In the bustling streets of India, where every inch of road space is precious, the compact sedan segment has always held a special place.
Among the contenders vying for supremacy in this fiercely competitive market, the Honda Amaze has consistently stood out as a beacon of reliability, style, and performance.
Now, with the launch of its latest iteration, Honda has raised the bar even higher, introducing a slew of upgrades that promise to redefine what buyers can expect from a sub-4-meter sedan.
A Design Evolution
The 2024 Honda Amaze arrives with a complete design overhaul, both inside and out.
At first glance, the new Amaze commands attention with its refreshed front fascia. The redesigned grille exudes a sense of sophistication, while the new LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs) give the car a modern, high-tech appearance.
The front bumper has been sculpted to enhance aerodynamics and visual appeal, complemented by stylish LED fog lights.
Moving to the side profile, the Amaze retains its sleek silhouette but introduces new dual-tone alloy wheels that add a touch of sportiness.
Perhaps the most noticeable change is the repositioning of the ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) from the A-pillar to the doors, a small tweak that significantly improves visibility and gives the car a more premium look.
The rear of the new Amaze has not been left untouched. The LED taillights have been redesigned, drawing inspiration from the current Honda City.
This not only enhances the car’s aesthetic appeal but also improves visibility for trailing vehicles. The rear bumper has been reshaped to complement the overall design language, resulting in a more cohesive and upmarket appearance.
Comfort Redefined
Step inside the 2024 Honda Amaze, and you’re greeted by an interior that belies the car’s compact exterior dimensions.
Honda has paid meticulous attention to the cabin design, focusing on both aesthetics and ergonomics. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with all controls within easy reach of the driver.
One of the standout features is the new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
This unit supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity for all users. The interface is responsive and user-friendly, a significant upgrade from the previous generation.
The seats have been redesigned with a focus on long-distance comfort.
The front seats now feature better side bolstering and lumbar support, while the rear bench offers improved under-thigh support. Despite its compact dimensions, the Amaze continues to offer class-leading legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable ride for all occupants.
Climate control has been enhanced with the introduction of rear AC vents, ensuring that even back-seat passengers remain comfortable in India’s sweltering summers.
The addition of a PM2.5 cabin air filter is a thoughtful touch, especially considering the air quality concerns in many Indian cities.
Performance that Impresses
Under the hood, the 2024 Honda Amaze continues to offer the tried-and-tested 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine.
This powerplant delivers 90 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque, striking a fine balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
The engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), catering to different driving preferences.
The manual transmission offers a slick-shifting experience, with well-defined gates and a light clutch action, making it ideal for city driving.
The CVT, on the other hand, provides a smooth and effortless driving experience, perfect for those who frequently find themselves in stop-and-go traffic.
One of the most impressive aspects of the new Amaze is its fuel efficiency. Honda claims an ARAI-certified mileage of 18.65 kmpl for the manual variant and an even more impressive 19.46 kmpl for the CVT version.
These figures not only make the Amaze one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment but also ensure low running costs for owners.
Safety First
Honda has always prioritized safety, and the new Amaze takes this commitment to the next level. The car now comes with six airbags as standard across all variants, a first in its segment.
This comprehensive airbag system includes dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, providing 360-degree protection for all occupants.
But the safety features don’t stop there. The Amaze is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ensuring optimal braking performance in all conditions.
The inclusion of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist further enhances the car’s safety credentials.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking addition to the safety suite is the introduction of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features.
The Amaze becomes the first car in its segment to offer ADAS, which includes features like:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Departure Warning
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
These features not only enhance safety but also reduce driver fatigue on long journeys, making the Amaze a compelling choice for those who frequently undertake highway trips.
Tech-Savvy Features
The 2024 Honda Amaze is packed with features that cater to the tech-savvy buyer. The aforementioned 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is just the tip of the iceberg. The car also comes with:
- A 7-inch semi-digital driver’s display that provides essential information at a glance
- Wireless phone charging, eliminating the need for messy cables
- Remote engine start/stop functionality, allowing you to cool the car before you enter
- Honda Connect telematics system with over 32 connected car features
- Automatic climate control with touch panel interface
- Cruise control for effortless highway cruising
- Keyless entry and push-button start
These features not only add convenience but also give the Amaze a premium feel that’s usually associated with cars from a segment above.
Variants and Pricing
The 2024 Honda Amaze is offered in three broad variants: V, VX, and ZX. The pricing structure is as follows:
- V MT: Rs. 8.00 lakh
- VX MT: Rs. 9.10 lakh
- VX CVT: Rs. 10.00 lakh
- ZX MT: Rs. 9.90 lakh
- ZX CVT: Rs. 10.90 lakh
(All prices are ex-showroom, pan-India)
While the base V variant offers excellent value with its comprehensive safety features and essential amenities, the mid-spec VX variant is considered the sweet spot in the range.
It offers a good balance of features and affordability, including the touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and alloy wheels.
The top-spec ZX variant is for those who want all the bells and whistles, including the ADAS features, leather upholstery, and LED headlamps.
Market Positioning and Competition
The compact sedan segment in India is fiercely competitive, with strong contenders like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor.
However, with its comprehensive update, the 2024 Honda Amaze has positioned itself as a premium offering in this space.
The Amaze’s USPs include:
- Segment-first ADAS features
- Six airbags as standard across all variants
- Class-leading fuel efficiency
- Honda’s reputation for reliability and quality
While it may be priced slightly higher than some of its competitors, the Amaze justifies its premium with its superior build quality, advanced features, and the peace of mind that comes with owning a Honda.
New Honda Amaze : A Compelling Package
The 2024 Honda Amaze is more than just a facelift; it’s a comprehensive update that addresses the evolving needs of the Indian car buyer.
By introducing segment-first features like ADAS and six airbags as standard, Honda has set a new benchmark for safety in the compact sedan segment.
The Amaze’s blend of style, comfort, performance, and technology makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of buyers – from young professionals looking for their first car to families in need of a reliable and spacious urban runabout.
While the compact sedan segment has seen some players exit in recent years, Honda’s commitment to this space with the new Amaze is commendable.
It shows that there’s still a strong market for well-engineered, feature-rich sedans that offer the perfect balance of practicality and aspirational value.
As India’s automotive landscape continues to evolve, with a growing focus on electric mobility, the 2024 Honda Amaze stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed, efficient, and technologically advanced petrol-powered sedan.
It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a reimagining of what a compact sedan can be, setting new standards that competitors will undoubtedly strive to match.
For those in the market for a compact sedan that offers more than just basic transportation, the 2024 Honda Amaze deserves serious consideration. It’s a car that doesn’t just meet expectations – it exceeds them, promising a ownership experience that’s as rewarding as it is practical.