The Honda Amaze stands as a testament to Honda’s commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and stylish vehicles tailored for the Indian market. Launched initially in 2013 as the Honda Brio Amaze, this sub-compact sedan has evolved significantly over the years, with its third-generation model hitting the roads in December 2024. Designed to comply with India’s sub-4-meter regulations, which offer tax benefits for compact cars, the Amaze combines practicality, affordability, and a premium feel that appeals to urban families and first-time car buyers alike. Positioned below the larger Honda City in the brand’s sedan lineup, the Amaze caters to those seeking a balance between cost-effectiveness and modern features, making it one of Honda’s best-selling models in India.
What sets the Honda Amaze apart in the fiercely competitive compact sedan segment is its blend of refined engineering, a spacious cabin, and cutting-edge safety features like the segment-first Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). With its sleek design inspired by the Honda Elevate SUV and Honda City, the Amaze exudes a sophisticated yet understated charm that resonates with Indian buyers. Powered by a single, trusted petrol engine, it offers both manual and automatic transmission options, ensuring versatility for different driving preferences. As of March 2025, the Amaze continues to captivate buyers with its value-for-money proposition, robust build quality, and Honda’s reputation for durability. In this detailed overview, we’ll explore its technical specifications, variants, pricing across metro cities, and how it stacks up against its close competitors.
Technical Specifications
The Honda Amaze is equipped with a single engine option—a 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol unit—known for its smooth performance and fuel efficiency. Below is a comprehensive table of its technical specifications, compiled from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale as of March 2025.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol |
| Displacement | 1199 cc |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 |
| Max Power | 89 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 7-Step CVT |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (E20 Compliant) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18.65 kmpl (MT) / 19.46 kmpl (CVT) |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 Liters |
| Length | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1733 mm |
| Height | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2470 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 172 mm |
| Boot Space | 416 Liters |
| Kerb Weight | 952-986 kg (Variant Dependent) |
| Suspension (Front) | McPherson Strut, Coil Spring |
| Suspension (Rear) | Torsion Beam, Coil Spring |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Disc / Drum |
| Tyre Size | 175/65 R14 (Base) / 185/60 R15 (Top) |
These specifications highlight the Amaze’s compact yet efficient design, tailored for city driving and occasional highway trips. The E20-compliant engine ensures compatibility with ethanol-blended fuel, aligning with India’s push toward sustainable mobility.
Variants
The Honda Amaze is offered in three primary trims—V, VX, and ZX—each available with either a manual transmission (MT) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This results in a total of six variants, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. Below is a table detailing the variants as of March 2025.
| Variant | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| V 1.2 Petrol MT | 5-Speed Manual | LED Headlamps, 8-inch Touchscreen, Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD |
| V 1.2 Petrol CVT | 7-Step CVT | Same as V MT + CVT with Paddle Shifters |
| VX 1.2 Petrol MT | 5-Speed Manual | V MT Features + Honda Sensing (ADAS), Rear AC Vents, Wireless Charger |
| VX 1.2 Petrol CVT | 7-Step CVT | Same as VX MT + CVT with Paddle Shifters |
| ZX 1.2 Petrol MT | 5-Speed Manual | VX MT Features + 7-inch Semi-Digital Cluster, 15-inch Alloys, 6 Airbags |
| ZX 1.2 Petrol CVT | 7-Step CVT | Same as ZX MT + CVT with Paddle Shifters |
The V variant serves as the entry-level option, offering essential features, while the VX adds advanced safety and convenience features like Honda Sensing. The top-spec ZX variant brings premium touches, making it the most feature-rich choice in the lineup.
Price in Metro Cities
The Honda Amaze pricing varies across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and local taxes. Below is a table of on-road prices (ex-showroom + RTO + insurance) for the base and top variants in key metro cities as of March 2025, sourced from CarDekho and CarWale.
| City | V 1.2 Petrol MT (On-Road) | ZX 1.2 Petrol CVT (On-Road) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹9.17 Lakh | ₹12.78 Lakh |
| Mumbai | ₹9.35 Lakh | ₹13.05 Lakh |
| Bangalore | ₹9.53 Lakh | ₹13.32 Lakh |
| Chennai | ₹9.42 Lakh | ₹13.15 Lakh |
| Kolkata | ₹9.28 Lakh | ₹12.95 Lakh |
These prices reflect introductory offers extended till January 31, 2025, and may see slight revisions post that period. The CVT variants command a premium of approximately ₹1.20-1.30 Lakh over their manual counterparts, depending on the city.
