Buying a new car is always an exciting journey, isn't it? But it's also a decision packed with many questions. You're probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will cost, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, the reliability of the company's service. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can feel like a challenge. But what if we told you there's a popular compact sedan that has consistently been a strong contender in the Indian market, addressing many of these concerns? Today, we're taking a deep dive into the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen, a car that promises a blend of practicality, comfort, and efficiency, making it a strong choice for Indian families looking for a reliable daily driver.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen offers two robust engine options, catering to different driving preferences:

• 1.2-litre i-VTEC Petrol Engine:
  • Power: 90 PS
  • Torque: 110 Nm
  • Known for its refinement and smooth performance, ideal for city driving and occasional highway trips.
• 1.5-litre i-DTEC Diesel Engine:
  • Power: 100 PS (Manual), 80 PS (CVT)
  • Torque: 200 Nm (Manual), 160 Nm (CVT)
  • Offers excellent fuel efficiency and strong low-end torque, perfect for highway cruising and those who clock more kilometres.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Amaze 2nd Gen introduced a more mature and sophisticated design compared to its predecessor. It boasts a bold, upright stance with a prominent grille featuring a thick chrome bar that gives it a premium feel. The sleek headlamps and C-shaped LED taillights add to its contemporary look. Its compact dimensions make it agile in urban traffic, while the overall design language ensures it looks appealing and well-proportioned.

Interior

Step inside, and you'll find a practical and comfortable cabin. The dual-tone beige and black theme (depending on the variant) creates an airy feel. The dashboard design is clean and functional, with all controls easily accessible. Honda is known for its clever packaging, and the Amaze is no exception, offering good space for five occupants, especially with ample legroom in the rear. The quality of materials is decent for its segment, focused on durability and ease of maintenance.

Key Features

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen comes packed with features designed to enhance your driving experience and comfort:

• Infotainment System: 7-inch Digipad 2.0 touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and calls.
• Automatic Climate Control: Maintains a comfortable cabin temperature automatically.
• Cruise Control: For relaxed highway driving.
• Engine Start/Stop Button: For convenient keyless ignition.
• Steering-Mounted Controls: For audio and call management.
• Rear Parking Camera and Sensors: Aid in easy parking.
• LED Projector Headlamps (in top variants): For improved visibility.

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen?

• The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen offers a generous 170 mm of ground clearance, which is quite adequate for Indian road conditions, helping it tackle speed breakers and minor undulations with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen?

• The Amaze 2nd Gen boasts an impressive 420 litres of boot space, which is among the best in its segment. This means ample room for your luggage on weekend trips or large grocery runs.

What is the Dimensions of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen?

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1695 mm
• Height: 1510 mm
• Wheelbase: 2470 mm

Powertrain Options

Both the petrol and diesel engines are available with two transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission: Offers engaging driving dynamics and precise gear shifts.
• CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): Provides smooth, clutch-free driving, making it highly convenient for city traffic. A notable highlight is that Amaze was one of the few cars in its segment to offer a diesel-CVT combination, providing great fuel efficiency with automatic convenience.

Safety Features

Honda has equipped the Amaze 2nd Gen with a respectable set of safety features:

• Dual Front Airbags (standard across all variants)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) (standard)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear View Camera
• Impact Sensing Door Unlock

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a paramount concern for car buyers. Here's how the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen fares in crash tests:

Rivals of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen

The compact sedan segment is highly competitive in India. The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen faces stiff competition from popular models like:

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire: The segment leader, known for its strong mileage and Maruti's widespread service network.
• Hyundai Aura: Offers a feature-rich cabin and refined engines.
• Tata Tigor: Known for its strong build quality and value-for-money proposition.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages (Pros)

• Spacious Cabin: One of the best for rear-seat legroom in its class, making it comfortable for families.
• Large Boot Space: 420 litres is excellent for luggage, enhancing its practicality.
• Fuel-Efficient Diesel Engine: The 1.5L i-DTEC diesel is very frugal, especially with the manual gearbox.
• Smooth CVT Option: Both petrol and diesel engines get a well-tuned CVT, offering a relaxed driving experience in traffic.
• Reliable Honda Brand: Known for its engineering, durability, and a good service network.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, absorbing bumps effectively.
• Global NCAP 4-Star Safety: Provides a good level of adult occupant protection.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Feature Set: Lacks some modern features found in rivals, like wireless charging, ventilated seats, or a sunroof.
• Interior Design: While practical, it can feel a bit basic compared to some flashier competitors.
• Diesel Engine Noise: The diesel engine can be a bit noisy, especially at higher RPMs.
• Child Occupant Safety Rating: The 1-star rating for child occupant protection in Global NCAP is a significant area for improvement.
• Petrol Engine Performance: While refined, it's not the most spirited performer, especially when fully loaded.

Conclusion

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen stands out as a sensible and dependable choice in the competitive compact sedan segment. It shines with its practicality, offering class-leading boot space and excellent cabin room for a family. The availability of both petrol and diesel engines with smooth CVT options caters to a wide range of buyers. While it might not be the most feature-rich or the flashiest car on the block, its strengths lie in its renowned Honda reliability, impressive fuel efficiency (especially the diesel), and a comfortable, stress-free driving experience. For prospective car buyers in India prioritizing space, fuel economy, the convenience of an automatic, and a trustworthy brand name with a decent safety rating for adults, the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen definitely deserves a test drive. It's a car designed for the practical needs of Indian families, and it delivers on its promises.