2nd Generation Honda Amaze
The fundamental layout of cars comprises of SUVs, Sedans and Hatchbacks, but with developments in the market for more compact and practical car new layouts were formed in the name of Compact SUV and the Compact Sedan. The new layout rapidly caught everyone's eye and became an overnight hit especially in the Metro cities where daily commute is difficult. Over the years, many brands have introduced their compact cars in India and have received love and admiration by the public. One such compact sedan was brought by Honda in the year 2011 called the Amaze, the bug eyed compact sedan soon became a household name with great sales. In the year 2018, Honda came up with the 2nd generation with major aesthetical changes, and now in the year 2022, Honda uplifted the 2nd generation Amaze by giving it minor tweaks. Competing against the Swift Dzire, Hyundai Aura and the Tata Tigor, the Amaze has a price range between ₹6.63lakhs to ₹11.50lakhs with the bestselling Petrol VX CVT at ₹9.36lakhs and VX Diesel at ₹10.60lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.
Engine and Engineering
Honda has always been loved and praised for its petrol engine, its smooth and quiet performance coupled with fuel efficiency and a refined powertrain. The 2nd Generation Amaze comes with 2 engine options, the 1.2L 4-cylinder Naturally Aspirated i-VTECH Petrol engine that produces 90hp and 110nm of torque, and the 1.5L 4-cylinder Turbocharged i-DTECH Diesel engine producing 100hp and 200nm of torque along with a 5-speed manual transmission. The CVT automatic transmission is available with the same petrol engine but the 1.5L i-DTECH diesel engine is reduced to 80hp and 160nm of torque. Adding the CVT automatic transmission to the Amaze was a brilliant move by Honda as the CVT is better in performance than the AMT and IMT and it gives a better mileage than the DCT, none of the competitors provide CVT transmission which makes the Amaze unique. One can actually enjoy the CVT completely when switched to Sports mode, it stretches and holds the gear for higher RPMs. A lighter steering wheel for better handling in city drive.
Design
The first generation of the Amaze went for a Bug face front profile with big headlights and a small protruding nose as grille but the second generation is more into muscular design with sharp lines and strong shoulders, the overall exterior reminds of an American Muscle car. 3.99m long, 1.7m wide and 1.5m high are the dimensions of a perfect compact sedan, additionally the 170mm ground clearance and the 15-inches diamond cut alloy wheels are good enough to cover bumpy roads. The Amaze does get 15-inch wheels but the spare wheel is only 14-inches so we cannot over speed too much using the spare wheel. The headlights are now LED Projector lights with LED DRL's, the taillights get a "C" shape design which is very eye catchy. Plenty of chrome is used, Honda Civic inspired chunky chrome bar on the front grille, twin chrome slats under the chrome bar, chrome fog lamp surrounds and a chrome strip on the rear bumper connecting the reflectors. The Amaze is available in 5 color choices - Platinum White Pearl, Radiant Red, Meteoroid Grey, Lunar Silver and Golden Brown.
Coming to the interior, it is amazingly spacious with good leg room at the back that comfortably sits 3 adults thanks to the almost flat floor. The rear seat is spacious but it lacks a rear AC vent and adjustable headrests. Dual tone black and beige interior with silver highlights over the dashboard and chrome surrounds over the AC vents for more premium ambience. The dashboard layout supports an Ergonomic design which means that the controls are easily accessible to the driver. The only tilt adjustment steering is not leather wrapped, there is no front center arm rest as well which is a big disappointment.
Features
The Honda Amaze checks on all the necessary features but lacks in some of the premium features like a sunroof and a wireless charger. What we do get is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlights, height adjustable driver seat, cruise control but only in the manual mode, Smart Keyless entry, Two 12V power sockets and Paddle Shifters for CVT.
Safety
When it comes to safety, Honda has always been better as compared to its other Japanese and Korean competition. The Amaze has scored 4 stars in Global NCAP which is more than enough a proof of the built quality. Standard safety features include dual airbags, ABS + EBD and ISOFIX mounts. It also gets a Multi View rear camera with guidelines and a Pinch Guard on the windows.
Conclusion
Since the year 2011 the Honda Amaze has been a go to family sedan for many happy customers and the second generation does not fail to live up to the legacy. It is a great package of comfort and practicality making this baby sedan a great city car. Yes, the competition offers more features but the CVT compensates for all the losses. Choosing between the variants, it is best to go for Diesel manual or the Petrol CVT.