Honda Amaze: There’s something quietly revolutionary happening in India’s compact sedan market, and it’s coming from an unexpected source. Honda’s third-generation Amaze isn’t just another routine refresh—it’s a calculated move that could fundamentally change what buyers expect from sub-₹12 lakh sedans.
While most manufacturers focus on flashy features or aggressive pricing, Honda took a different approach with the new Amaze. They asked a simple question: what if a budget sedan could actually protect its occupants like an expensive car? The answer sits in dealerships across India, starting at ₹8.09 lakh and packed with technology that was unimaginable in this price segment just months ago.
The ADAS Revolution Reaches Mainstream India
The most significant development isn’t visible at first glance. Hidden behind the Amaze’s understated exterior lies Honda Sensing—a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite that makes this compact sedan the most affordable car in India with such advanced safety technology. We’re talking about features like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist—systems typically reserved for vehicles costing twice as much.
Early user reports suggest these aren’t just marketing checkboxes either. Real-world testing in Bangalore traffic has proven the emergency braking and collision warning systems work effectively, while lane keep assist provides genuine utility on highway drives. For families stepping up from entry-level hatchbacks, this represents a quantum leap in passive safety that many expensive cars still don’t offer.
The broader implications are fascinating. Honda has essentially forced every competitor to reconsider their value propositions. When a ₹8 lakh sedan offers more advanced safety features than ₹15 lakh SUVs, the entire market dynamic shifts.
Design Philosophy That Borrows From Success
The third-generation Amaze doesn’t try to reinvent Honda’s design language—instead, it intelligently borrows elements from the company’s most successful models. The front grille echoes the Civic’s sophisticated honeycomb pattern, while the LED headlamp design clearly draws inspiration from the popular Elevate SUV. The rear section takes cues from the City sedan, creating a cohesive family resemblance across Honda’s lineup.
This approach feels refreshingly honest. Rather than attempting to create something entirely new for the sake of novelty, Honda focused on proven design elements that buyers already associate with premium vehicles. The result is a compact sedan that looks significantly more expensive than its price tag suggests.
The new Obsidian Blue Pearl color option deserves particular mention. In a segment dominated by safe silver and white choices, this deep blue finish gives the Amaze a distinctive presence that stands out in crowded parking lots.
Interior Technology That Punches Above Weight
Step inside the new Amaze and the first impression is space—lots of it. The 2470mm wheelbase creates genuinely comfortable rear-seat accommodation that rivals larger sedans. But it’s the technology integration that truly impresses. The 8-inch floating touchscreen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eliminating the cable clutter that plagues many budget car interiors.
The wireless charging pad addresses one of modern life’s most common frustrations—dead phone batteries during commutes. Combined with rear AC vents and automatic climate control, the cabin creates an environment that feels far more premium than the price point suggests.
Honda Connect brings the Amaze into the connected car era with features like remote engine start and vehicle monitoring through smartphone apps. For buyers transitioning from basic transportation to their first feature-rich vehicle, this technology suite provides genuine value rather than superficial gadgetry.
Performance That Prioritizes Efficiency Over Excitement
The 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine remains mechanically unchanged, producing 90PS and 110Nm of torque. While this won’t set any acceleration records, the focus clearly lies elsewhere. The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures of 18.65 kmpl for the manual and 19.46 kmpl for the CVT represent excellent real-world economy in a segment where running costs matter enormously.
The CVT gearbox deserves credit for its smooth operation, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic. Though some owners report sluggish overtaking performance requiring frequent downshifts, the overall driving experience prioritizes comfort and efficiency over sporting pretensions.
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Honda Amaze Market Impact Beyond Sales Numbers
The new Amaze’s significance extends beyond its immediate sales potential. By bringing ADAS technology to the sub-₹12 lakh segment, Honda has created a benchmark that competitors will struggle to match quickly. Development cycles mean rival manufacturers won’t introduce comparable safety features for at least 12-18 months, giving Honda a substantial technological advantage.
More importantly, the Amaze demonstrates that advanced safety technology can be democratized without massive price increases. As India’s automotive market matures and safety consciousness grows, vehicles like the Amaze point toward a future where life-saving technology isn’t a luxury but a standard expectation.
The third-generation Amaze might not generate headlines like flashier launches, but it represents something more valuable—proof that practical innovation can still surprise in an increasingly predictable market.