Honda Amaze Facelift: The compact sedan segment in India has evolved significantly over the past decade, transforming from basic three-box designs into sophisticated urban mobility solutions that balance practicality with premium aspirations.
Within this competitive landscape, the Honda Amaze has established itself as a compelling option that delivers the brand’s renowned engineering excellence in an accessible package.
The latest facelift represents Honda’s commitment to keeping this important model fresh and relevant in a market increasingly drawn to SUV body styles.
This update introduces thoughtful refinements across exterior styling, interior appointments, and technological features while maintaining the fundamental virtues that have attracted buyers to the Amaze platform since its introduction.
Honda Amaze Facelift Design Evolution
The facelifted Honda Amaze presents a more sophisticated exterior appearance that elevates its visual appeal without sacrificing the balanced proportions that have defined the model. The front fascia receives the most substantial updates, featuring a redesigned grille with horizontal chrome elements that create a broader visual stance.
This is complemented by reshaped LED projector headlamps with integrated daytime running lights that provide both improved visibility and a more premium light signature.
The bumper design has been reconfigured with more pronounced contours and revised fog lamp housings that incorporate chrome accents on higher trim levels. The hood contains subtle character lines that flow into the A-pillars, creating a sense of forward motion even when stationary.
The side profile maintains the clean lines and well-proportioned silhouette of the previous iteration, though new alloy wheel designs (15-inch on higher variants) add contemporary flair.
The rear section features updated LED taillights with revised internal elements and a subtle trunk lid spoiler that enhances both aesthetics and aerodynamics.
These design refinements collectively create a more upmarket appearance without resorting to excessive embellishment or compromising the practical aspects that appeal to the Amaze’s target demographic.
The visual updates successfully communicate value beyond the vehicle’s price point—an important consideration in a segment where perceived status increasingly influences purchase decisions.
Interior Refinements
Step inside the facelifted Amaze, and the evolution continues with materials and finishes that enhance the cabin ambiance:
The dashboard features revised surfacing with soft-touch materials in key touchpoints, complemented by silver accents that break up the color monotony. The center console has been redesigned around the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with more intuitive control placement and improved ergonomics.
Seating surfaces utilize more premium fabrics on lower trims, while the top variants offer leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever, and leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching. The front seats provide improved lateral support without compromising comfort during extended journeys, while the rear bench maintains the exceptional legroom that has distinguished the Amaze from several competitors.
Perhaps most notable is the attention to acoustic refinement, with enhanced insulation materials significantly reducing road and engine noise compared to the previous generation. This creates a noticeably more premium environment, particularly during highway cruising where reduced NVH levels contribute substantially to perceived quality.
Technological Integration
The Amaze facelift embraces appropriate technology that enhances the ownership experience without unnecessary complexity:
7-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Multi-view rear camera with guidelines
Automatic climate control with rear vents
Cruise control system for highway comfort
Push-button start with smart entry
Electrically adjustable and folding mirrors
Voice command recognition
Steering-mounted audio and phone controls
These features focus on practical benefits rather than specification-sheet entries, addressing real user needs in daily operation. The smartphone integration capabilities are particularly welcome, providing seamless connectivity for navigation and entertainment functions that many users now consider essential rather than merely desirable.
Performance Specifications
The facelifted Amaze continues to offer two proven powertrain options, each with unique characteristics:
Specification | 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol | 1.5L i-DTEC Diesel |
---|---|---|
Engine Type | 1.2L 4-cylinder SOHC | 1.5L 4-cylinder DOHC |
Maximum Power | 90 HP @ 6,000 RPM | 100 HP @ 3,600 RPM |
Maximum Torque | 110 Nm @ 4,800 RPM | 200 Nm @ 1,750 RPM |
Transmission | 5-speed manual / CVT | 5-speed manual / CVT |
Fuel Efficiency (ARAI) | 18.6 km/l (MT) / 18.3 km/l (CVT) | 24.7 km/l (MT) / 21.0 km/l (CVT) |
Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 12.5 seconds (MT) | 11.2 seconds (MT) |
Top Speed | 160 km/h | 155 km/h |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 liters | 35 liters |
Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 compliant | BS6 Phase 2 compliant |
While the fundamental engine architecture remains unchanged from the previous model, calibration refinements have improved drivability in typical urban scenarios. The petrol engine maintains its free-revving character and smooth power delivery, while the diesel variant continues to impress with substantial torque that facilitates effortless cruising and confident overtaking maneuvers.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has received software updates that reduce the “rubber-band” effect during acceleration, providing a more direct connection between throttle inputs and vehicle response.
