Honda Amaze: The Honda Amaze has carved out a significant position in the compact sedan market by delivering Honda’s renowned quality in an accessible, efficient package.
This subcompact sedan combines practicality with surprising interior space, making it an appealing option for urban drivers and small families alike.
Honda Amaze: Design and Exterior
The Amaze presents a well-proportioned exterior design that avoids the awkward proportions sometimes found in vehicles adapted from hatchback platforms.
Its crisp lines and balanced silhouette give it a more substantial appearance than its compact dimensions might suggest.
The front fascia features Honda’s signature chrome grille bar extending between sleek headlamps, creating a family resemblance to larger Honda sedans.
Recent design updates have added LED daytime running lights, refined bumper designs, and more distinctive character lines along the body sides.
These enhancements give the Amaze a more premium look while maintaining its approachable character.
Interior Space and Comfort
One of the Amaze’s most impressive achievements is its interior packaging. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the cabin offers generous space for both front and rear passengers.
The rear seat accommodates adults comfortably with surprising headroom and legroom for a vehicle in this segment.
Materials throughout the cabin are chosen for durability and ease of maintenance, with strategic use of soft-touch surfaces in frequently contacted areas.
The dashboard layout prioritizes functionality with intuitive control placement and clear instrumentation.
The trunk capacity is another highlight, offering luggage space that rivals vehicles from larger categories:
| Interior Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Front Headroom | 38.2 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 36.8 inches |
| Trunk Volume | 14.2 cubic feet |
| Rear Seat | 60:40 split folding |
| Storage | Multiple cubbies and bottle holders |
Performance and Efficiency
The Amaze focuses on efficient, reliable performance rather than sporting pretensions. Engine options typically include:
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1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine (88-90 hp)
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1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine (98-100 hp, market dependent)
Transmission choices include a smooth 5-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that prioritizes fuel economy.
The diesel variant paired with manual transmission delivers particularly impressive efficiency figures, making it popular in markets where fuel costs are a significant consideration.
The suspension tuning strikes a balance between comfort and stability, with a slight emphasis on ride quality to handle varying road conditions.
Steering is light enough for easy maneuverability in urban environments while providing adequate feedback at higher speeds.
Technology Integration
Recent iterations of the Amaze have significantly upgraded technology offerings:
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7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
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Smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
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Rearview camera with guidelines
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Keyless entry and push-button start
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Automatic climate control
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Steering-mounted controls
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Cruise control
These features bring the Amaze closer to the equipment levels of larger sedans, addressing consumer expectations for connected technology even in entry-level vehicles.
Safety Features
Honda’s reputation for safety extends to the Amaze with a comprehensive set of safety features:
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Dual front airbags
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Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
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Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
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Impact-absorbing body structure
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ISOFIX child seat anchors
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Rear parking sensors
- Vehicle stability assist (on select variants)
The platform’s structural integrity has been engineered to perform well in crash tests while maintaining lightweight efficiency.
Market Position
The Amaze competes in the highly competitive subcompact sedan segment, facing rivals like the Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Toyota Yaris Ativ (market dependent).
Its positioning focuses on offering slightly more refinement and space than entry-level competitors, while maintaining competitive pricing.
In many markets, the Amaze serves as an introduction to Honda ownership, often attracting first-time car buyers and those upgrading from smaller vehicles.
The Honda badge carries significant weight in terms of perceived reliability and resale value, giving the Amaze an advantage over some competitors.
Key Strengths
The Amaze’s appeal centers around several distinctive attributes:
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Exceptional space efficiency with surprisingly roomy interior
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Refined driving dynamics with comfortable ride quality
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Strong fuel economy, particularly in diesel variants
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Honda’s reputation for reliability and durability
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Well-designed trunk with practical capacity
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Balanced feature set that prioritizes useful technologies
Considerations
Potential buyers should consider a few aspects that might influence their decision:
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Higher initial price than some competitors (offset by strong resale value)
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Base variants lack some desirable features
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Road noise insulation could be improved
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Diesel engine, while efficient, has more noise and vibration than petrol option
Honda Amaze:
The Honda Amaze represents a thoughtful approach to the compact sedan category, delivering core Honda values in an accessible package.
It excels in practical matters—interior space, fuel efficiency, and reliability—while offering enough style and technology to satisfy modern buyers.
For urban dwellers seeking a practical first car, small families needing a reliable second vehicle, or anyone prioritizing efficiency with reasonable comfort, the Amaze presents a compelling option.
While it may lack the flash of some competitors, its fundamental competence in key areas makes it a sensible choice that owners are likely to appreciate more with time.
The Amaze demonstrates that entry-level doesn’t need to mean basic, delivering a driving experience and ownership proposition that punches above its weight class.