The Honda Amaze is a compact sedan and has been built as an extended booted version of the Brio hatchback. Hence, the model looks and feels (from the inside) just like its hatch sibling, like the familiar case of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Swift DZire. The Honda engineers have done a tidy job in transforming Brio’s sharp lines and cuts into the curvaceous body language of the Amaze. This compact sedan boasts of stunning looks and a practical design, along with some nice Honda handiwork. Like all Honda models, Amaze feels premium and could easily be considered a benchmark for its segment.
Amaze looks both practical and modish, besides being miles ahead of its competition in terms of premium quotient. The front design is basically the same as that of Brio with some little changes. The side profile has two sharp lines curving towards the end, while the windscreen smoothly shapes into the car’s boot. Amaze has a tipped forward stance on road, which is why it looks as if it’s always ready to pounce on a prey! This compact sedan had been a success in abroad as well, which was a big reason for its launch on the Indian soil.
The Honda Amaze, I drove, was a diesel model and had a peculiar quality around its engine. For instance, this 1.5 litre iDTEC diesel motor churns out an industry leading 98 bhp of peak power that delivers an even more impressive fuel economy figure of 25.8 kmpl (ARAI certified). The iDTEC felt little sluggish in its pick up and took few km to get warmed up. There was also some very noticeable buzzing and humming from the engine, which could be felt while sitting inside the cockpit. The power is evident on the higher gears and that’d be my favourite part about this 1.5 litre iDTEC diesel motor.
Like all Honda cars, the Amaze has been provided with great interiors. The seats have ample cushioning and a nice sitting posture, perfect for both short and long trips. The central console looks dapper and yet, complements the practical nature of this compact sedan. Everything inside the cockpit reminded me of Brio, and I especially admire the way Honda engineers have squeezed the legroom and shoulder room in this compact sedan. In all fairness, Honda Amaze is easily the most complete models of its generation and has the perfect mix to see a long journey ahead in India.
