Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? We all look for that perfect balance. Is it friendly on the pocket, both to buy and to maintain every month? Does it keep our loved ones safe? Is it packed with the latest features that make daily drives enjoyable? And importantly, can we trust the company's service network?

If these questions are on your mind, then the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S might just be the car you have been looking for. Honda has a strong reputation in India for reliability and quality, and the Amaze is a prime example. Today, let us take a closer look at the popular 2nd Gen S variant and see if it ticks all your boxes.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1199 cc
• Max Power: 90 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque: 110 Nm at 4800 rpm
• Cylinders: 4
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4

Design Overview

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen boasts a design that is both stylish and practical, making it a favourite compact sedan on Indian roads.

• Exterior Design: The Amaze has a bold and proportionate look. It features a prominent front grille with chrome accents (on higher variants, subtle on S), sleek headlamps, and a well-integrated boot that does not look like an afterthought. The lines flow smoothly from front to back, giving it a premium appeal. The S variant typically comes with stylish wheel caps over steel wheels.
• Interior Design: Step inside, and you are greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin. The dual-tone interior (often black and beige) creates an airy feel. The dashboard layout is clean and user-friendly, with all controls easily accessible. The seats are designed for comfort, especially for longer journeys, and there is ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, which is a major plus for Indian families.

Key Features

The Amaze 2nd Gen S variant offers a good balance of features, ensuring a comfortable and connected experience.

• 7-inch Digipad 2.0 Touchscreen Infotainment System (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support)
• Steering-mounted Audio and Calling Controls
• Manual Air Conditioning (Automatic Climate Control available in higher variants)
• Engine Start/Stop Button (Push-button start)
• Front and Rear Power Windows
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors)
• Rear Parking Camera and Sensors
• Day/Night Rear View Mirror

Please note: Features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are not offered on the Honda Amaze, even in its top variants. These are segment-first features typically found in premium segments.

Ground Clearance of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S: 170 mm

Boot Space of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S: 420 litres

Dimensions of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1695 mm
• Height: 1500 mm
• Wheelbase: 2470 mm

Powertrain Options

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S keeps it simple and efficient with its petrol engine. Honda has discontinued diesel engines for the Amaze in India.

• 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol engine with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol engine with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - for those who prefer an automatic driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, and the Amaze 2nd Gen S comes equipped with essential features to keep you secure.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Engine Immobilizer
• Impact Sensing Door Unlock
• High-Speed Alert System
• In CVT variants, additional safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist are also offered.

NCAP Rating Table

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen has been tested for its crashworthiness.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (2nd Gen, pre-facelift)	4 Stars	1 Star
Bharat NCAP	Not yet tested	Not yet tested

Note: The Global NCAP rating indicates a strong structural integrity for adult protection. While Bharat NCAP has not yet tested the Amaze, its Global NCAP performance provides a good benchmark.

Rivals of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S

The Honda Amaze competes in a highly competitive compact sedan segment. Its main rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire
• Hyundai Aura
• Tata Tigor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us weigh the good and the not-so-good about the Amaze 2nd Gen S to help you make an informed choice.

Advantages (Pros):

• Refined Engine: The 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine is smooth and offers good city drivability.
• Spacious Cabin: Best-in-class rear legroom makes it very comfortable for families.
• Large Boot Space: A 420-litre boot is generous for weekend trips or airport runs.
• Honda Reliability: Known for long-term durability and peace of mind.
• Fuel Efficiency: Offers competitive mileage figures, especially the CVT variant.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, soaking up bumps effectively.
• Strong Resale Value: Honda cars generally hold their value well in the used car market.

Disadvantages (Cons):

• Limited Engine Options: Only a petrol engine is available, which might disappoint those looking for diesel.
• Lack of Premium Features: Misses out on some modern features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging that rivals might offer in their top variants.
• Cabin Noise: The engine can get a bit vocal at higher RPMs, leading to some cabin noise.
• Basic Interior Feel (S variant): While functional, some might find the interior of the S variant a bit basic compared to segment leaders in terms of material quality or design flair.

Conclusion

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S stands out as a sensible and reliable choice for Indian car buyers. It offers a comfortable, spacious, and fuel-efficient package backed by Honda's trusted engineering. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of some competitors, it excels in core areas like practicality, safety (as indicated by Global NCAP), and the all-important peace of mind that comes with owning a Honda.

If you are a family buyer looking for a dependable, easy-to-drive, and spacious compact sedan that offers good value for money and predictable running costs, the Amaze S variant should definitely be on your shortlist. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its qualities firsthand and see if it truly is the right Amaze-ing car for you!