Aiming to Outclass

The third-generation Honda Amaze compact sedan gets inspired new styling and a lot of new equipment to empower its arsenal to take on the segment and the future

- Jim Gorde

THE HONDA AMAZE HAS COME A LONG WAY since it first arrived during the compact sedan segment boom. Based on the Brio hatchback at the time, it generated enough interest and demand to fuel a bold new second-generation model. How time flies! The third-generation model has now arrived and it gets styling inspired by its larger siblings, notably the Elevate SUV and the popular City sedan, albeit in a sub-four-metre footprint.

The new Honda Amaze gets a bold face with a purposeful and rather imposing grille flanked by sharp new LED headlight clusters, with a prominent chrome strip above. The raked windscreen now sees a new addition behind it. Honda Sensing yes, the advanced driver assistance system or ADAS is now a part of the new Amaze and it is the first in its segment. The mirrors are mounted on the door line, leaving room to aid visibility, somewhat, for the driver. The Honda Amaze also gets a new variant line, with V, VX, and ZX trim levels each with a choice of manual or CVT automatic transmissions. The latter two get 15-inch wheels and wider 185/60 rubber.

The concept of "elite booster sedan" was the inspiration behind the development and was meant to embody Honda's vision of empowering buyers with the latest in sophisticated technology which they hope will allow them to confidently present their elevated social status. After all, owning a car is a matter of pride and prestige and that remains unchanged in society.

The reliable three-box design sits on a wheelbase measuring 2,470 millimetres and continues with a 3,995-mm long body.