Honda Amaze Review – Amazingly Indian Car

Amaze attracted many car lovers during its launch as it is Honda’s first diesel car launched in India. It entered the market when Indian government was DE-regularizing diesel prices, and diesel was slowly becoming as expensive as petrol. But still, the company managed to attract many buyers. In-fact, the waiting period for this car was four to five months until November 2013. Let’s take a look at what Amaze offers to its users.

Interior and Exterior

Alloy wheels, front grille and rear design is eye catching. Experts compared Amaze’s front with that of the Brio, while Amaze’s tail lamps are often compared with those of Honda City’s facelift version.

There is ample space inside the cabin, but most of the user reviews suggest that this car’s interior is very basic and simple. Seats are comfortable, and headrests offer good neck support. Drivers might love this sedan’s height adjustment feature for driver’s seat, its 3-spoke designed steering wheel, simple speedometer, and overall dashboard.

Switches for mirror adjustment, window controls, etc. are placed on driver side door to give more control to the driver. Air conditioning system has four vents and easily manages to control the temperature inside this cabin.

Rear seat is soft, and center armrest along with long armrests on doors, assure comfortable journey when you look inside the cabin for the first time. Tall passengers might not appreciate the headroom. Boot and backseat room are bigger that Maruti’s Dzire. But only two passengers can sit comfortably in the rear instead of three, due to cabin’s width. Boot offers 400 liters of storage space, and seems good enough to take care of luggage for family of four members.

This entry-level sedan’s cabin offers that airy and bright feeling in-spite of limited width. Two cup holders, front door pockets, storage bin, glove compartment, and bottle holder make it better than Tata Zest.

Music lovers won’t be impressed as Amaze’s music system does not have CD or DVD player. You can either listen to your favorite FM channels or listen to content from your USB by attaching it to the music system.

Power

Amaze’s 1.5 liter i-DTEC diesel engine offers mileage of 25.8 KMPL. You can also choose 1.2 liter i- VTEC petrol engine that offers mileage of 18 KMPL.

Amaze is fitted with disc brake in the front and drum brake in the rear. McPherson strut coil spring manages front suspension while Torsion beam coil spring manages rear suspension. Most of the users seem to be impressed with car’s braking system and suspension.

Safety Features

In October 2014, Honda Cars India recalled certain models of Honda CR-V, Brio and Amaze. The company announced that it has recalled around 1,235 units of Amaze to replace parts that control the functioning of airbags. Owners of this sedan were called, and faulty parts were replaced free of cost.

Indian government is still framing policy to penalize car makers for faulty parts since last few decades. There is almost no mechanism to track road accidents caused due to faulty manufacturing of cars in India. In-spite of this “business friendly” atmosphere in the country, Honda’s recall in India showed its seriousness towards customers’ safety. On the other hand, some desi car makers do not even offer air-bags in their cars designed by the “next” generation of designers.

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, immobilizer anti-theft system, front dual SRS airbags, and anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution are some of the safety features offered with Honda Amaze.

Competition

Amaze was launched in April 2013, and was considered as Honda’s shortest and cheapest sedan car during those days. It competes with Hyundai Xcent, Tata Indigo ecs and Maruti Swift Dzire.

Several users seem to be unhappy about Diesel engine’s noise. However, the car does manage to offer convincing ride even on bad roads and crowded lanes in city areas. You can easily squeeze Amaze in small parking spots.

You might miss those rear parking sensors while parking. Some drivers are also unhappy about the absence of dead pedal, but there is sufficient space that allows left foot to rest.

Amaze’s most sold variants are-VX, SX, S and first anniversary special edition that consist of wooden panel on dashboard along with minor cosmetic changes. Overall, Amaze’s diesel version is available in five variants, and petrol version is available in seven variants.

Honda has managed to sell more than 80,000 units of Amaze since its launch in April 2013. Diesel variants come with price tag of around Rs 6 lakh and 8 Lakh, while petrol version is available between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 7 Lakh. Price depends on variant that you choose and state taxes.

2015 Honda Amaze Prices in India i-DTEC 1.5E(MT)