With a launch expected on May 16, Honda is gearing up to launch its new Amaze compact sedan. The Japanese brand had showcased the model at the 2018 Auto Expo and has also officially started accepting bookings. The new Amaze will be available in four trim levels – the base E, S, V and VX.
The highlight of the new Amaze is that it will be offered with four powertrain options at launch – both the 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol and the 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel will get the five-speed manual and the option of a CVT automatic. The option of a diesel-automatic in its range will make the Amaze more competitive in its segment, as the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is currently the only car to offer the same combination. However, the diesel-CVT combo is unique in its class. Interestingly, the power and torque figures in the diesel-auto option are 20hp and 40Nm less than in its manual counterpart. ARAI rated fuel efficiencies for the variants are as follows: 19.5kpl for the petrol-manual, 19.0kpl for the petrol-automatic, 27.8kpl for the diesel-manual and 23.8kpl for the diesel-automatic. The CVT automatic will only be offered on the mid-spec S and V trims and not the top-spec VX variant.
In terms of styling, the compact sedan borrows its design from its larger siblings, particularly the Honda City. Unlike the previous model, the new Amaze’s rear styling is neat, with the rear windscreen melding into the boot in a balanced manner. The kerb weight of the new compact sedan ranges between 905kg and 1039kg. Overall the new Amaze’s dimensions have increased – it is 5mm longer at 3995mm, 15mm wider at 1695mm and has a wheelbase that is 65mm longer at 2470mm. However, the height has reduced by 5mm to 1500mm. There is a difference in the turning diameter of the petrol and diesel models as well, with the petrol posting 9.4m and the diesel posting 9.8m. Lower-spec E and S models get 14-inch steel wheels while the V and VX get 15-inch alloys. However, both are shod in similar 175/65 profile tyres.
Another highlight of the Amaze is that the dual-tone interiors will sport a new Digipad 2.0, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-compatible and comes with features like MirrorLink and a Wi-Fi connection to a synced phone for live navigation info. The insides of the new car are more spacious than the outgoing model with 45mm more shoulder room and 10mm more headroom at the rear. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear seats is now 25mm more, liberating more room for the rear occupants. Boot space has also increased from 400 litres to 420 litres.
Expected to cost a small premium over the outgoing model, which was priced between Rs 5.59 lakh and 8.54 lakh, the new Amaze will be slightly pricier than its rivals, which includes the Hyundai Xcent (Rs 5.46-8.57 lakh), Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Rs 5.56-9.43 lakh) and Ford Aspire (Rs 5.71-8.46 lakh) (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).