s well-suited for metropolis use and weekend getaways alike.
That stated, pricing is barely on the upper facet, with the V MT variant beginning round Rs 8.1 lakh (ex-showroom). As compared, rivals just like the Tata Tigor, Hyundai Aura and Maruti Dzire begin decrease. Honda would profit from introducing a decrease base trim (say, an S variant) to draw extra patrons.
Room for Enchancment
– AC cooling could possibly be simpler in summer season
– Wi-fi charger drained battery in our check unit
– No entrance middle armrest
– Instrument display might present map/navigation data
– Gas gauge visibility could possibly be a problem relying on seating/steering place
– Cloth on door pads could possibly be softer
– LaneWatch digital camera feed eats into infotainment show
– Rear headrests are nonetheless fastened
– No auto-dimming IRVM or cooled glovebox
Nonetheless, for these in search of a dependable, well-built, refined and feature-loaded compact sedan with a little bit of driving aptitude, the brand new Honda Amaze delivers extra than simply its title — it genuinely amazes.