About the Honda Amaze
The Honda Amaze has carved a niche for itself in India’s compact sedan market since its debut over a decade ago. Originally launched as a derivative of the Honda Brio hatchback, it was Honda’s answer to the growing demand for affordable sedans that could benefit from India’s sub-4-meter tax incentives. The third-generation model, introduced in December 2024, represents a significant evolution, bringing a refreshed design, modern technology, and enhanced safety features that elevate its standing in the segment. Measuring 3995 mm in length, the Amaze adheres to the sub-4-meter rule while offering a surprisingly spacious interior and a 416-liter boot, one of the largest in its class. This practicality, combined with Honda’s hallmark reliability, makes it a popular choice for families and urban commuters.
The exterior design of the Honda Amaze draws heavily from its siblings, the Honda Elevate and Honda City. The front fascia features a bold Chequered Flag Pattern Grille, complemented by sleek LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and LED fog lamps. This gives the Amaze a premium and sporty look, distinguishing it from its boxier predecessors. The side profile retains a clean, minimalist aesthetic with chrome door handles and a shark fin antenna, while the rear sports wing-shaped LED taillights inspired by the City. The 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels on the ZX variant add a touch of sophistication, though some critics argue that 16-inch wheels could have enhanced its stance further. Despite its compact dimensions, the Amaze’s proportions are well-balanced, making it visually appealing without being overly aggressive—a design philosophy that Honda describes as “neutral yet premium.”
Inside, the Honda Amaze offers a cabin that punches above its weight. The 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all variants, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity. The 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster in the ZX variant adds a modern flair, while features like automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a wireless phone charger enhance comfort and convenience. The upholstery options—available in four distinct finishes—lend a premium feel, though the absence of ventilated seats or a sunroof (a feature offered by rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire) is a notable omission. Rear-seat comfort is a strong suit, with ample legroom and a center armrest, though taller passengers might find headroom slightly restrictive due to the car’s 1500 mm height. The 416-liter boot is a standout feature, easily accommodating luggage for a family of four, making it ideal for weekend getaways or long drives.
Under the hood, the Honda Amaze retains its tried-and-tested 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine, producing 89 bhp and 110 Nm of torque. This four-cylinder unit is renowned for its refinement and smooth power delivery, traits that set it apart from the three-cylinder engines found in some competitors. It’s paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-step CVT with paddle shifters, offering flexibility for different driving styles. The manual variant is well-suited for city driving, with a light clutch and smooth gear shifts that make navigating traffic effortless. On highways, it builds speed gradually, prioritizing efficiency over outright performance. The CVT, on the other hand, delivers a seamless and polished experience, outshining the AMTs (Automated Manual Transmissions) offered by rivals in terms of refinement. Honda claims an ARAI-certified mileage of 18.65 kmpl for the manual and 19.46 kmpl for the CVT, figures that align with its fuel-efficient character, though real-world mileage typically ranges between 15-18 kmpl depending on conditions.
Safety is a key highlight of the Honda Amaze, particularly with the introduction of Level 2 ADAS in the VX and ZX variants—a first in the compact sedan segment. This suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking, bringing a level of sophistication rarely seen at this price point. Standard safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, while the top-spec ZX variant ups the ante with six airbags and a LaneWatch camera. The Amaze’s ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure enhances crash protection, though its safety rating remains untested by Global NCAP as of March 2025. This focus on safety positions the Amaze as a forward-thinking option in a segment where such features are often reserved for higher-end models.
