Growing up on the Cape Flats, Honda’s were a big deal. Generations four to six of the Civic and Ballade were perhaps the most popular, with the Prelude and NSX being the things that dreams were made of. It’s a little sad (for me, at least), that new Hondas aren’t built to be very desirable (obviously, the Type R and NSX are not included in this description).
This brings me to the latest Honda Amaze that I was able to test.
I did not like the previous Amaze (known as the Brio Amaze). It did not amaze me (ba-dum-tish). I didn’t like the styling and, to be honest, I was a little disappointed in the fact that this is what Honda had become and what the new generation of car drivers will associate with Honda - pocket-friendly, entry level cars built in India. Honda gave this less-than-amazing Amaze an update recently and much to my own surprise, I like it.
Styling
Still technically the sedan version of the Brio, the new Amaze has received a styling upgrade and adopts the Honda design face, which brings it in line with the rest of the Honda range. The overall look is stylish and makes me think of it as a (very) baby Accord.
The cabin feels a bit more modern than its predecessor with gloss piano detailing and an upmarket look to the instrument design and centre console. Admittedly, there are a few of quality concerns when it comes to the cabin and the use of cheap plastic does make it feel very low-rent. Which I suppose is okay considering that, well, it is that. However, the standard specification level does make up for this, even on the Trend, which is the entry level option in the range.
Standard features
Updated interior features an impressive standard spec sheet
There is a radio with MP3, Bluetooth, USB and AUX compatibility, a multi-function steering wheel that gives the driver easy access to the control of the audio system and the ability to make hands-free phone calls, dual front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), alloy wheels, air-con and central locking. Moving up to the Comfort model, there is automatic aircon, electric outside mirrors and auto locking doors once the car gets moving.
Performance
On the road, the Amaze is easy to pilot. It feels light on its “feet” and very capable of zipping about town. On the highways, some high revving in lower gears is needed to get going, but it’s easy to get used to. The engine is a 1.2-litre petrol unit with 66kW and 110Nm mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a CVT version available as an option. From the manual set up, Honda claims a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 12.3 seconds, a top speed of 160 km/h and an average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres/100 km. The CVT version numbers are 13.5 seconds, 160 km/h and 5.7 litres/100 km, respectively.
Okay, let’s wrap this up
From the more grown-up styling, to the standard features, to the price point, there’s a lot to like with the new Honda Amaze. It offers good value for money, a respectable standard spec sheet and should definitely be some to consider if you’re in the market for an entry-level compact sedan.
Honda Amaze spec:
| Engine | 1.2 litre, 4-cyl, NASP petrol |
| Power | 66kW |
| Torque | 110Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual (CVT option) |
| 0 - 100kph | 12.3 seconds (CVT 13.5 seconds) |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h |
| Average Fuel consumption | 5.6l/100km (CVT 5.7l/100km) |
| CO2 Emissions | 133g/km |
| Luggage Capacity | 420 litres |
Pricing:
| 1.2 Trend | R179,900.00 |
| 1.2 Comfort | R193 900.00 |
| 1.2 Comfort CVT | R208 900.00 |
Prices include a 5 year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a 2 year/30 000 km service plan, and a 3 year AA Roadside Assistance package.
