2018 Honda Amaze Review
Car Tested: 2018 Honda Amaze; Road Test No. 943
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 7.2 lakhs – Rs. 12.2 lakhs (est.)
The 2018 Honda Amaze looks more mature and has good road presence
Honda entered the compact sedan segment with the Amaze in the year 2013. It was a very important product for Honda as it was debuting their first ever diesel engine for India. The 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine propelled the Amaze into the second best selling car for the Japanese automaker in India (first being the Honda City). Now, Honda is set to launch the second generation Amaze in India. We have already seen the car at the 2018 Auto Expo and expectations are high. Moreover, for the first time in India, Honda is bringing a diesel-CVT engine-gearbox combination.
Motor Quest: The first generation Honda Amaze was based on the Brio Platform which was developed by Honda R&D Japan. However, the second generation Amaze is based on a completely new platform developed by Honda R&D in Thailand. The global production of this car was started in India at Honda’s Tapukara Plant in Rajasthan. The Amaze is exclusively made for the Asia Pacific market and this new platform will see a host of new products in the near future.
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The 2018 Amaze is longer and wider which gives it more road presence
Exteriors – In terms of styling, the 2018 Honda Amaze sees a radical shift from its predecessor. It has grown up and how. The new Amaze’s design is now in line with other cars from Honda’s stable. The front fascia is more upright and resembles the larger City and even the Accord to some extent. It is now wider and has a longer wheelbase by 65 mm which means more cabin room. Ground clearance has been been increased by 5 mm and this car now rides on 15-inch wheels as opposed to 14-inch wheels on the previous gen car. This design literally grows on you with time and this car looks better in flesh than in photographs. Chrome is used in the right amount on the front grille. Headlamps come integrated with LED positioning lamps while the regular antenna is now replaced by a shark fin one.
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The cabin of the 2018 Honda Amaze is a big step-up from the previous generation car
Interiors – The second generation Amaze gets a completely new dashboard. Everything inside is new, starting from the 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, instrument cluster with MID display, automatic climate control buttons, design on the AC vents and a DIGIPAD 2.0 touchscreen infotainment system. The materials used inside the cabin too feel more premium. Needless to say, the dual-tone black and beige treatment on the dashboard makes the cabin feel airy and large. The steering feels good to hold and in terms of features, the new Amaze offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, cruise control, steering-mounted audio and cruise controls, push-button start, rear parking camera with sensors and electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs.
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Wheelbase is up by 65 mm and the space inside is best-in-class
The Amaze scores high on practicality, is the most spacious car in its segment
The front seats provide great comfort and support, the side bolstering deserves a special mention. Cabin space is much improved in terms of headroom, shoulder room, legroom and knee clearance. The rear seat is a much more comfortable place to be in. However, under-thigh support is strictly average for both the front and rear seats. Ingress and egress are comfortable too. The almost flat floor at the rear seat also makes the new Amaze a comfortable 5-seater compact sedan. The AC is pretty impressive and cools the cabin quickly. Honda has increased the capacity of the compressor to ensure quick cooling in our country’s tropical climate. Boot space is up by 20-litres and now measures 420-litres, which is best-in-class.
