Honda has raised the bar in the compact sedan segment with the launch of the 2024 Honda Amaze, priced at ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Packed with significant exterior and interior updates and introducing segment-first Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the new Amaze is set to redefine safety and style in its category.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Exterior and interior upgrades
- Segment-first Level 2 ADAS
- Same 1.2-litre petrol engine as before
EXTERIOR UPDATES: A MODERN LOOK WITH FAMILIAR STYLING
The 2024 Honda Amaze blends sharp, modern aesthetics with a familiar silhouette. Borrowing design cues from its siblings, the Honda Elevate and City, the Amaze boasts:
- A bold new front grille and headlight design inspired by the Elevate, enhancing road presence.
- Sleek rear tail lights reminiscent of the Honda City, giving the car a wider and more premium appearance.
While its dimensions remain unchanged, these updates make the Amaze a more refined contender against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
INTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS: SPACE MEETS STYLE
The interior of the new Amaze is a significant step up from its predecessor. Drawing inspiration from Honda’s global models, the cabin features:
- A free-standing 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display.
- A redesigned climate control layout and dashboard for a more premium feel.
- Class-leading boot space of 416 liters, surpassing most compact sedans and even some compact SUVs.
While it misses out on a sunroof—a feature offered by the Dzire—the Amaze compensates with its spacious and functional design.
SAFETY: SETTING A NEW BENCHMARK WITH ADAS
The 2024 Honda Amaze is the first in its segment to introduce Level 2 ADAS, ensuring a safer driving experience with features such as:
- Lane-keep assist.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Auto high-beam assist.
In addition to ADAS, the Amaze comes equipped with:
- 6 airbags (standard).
- ISOFIX child seat mounts.
- ABS with EBD, hill start assist, and stability control as standard.
Although it hasn’t yet undergone GNCAP or BNCAP safety testing, these features reinforce Honda’s commitment to safety.
PERFORMANCE: TRUSTED POWERTRAIN, IMPROVED EFFICIENCY
The new Amaze retains its 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 90 PS and 110 Nm of torque. Available with a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic, it offers fuel efficiency of:
- 19.46 kmpl (CVT).
- 18.65 kmpl (manual).
While its mileage doesn’t surpass Maruti’s Dzire, Honda’s powertrain is renowned for its smooth performance and reliability.
PRICING AND RIVALS
Starting at ₹7.99 lakh and going up to ₹10.90 lakh for the top variant, the Amaze positions itself as a premium offering in the compact sedan market. Key competitors include:
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Known for its fuel efficiency and competitive pricing.
- Hyundai Aura: Offers factory-fitted CNG options.
- Tata Tigor: A robust and value-for-money option.
With its segment-first ADAS, updated design, and premium cabin, the new Amaze aims to carve out its niche as a safer and more refined choice.
CONCLUSION
The 2024 Honda Amaze represents a bold step forward in the compact sedan segment, combining innovative safety technology, modern design, and Honda’s signature reliability. As it battles the likes of the Dzire, Aura, and Tigor, the Amaze’s focus on safety and style may well make it the preferred choice for discerning buyers.