This addresses one of the few criticisms of the previous model while maintaining the convenience advantages that have made automatic variants increasingly popular in congested urban environments.
Chassis and Comfort
The Amaze’s chassis strikes an effective balance between ride comfort and handling precision:
Front Suspension: MacPherson strut with coil spring
Rear Suspension: Torsion beam with coil spring
Wheelbase: 2,470mm
Ground Clearance: 170mm
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Drum
Turning Radius: 4.7 meters
Curb Weight: 955-1,040 kg (depending on variant)
The suspension tuning has been subtly revised to provide improved small-bump absorption without compromising stability during highway journeys. The electric power steering delivers appropriate assistance levels varying with vehicle speed, allowing for easy maneuverability in tight urban spaces while providing sufficient feedback during more spirited driving.
Safety Features
Safety receives increased emphasis in the facelifted Amaze, with a comprehensive suite of features:
Dual front airbags as standard equipment
ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution
Rear parking sensors across all variants
Impact-sensing door unlock function
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Pedestrian protection compliance
High-strength ACE body structure
Vehicle Stability Assist (on select variants)
Hill Start Assist (on CVT variants)
These features collectively earned the vehicle an impressive safety rating in assessment protocols, addressing a growing priority among Indian consumers who increasingly consider occupant protection when making purchase decisions.
Key Points to Consider
Warranty Coverage: 3-year/unlimited kilometers standard warranty
Service Intervals: 10,000 km oil changes with major service at 40,000 km
Service Network: Access to Honda’s extensive authorized service centers across India
Boot Capacity: 420 liters, among the largest in segment
Interior Space: Class-leading rear legroom with comfortable seating for five adults
Fuel Efficiency: Strong real-world economy from both engine options
Resale Value: Traditionally strong value retention compared to several competitors
Real-World Performance
The facelifted Amaze demonstrates remarkable versatility across diverse driving scenarios.
During urban commuting, the responsive powertrains and compact dimensions facilitate confident maneuvering through congested streets, while the light steering effort and excellent visibility reduce driver fatigue. The CVT option provides significant convenience in stop-and-go traffic, making it particularly well-suited to city-dwelling owners with regular commuting requirements.
Highway journeys showcase the refined NVH suppression measures, with noticeably reduced wind and road noise intrusion compared to the previous generation. The stable high-speed behavior inspires confidence during long-distance travel, while the efficient powertrains deliver impressive range between refueling stops.
Most impressive is the Amaze’s ability to deliver a driving experience that feels more substantial than its dimensions might suggest. The solid build quality, planted road manners, and refined cabin environment create a premium impression that belies its positioning in the compact sedan segment.
Market Positioning
Honda has positioned the facelifted Amaze as a premium offering within the compact sedan segment, targeting buyers who appreciate sophisticated engineering and are willing to pay a modest premium for quality construction and brand reputation. This strategy acknowledges evolving consumer expectations in the Indian market, where merely providing basic transportation no longer suffices across most segments.
The pricing structure places the Amaze slightly above several competitors, justified by the enhanced feature set, refined engineering, and Honda’s established reputation for reliability. Various trim levels allow customers to prioritize either value or premium appointments according to their specific requirements and budget considerations.
Honda Amaze Facelift Conclusion
The Honda Amaze facelift represents a thoughtful evolution of an already compelling package, introducing meaningful refinements that enhance the ownership experience while maintaining the fundamental virtues that have attracted buyers to the platform.
By addressing previous limitations while introducing appropriate technology features, Honda has created a vehicle that balances practicality with premium aspirations—a combination increasingly sought by discerning Indian consumers.
For existing Amaze owners, the facelift offers sufficient advancement to merit consideration when replacement becomes necessary, while potentially attracting new customers previously aligned with competing brands or larger vehicle segments.
The thoughtful integration of technology enhances rather than complicates the ownership experience, demonstrating Honda’s user-centric development approach.
As the Indian automotive market continues evolving, with increasing emphasis on perceived value alongside traditional considerations of practicality and efficiency, the facelifted Amaze is well-positioned to maintain its relevance in the compact sedan segment.
This carefully balanced approach ensures the model will continue appealing to practical, value-conscious consumers seeking refined transportation that exceeds basic mobility needs without excessive complexity or cost.