The driving dynamics of the Honda Amaze are tuned for comfort rather than sportiness. The McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension deliver a soft ride, adept at soaking up minor road imperfections. However, on rough or unpaved roads, the suspension can feel overly soft, leading to some body roll. The 172 mm ground clearance is adequate for most Indian roads, though it’s slightly lower than some sub-compact SUVs in a similar price range. Steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces, while the 35-liter fuel tank ensures decent range for long trips. Overall, the Amaze prioritizes a relaxed and stress-free driving experience, appealing to buyers who value ease of use over enthusiastic handling.
Close Competitors
The Honda Amaze operates in a highly competitive segment, where it faces off against several well-established rivals. Below, we analyze its key competitors—Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor—and how the Amaze measures up in terms of design, features, performance, and pricing.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is the undisputed leader in the compact sedan segment, known for its unbeatable sales figures and widespread service network. Launched in its latest avatar in 2024, the Dzire sports a sharp design with a prominent grille and LED lighting all around, giving it a contemporary edge. It’s powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine (89 bhp, 113 Nm), paired with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. While its power output matches the Amaze, the Dzire’s three-cylinder setup lacks the refinement of Honda’s four-cylinder unit, especially at higher revs. The Dzire trumps the Amaze with a single-pane sunroof and slightly better claimed mileage (22-23 kmpl), but it misses out on ADAS, offering only basic safety features like dual airbags and ABS. Priced between ₹7.84 Lakh and ₹10.99 Lakh (on-road Delhi), the Dzire undercuts the Amaze slightly, making it a strong value proposition. However, the Amaze’s premium interior, smoother CVT, and advanced safety features give it an edge for buyers prioritizing refinement and technology.
The Hyundai Aura is another formidable contender, blending style with practicality. Its 1.2-liter petrol engine (82 bhp, 114 Nm) is less powerful than the Amaze but offers decent efficiency (20-21 kmpl) with manual and AMT options. The Aura’s design is sleek, with a bold front grille and projector headlamps, though its 14-inch wheels feel underwhelming compared to the Amaze’s 15-inch alloys. Inside, it offers a feature-rich cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen, rear AC vents, and a cooled glovebox—features that rival the Amaze’s offerings. However, the Aura lacks ADAS and caps safety at four airbags, falling short of the Amaze’s top-spec six-airbag setup. Priced between ₹7.97 Lakh and ₹10.50 Lakh (on-road Delhi), the Aura is more affordable but doesn’t match the Amaze’s premium feel or engine refinement, making it a budget-friendly alternative rather than a direct competitor in the luxury stakes.
The Tata Tigor brings a unique proposition with its rugged design and strong safety credentials. Powered by a 1.2-liter Revotron petrol engine (85 bhp, 113 Nm), it’s paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT, delivering mileage around 19-20 kmpl. The Tigor’s standout feature is its 4-star Global NCAP rating, bolstered by dual airbags and a sturdy build, though it lacks the advanced safety tech of the Amaze’s ADAS. Its exterior is distinctive with a coupe-like roofline, and the interior offers a 7-inch touchscreen and decent space, though material quality lags behind the Amaze. Priced from ₹7.51 Lakh to ₹10.07 Lakh (on-road Delhi), the Tigor is the most affordable option here, appealing to safety-conscious buyers on a budget. However, its coarse engine and less refined AMT can’t compete with the Amaze’s smooth CVT and overall polish.
Beyond these direct rivals, the Honda Amaze also faces indirect competition from premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Baleno and sub-compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon or Hyundai Venue, which occupy a similar price bracket. Hatchbacks offer better maneuverability, while SUVs provide higher ground clearance and a commanding view—attributes the Amaze can’t match. Yet, for buyers seeking a sedan’s boot space, comfort, and a premium driving experience, the Amaze holds its own with a well-rounded package that balances cost, features, and Honda’s brand reliability.
In conclusion, the Honda Amaze excels as a compact sedan that delivers more than its price tag suggests. Its sophisticated design, spacious interiors, refined engine, and segment-leading safety features make it a compelling choice for urban families and young professionals. While it may lack the outright mileage of the Dzire or the rugged appeal of the Tigor, its blend of premium touches and advanced technology sets it apart. As of March 2025, the Amaze remains a strong contender in its segment, proving that Honda’s focus on quality and innovation continues to resonate with Indian buyers.
