Hold on to your hats, compact sedan enthusiasts! Honda is about to unleash a seriously upgraded Amaze, packed with technology typically found in pricier cars. This isn't just a facelift; it's a full-on tech infusion designed to take on rivals like the new-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire and redefine expectations in the segment.
Amaze-ing tech upgrades:
Leaked images and design sketches have given us a glimpse of what's in store, and it's impressive. The new Amaze appears to be borrowing heavily from its SUV sibling, the Elevate, with a similar dashboard layout and a digital instrument cluster—a feature notably absent in the Dzire. But the biggest surprise? ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems)! Honda is known for its camera-based ADAS technology, and it seems the Amaze will be the beneficiary, potentially offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. And that's not all. Inclusion of Honda's popular Lane Watch Camera, providing a live video feed of the passenger-side blind spot on the infotainment screen. These features, combined with a refreshed design inspired by the City sedan, position the Amaze as a serious contender in the compact sedan segment.
Beyond the tech:
While the tech upgrades are stealing the spotlight, the new Amaze is also expected to receive significant design updates, both inside and out. The interior will likely feature a more modern and upscale look, while the exterior will adopt design cues from the City, giving it a more sophisticated appearance.
Under the hood, the Amaze is expected to retain its reliable 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 89 bhp and 110 Nm of torque. This engine will likely continue to be offered with manual and CVT gearbox options. Interestingly, the current Amaze offers CNG as a dealer-fitted option, even with CVT variants. It remains to be seen if Honda will introduce a factory-fitted CNG kit with the new model.
Pricing and availability:
Honda is gearing up to launch the new Amaze on December 4th, 2024. With the addition of these advanced features, a price increase of up to Rs 80,000 is anticipated. Currently, the Amaze is priced between Rs 8.48 lakh and Rs 11.96 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).
The new Honda Amaze is poised to disrupt the compact sedan segment with its impressive array of technology and design upgrades. By offering features typically found in higher segments, Honda is setting a new benchmark for what buyers can expect in an affordable sedan. This move could force competitors to step up their game, ultimately benefiting consumers with more choices and better value. The Amaze's transformation highlights the increasing democratization of technology in the automotive industry, making advanced safety and convenience features accessible to a wider audience.
