Honda Amaze EX

The Honda Amaze EX is a well-rounded compact sedan that caters to a wide range of needs. It features a refined 1.2-liter petrol or 1.5-liter diesel engine, both of which are known for their smooth performance and good fuel efficiency. The EX variant comes with a manual transmission and offers a comfortable driving experience thanks to its smooth gear shifts and effective air conditioning. The interior is spacious, with ample legroom and a large boot space, making it ideal for family use. Additional features include a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, and rear multi-view camera, enhancing both convenience and safety. However, its worth noting that the suspension can be a bit bumpy, and the ground clearance is relatively low, which might require cautious driving over rough roads. Overall, the Amaze EX is a reliable and practical choice for daily use.

The Honda Amaze EX is a solid choice in the compact sedan segment, especially for those prioritizing comfort, performance, and practicality. While it has its drawbacks, such as the soft suspension that can be problematic on Indian roads and the lack of underbody protection, the overall package is quite compelling. The refined engine, smooth gear shifts, and effective air conditioning make it a pleasure to drive. However, the tight steering and minimal ground clearance can be issues, especially when navigating rough roads. Despite these, the Amaze EX stands out with its spacious cabin, good legroom, and ample boot space, making it a great option for families. It also offers a good balance of mileage, cost, and resale value, which are key factors for many Indian car buyers.

Honda is set to launch the new-generation Amaze on December 4, 2024, with significant updates to its design, interior, and features. The new Amaze will feature a fresh exterior look inspired by the Honda City and Accord, including sleeker LED headlights and a redesigned bumper. Inside, it will have a new dashboard with a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system and a semi-digital driver’s display. I think these updates will make the Amaze a strong contender in the sub-4m sedan segment.

Ahead of its launch, Honda has released sketches of the new Amaze, revealing a mesh grille, updated LED headlight units, and new alloy wheel designs. The rear will feature fresh LED taillight units and redesigned bumpers. This facelift is the first major update since 2018, and it looks promising.

The new Honda Amaze is expected to retain the same 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 89 bhp of power and 110 Nm of torque. It will be available with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. With no diesel option, the focus is entirely on petrol. I believe this engine will still offer good performance for its segment.

The new Amaze will come with advanced safety features, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, and a rear parking camera with sensors. It will also feature electronic stability control and ISOFIX child seat mounts, making it one of the safest options in its segment. I think this emphasis on safety is a big plus for potential buyers.

The interior of the new Amaze will be inspired by the Honda City and Elevate SUV, featuring a black and beige cabin with a 3-spoke steering wheel and a patterned trim insert on the dashboard. It will also include a large touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a semi-digital instrument cluster.

The Honda Amaze EX variant is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the Honda Amaze EX petrol manual typically starts around 7.5 lakhs, while the diesel manual version starts at approximately 8.5 lakhs. On-road prices, including taxes, insurance, and other costs, can range from 8.5 lakhs to 10 lakhs depending on the state and local taxes. For instance, in Haryana, the on-road price for the Amaze S Manual, which is close to the EX variant, is around 8.25 lakhs. This pricing makes the Amaze EX a viable option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed sedan without breaking the bank.

When it comes to mileage, the Honda Amaze EX delivers reasonably well. The petrol manual version typically offers around 13-14 kmpl in city driving and up to 16-18 kmpl on highways. The diesel manual version is even more economical, providing around 15-17 kmpl in city conditions and up to 20-22 kmpl on highways. These figures make the Amaze EX a good choice for those concerned about running costs, especially given the current fuel prices in India.