The compact sedan segment has been feeling a bit… sleepy lately, thanks to the all-time high demand for SUVs. The latest contender to wake up this segment is the third-generation Honda Amaze. It’s all set to go head-to-head with the reigning champion, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which just launched its updated version last month.

Now, before you get too excited about this battle of the sedans, Honda’s President & CEO, Takuya Tsumura, is keeping things real. He’s not exactly buying into the “sedans are back” hype. According to him, the compact sedan market is growing at a mere 2 per cent CAGR (compound annual growth rate). So, yes, the sedan market isn’t exactly going to change the dynamics of the Indian automobile market, at least not yet, but that doesn’t mean the new Amaze should be written off just yet. In fact, let’s dive into this review and see if this compact sedan might just be the perfect addition to your garage.

Honda Amaze Review: Engine 

Honda has stuck with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, cranking out 88.5 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a respectable 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. Just to keep things interesting, Honda is still the only sedan in its class offering a choice between a 7-step CVT automatic or a 5-speed manual.

But before we dive into how the manual and CVT versions drive, let’s take a moment to talk about the steering. It’s one of those rare cars where the steering doesn’t feel like a featherweight. Unlike many other cars in this segment that make you feel like you’re driving a shopping cart, the Amaze’s steering is well-balanced and offers a bit more substance. You actually feel like you’re in control.

Honda has stuck with the same 5-speed manual transmission, but they’ve tweaked the first and second-gear ratios to make them shorter. This provides a quicker response in rush-hour traffic and handles stop-and-go traffic like a breeze —thanks to the light clutch. However, when it comes to tackling inclines, the Amaze starts to show its weak spot. If it’s not revved up high enough, it struggles to maintain momentum, and it forces you to down-shift more often than you’d like. This is where the gear ratios get a bit mismatched. To keep things moving, you’ll need to step on the accelerator and wait for the revs to climb to around 2,000 rpm before the powertrain gets its act together. Unfortunately, with a tall third-gear ratio, the car misses its sweet spot, making the midrange anaemic.

Now, let’s talk about the CVT. It might not be the quickest automatic transmission out there, but it’s the smoothest in its class—especially compared to the competition, which often offers AMT gearboxes. The 7-step CVT offers well-distributed power, so there’s always decent pull when you need it. It’s a fantastic city commuter, gliding through traffic with ease. The Amaze is not a spring chicken and patiently overtakes other cars, which makes you wish there was some more power.

It is the only car in its class to offer paddle shifters, which add a bit of fun and to add more urgency to the driving experience, there’s the Sport mode. Still, the CVT doesn’t appreciate being pushed too hard. If you do, you might hear a whining noise from the cabin as it protests. 

Honda Amaze Review: Class-leading Features

The Amaze is the first in the segment to be equipped with a camera-based Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System. It is also the most affordable ADAS-featured vehicle in India. The Japanese carmaker calls it Honda Sensing, but we will stick to calling it ADAS. This safety suite includes lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation system, emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control and auto high beam. It is also the first in its class to offer a blind spot monitoring system or Lanewatch camera, which is tucked underneath the left ORVM and is activated when the left indicator is switched on. 

One of the standout features of any sedan is its generous boot space, and the Honda Amaze doesn’t disappoint, offering a spacious 416 litres of luggage room. For comparison, the Tata Tigor edges it out with a slightly roomier 419 litres, but in the real world, you’ll have no trouble fitting in your weekend getaway bags. There’s another feature worth mentioning, the Amaze CVT lets you remotely start the engine using the key fob. 

Honda Amaze Review: Design and Cabin

Honda has improved the new Amaze’s exteriors by reducing its boxy image with a more sloping roofline. It sports a wide all-black honeycomb front grille with a chrome strip on top. The headlight cluster is all-new and has an LED setup while the LED DRL doubles up as indicators. The fog lamps are also all LED. The City is available in the three variants and the entry-level sits on 14-inch steel rims while the other models get 15-inch alloy wheels. The rear looks classy with new LED tail lamps that remind us of the City. The Amaze also comes with a shark fin antenna. 

The Amaze has a dual-tone beige black interiors with an 8-inch infotainment system, which is standard across the range. The dashboard has a user-friendly and a clean design with physical buttons and toggle switches on the centre console, a 12 Volt socket and two USB charging ports. Sadly, there are no USB or Type-C slots for the rear passengers though there’s another 12 Volt socket. To our surprise, the Amaze does not come with a driver’s armrest. 

Coming to the rear, it now offers air condition vents and comfort seats. What was disappointing was that even though Honda is offering three headrests in the back seat, none are adjustable. 

Source: financialexpress