Honda Amaze

Honda’s compact sedan promises to up the game in its second generation

- Abhay Verma

When the compact sedan segment was born a decade ago, we knew it wasn’t just a flash in the pan and over the years, the cars have evolved interestingly. Be in terms of their design or equipment levels, most new-age compact sedans are impressive. Clearly the segment is here to stay for longer than what some would have imagined. The new generation Honda Amaze only cements this belief of mine further. It looks radically different from its predecessor, is more spacious and also gets more equipment. How does it feel from behind the wheel? We spent a day driving the petrol and diesel versions to find out.

The design

The design language of the new Amaze is inspired by cars like the Honda City and Civic’s. It looks more muscular, though I wouldn’t say the design is more modern. In fact there’s a slightly retro feel and a hint of some of the 1990’s American muscle cars, especially the way the headlights and front grille are styled. It may have received mixed reviews, but personally I like the way the new Amaze looks. More importantly, the way the roofline merges into the bootlid you know this isn’t a cut-paste job.

Honda’s designers have clearly spent time perfecting this particular portion, considering it has been an Achilles heel for the segment. The sides aren’t as appealing but the rear end looks good and reminds you of the last generation City, thanks to the bootlid’s pronounced lip and C-shaped tail lights. On the whole, this is a well-designed car and I am glad to report that in terms of their design, compact sedans have come of age.

Interiors and equipment