Some call Honda Amaze a small and compact car while others call it a complete package. Honda Amaze was a huge success when it was launched in the year 2013 due to higher fuel efficiency, spacious cabin and aggressive price range. Though it was criticized for Brio inspired front end and quirky interior but with this new update, front is neither same as the Brio nor the rear lamps are reminder of the City. The Interiors too have been improved significantly over the previous version of the sedan.
Engine and Performance:
Honda and Diesel are two words which have been paired so well and this time with the advent of Amaze that the peers will have to watch closely to stay in competition. With the DOHC i-DTEC engine that produces 99bhp and 200Nm of torque with whopping 25.8km/l mileage it contributes heavily in saving your pocket. It is also available with 1.2l i-Vtec petrol mill which churns out 87bhp and 109Nm, paired with a five speed manual and a five speed CVT gearbox.
NVH or the noise, vibration and harshness are much controlled for diesel trim especially at low revs, but not so at high revs. The automatic brakes continue to impress you on smooth roads but on twisty narrow roads of Goa where this test drive was taken realized the need of manual braking systems, also the 14 inch MRF tyres used on the test car had a satisfying grip preventing slip.
The ride of Amaze isn’t as smooth as that of its competitors that are quite smooth on bumpy roads, but agrees that Amaze is smooth on curves and turns. There is also a scope for improvements in the grip of the tyre to reduce the braking distance.
Exterior:
The best part of the exterior is probably the crease lines that run along the sides of the car making it as aerodynamic as possible and give it a standard sedan look. The rear has been paid special attention by the engineers keeping in mind the ample boot and head space along with the accessory pockets right in the middle of the seat to hold bottles and side pockets to hold magazines. The almond shaped Headlights at the front have been retained while the new twin slate that cuts both the headlamps, new fog lamps, honeycomb shape air dam add to the convenience of the sedan. Rear also received new tail lights that contains black tinge inside and enhances the overall design.
Interior and Safety:
The cabin of new Amaze comes with much needed refreshing change in the form of redesigned dashboard and new fabric upholstery. The interior color scheme of dual beige tone with Piano black central console, chrome accents creates its own aura and gives a royal feeling of being in the cabin. The highest variant has driver seat height adjustment with difference of 50mm between the highest and lowest level along with audio controls on the steering. The steering is power driven and freaking smooth. With 5 speeds FWD and 1 reverse gear, the shifts are quick adding to easy maneuverability.
Recently it got an AVN touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and voice recognition, but shockingly Honda has dropped the AVN system for monochrome ICE display. The audio system is fairly good with the USB and AUX compatibility. However, the unique windshields have heat absorbing capability unlike Brio. Counting on the safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt pretensioners with load limiters we aren’t disappointed with Amaze. The rear seats offer more space than the segment leader Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and have a huge boot space of 400 liters.
Verdict:
The Amaze has set a benchmark in diesel engine car with intelligent interiors and unique exteriors; Amaze has already retailed 2 lakh units in the Indian market because people are ready to pay few extra thousand bucks than Dzire to try it out! Well, overall Honda has up the value proportion of the car by giving it some cosmetic changes, almost all new cabin though it could have been little better by including a touchscreen infotainment system, keyless entry and better front seats. But still with these changes the company has given you more reasons to buy Amaze.
Pros:
- Power and Performance of diesel engine
- 25.8 KMPL of pocket friendly fuel efficiency
- Reliability and good ownership experience
- Slick gearshift and great urban commuter
Cons:
- Less dynamic than Ford Figo Aspire
- NVH levels still needs improvement
- Many features missing such as touchscreen infotainment, keyless entry etc
