Honda Amaze: Honda, a brand synonymous with reliability and performance, is experiencing a growth surge in the Indian market. Driven by the success of its recent models like the City and the Elevate, Honda is aiming to maintain this momentum by introducing a comprehensively revamped version of its popular compact sedan, the Amaze.
Scheduled for a festive season launch, possibly around Diwali 2024, the new Amaze promises a plethora of exciting upgrades, making it a strong contender in the competitive compact sedan segment.
A Platform Revamp and Design Transformation:
The new Amaze is expected to be built on the same platform as the City and the Elevate, albeit with modifications to comply with the sub-4-meter length requirement for tax benefits in India. This platform consolidation will enable Honda to achieve economies of scale and streamline production processes.
While details regarding the exact design are still under wraps, industry experts anticipate a complete design overhaul. Honda has steadily refined the Amaze’s design language over the years, and the new iteration is likely to continue this trend with sharper lines, a bolder stance, and a more contemporary aesthetic. Expect a redesigned grille, headlamps, side skirts, tail lamps, and wheel arches, along with fresh alloy wheel options.
Enhanced Interiors and Advanced Features:
Stepping inside, the new Amaze is likely to boast a completely revamped dashboard layout, featuring a prominent floating infotainment system.
This, coupled with potential upgrades like a premium sound system, automatic climate control, power-operated mirrors, leatherette upholstery, and ambient lighting, is poised to elevate the cabin ambiance significantly. In a segment-first move, Honda might even introduce a sunroof, further enhancing the overall appeal.
Keeping pace with the evolving market trends, Honda might equip the new Amaze with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering features like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and collision mitigation, thereby prioritizing passenger safety.
Engine Specifications and Transmission Options:
The new Amaze is expected to retain the existing 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, currently producing 89bhp and 110Nm of torque. While there’s a possibility of Honda retuning the engine for improved performance or fuel efficiency, it remains unconfirmed.
Since Honda discontinued its diesel engines in India due to stricter emission regulations, the petrol engine will likely be the sole powertrain option for the new Amaze. The possibility of a CNG variant is also being speculated, although it seems less likely at this stage.
Transmission choices are expected to remain the same, with a 5-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) catering to diverse driving preferences.
Launch Timeline and Expected Price:
The new Amaze is anticipated to be unveiled during the festive season, potentially around Diwali 2024. Considering the significant upgrades and potential feature additions, a price increase of approximately Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.2 lakh compared to the current model is expected. This would put the starting price somewhere between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 14 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).
The new Honda Amaze is poised to shake up the compact sedan segment with its comprehensive upgrades and anticipated features. With its refreshed design, potentially improved performance, and a focus on safety and comfort, the new Amaze is likely to attract a wider audience and solidify Honda’s position in the Indian market.
