The second-generation Honda Amaze made its global debut at the 2018 Auto Expo, underlining the compact sedan’s importance for the Indian market. Honda says that the new model has been developed specifically for India at its Asia Pacific R&D centre in Thailand, based on findings drawn from extensive market surveys conducted in India. Here are the five most vital things you should know about the new Honda Amaze:
Design
The first-gen Honda Amaze was one of the nicer looking cars of the first crop of compact sedans and things have improved for the better on the second-gen model. There’s a more prominent bonnet section, a neatly done rear end and, in general, a greater balance to the design. There’s more than a hint of larger Honda sedans to the styling, and the grille design, with its chrome garnish, serves to link the Amaze to the updated City. New 10-spoke alloy wheels round up the changes on the outside.
Interior
On the inside, the new Amaze gets a touchscreen infotainment system that takes pride of place on the black-and-beige two-tone dashboard. Interior quality sees a jump up too and Honda seems to have carved out a vital few millimetres in every direction to make the cabin feel even more spacious than the original’s.
Powertrain
While Honda has not confirmed details yet, we can expect the current 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine and 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel motor to be carried over. The former’s option of a five-speed manual and CVT automatic continues, as does the latter’s five-speed manual. A highlight of the new Amaze will be the option of a diesel-automatic variant, one that will uniquely make use of a CVT gearbox.
Rivals
Replacing the current first-gen model, the new Amaze will rival the Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Rs 5.56-9.43 lakh), Hyundai’s Xcent (Rs 5.46-8.53 lakh), Volkswagen Ameo (Rs 5.50-9.99 lakh), Tata Tigor (Rs 4.71-6.99 lakh) and the upcoming, updated Ford Aspire.
Launch date and pricing
Expect the new model to cost a small premium over the outgoing model’s price tag, which stands at Rs 5.58-8.43 lakh for the petrol models and Rs 6.75-8.50 lakh for the diesel models. The top-spec CVT-diesel is expected to command a Rs 1 lakh premium over the current range-topping diesel variant, based on the differences between the petrol-manual and petrol-CVT options.
Honda is expected to launch the new Amaze in India in the second quarter of 2018. More details about the compact sedan, like the safety features and equipment on offer, will emerge closer to the launch. Stay tuned.