Are you on the hunt for a new car in India? The journey can be exciting yet challenging. You are probably thinking about your budget, ensuring your family's safety, figuring out monthly maintenance costs, checking out the latest features, and of course, reliable company service. Finding that perfect balance is key. Well, today's spotlight is on a car that often ticks many of these boxes for Indian families: the new Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT. Let's dive deep into what makes this compact sedan a strong contender in its segment.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT comes with a peppy and refined 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. This engine is known for its smooth performance and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for both city commutes and occasional highway runs.

• Engine Type: 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol
• Displacement: 1199 cc
• Max Power: 90 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque: 110 Nm at 4800 rpm
• Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Design Overview

Exterior:

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen boasts a smart and sophisticated look. It carries a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and a neatly sculpted bumper that gives it a premium feel. While the S CVT variant usually comes with steel wheels and wheel covers, the overall silhouette is well-proportioned, giving it the appearance of a much larger sedan. Its clean lines and compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic.

Interior:

Step inside the Amaze S CVT and you will find a surprisingly spacious and practical cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (often black and beige) creates an airy feel. The dashboard layout is simple and ergonomic, with all controls easily accessible. Seats offer decent comfort for long journeys, and there is ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, which is a big plus in this segment.

Key Features

The S CVT variant is a mid-spec option, offering a good balance of essential features without breaking the bank. While it might not boast all the bells and whistles of top-end variants, it provides a comfortable and convenient driving experience.

• Infotainment: A 2DIN audio system with AM/FM, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB input. (Note: Top variants get a 7-inch touchscreen.)
• Climate Control: Manual Air Conditioning (AC) with heater.
• Convenience: All four power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), tilt steering, front and rear accessory power sockets.
• Comfort: Fabric upholstery, front and rear headrests.
• No Sunroof, 360-degree camera, or Wireless Charging in the S CVT variant. These are typically found in higher-end models.

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

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT offers a practical ground clearance of 170 mm. This is adequate for tackling most Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

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

You get a generous boot space of 420 litres, which is among the best in its class. This makes the Amaze a great choice for family trips and carrying luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT?

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

Powertrain Options

While our focus is on the S CVT, it is good to know the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen primarily offers a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. This engine is available with two transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission: For those who prefer direct control and engagement.
• CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): The highlight of our review, offering smooth, gearless driving, especially beneficial in city traffic.

Safety Features

Honda has equipped the Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT with a decent set of safety features to keep you and your loved ones protected.

• Dual Front Airbags (driver and passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Engine Immobilizer
• Impact Sensing Door Unlock
• Day/Night Rear View Mirror

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a top priority for any car buyer. The Honda Amaze has been tested by independent crash safety assessment programs.

Note: Global NCAP rating is from tests conducted on earlier models under older protocols. Bharat NCAP rating is more recent and uses stricter, updated protocols, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard for 3-star and above, which affects older platform vehicles.

Rivals of Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT

The compact sedan segment in India is quite competitive. The Honda Amaze S CVT goes up against some strong players:

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire VXI AGS
• Hyundai Aura S/SX AMT
• Tata Tigor XMA/XZA AMT

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's look at the practical aspects of owning the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT.

Pros:

• Honda Reliability: Known for excellent build quality and long-term durability.
• Smooth CVT Transmission: Offers a very comfortable and jerk-free driving experience, especially in city traffic.
• Spacious Cabin: Class-leading rear-seat legroom and overall passenger comfort.
• Large Boot Space: A massive 420-litre boot is perfect for family luggage.
• Refined Engine: The 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine is smooth and relatively quiet.
• Fuel Efficiency: The CVT variant offers impressive mileage figures, keeping running costs in check.
• Strong After-Sales Service: Honda's service network and reputation for quality service are strong in India.

Cons:

• Feature List (S CVT): The S CVT variant lacks some modern features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, or push-button start, which rivals offer in similar price ranges.
• Engine Performance: While refined, the 1.2L engine can feel a bit underpowered for spirited highway overtaking or fully loaded scenarios.
• Road Noise: Some users report that road noise can filter into the cabin at higher speeds.
• Dated Interior Design: Compared to newer rivals, the interior design of the S CVT might feel a little basic.
• Safety Rating (Bharat NCAP): The 2-star rating from Bharat NCAP, under newer, stricter protocols, might be a concern for some buyers looking for the highest safety standards.

Conclusion

The Honda Amaze 2nd Gen S CVT is a sensible and dependable choice for Indian car buyers looking for a compact sedan. It excels in core areas like reliability, cabin space, and boot capacity. The smooth CVT transmission makes daily commutes a breeze, and Honda's reputation for service adds peace of mind. While the S CVT variant might not be loaded with the latest gadgetry, it offers all the essentials you need for a comfortable and practical ownership experience.

If your priorities are a hassle-free automatic drive, ample space for your family, a large boot for those weekend trips, and the trusted Honda badge, then the Amaze S CVT definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist. It is a car that truly puts practicality and peace of mind first, making it a strong contender in the bustling compact sedan segment.