Honda recently launched the facelifted version of the Amaze at Rs 5.29 lakh (ex-showroom New-Delhi). This is the first time the car is being refreshed after its introduction in the Indian market in April 2013. Check out this new version, which gets the much needed updates. The Amaze will rival the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Ford Figo Aspire, Hyundai Xcent and the Tata Zest with new vigour.
The most evident change upfront is the new grille. This meaty new chrome grille replaces the twin horizontal slat grille seen on the predecessor.
The front bumper has also been revised with honeycomb mesh pattern for the fog lamp enclosure. Overall, these changes have given it a sharper looking front.
The overall dimensions of the car remain the same with the side profile exactly the same as the previous model. The majestic blue colour is now replaced by this bluish titanium paint scheme.
There are absolutely no changes to the sides and the alloy wheel pattern also remains unchanged. The tail lamps are the only components changed at the back.
However, the biggest change is inside the cabin that sports a completely new dashboard. This dual tone dashboard comes with rectangular air-con vents and silver accents.
The integrated audio system now comes with Bluetooth and the new AC control module comes with automatic climate control. Both these were missing on the previous version of the Amaze.
The instrument cluster is also new, though it still gets an analog rpm- and speedo-meter. The digital display is for the trip-meter, fuel gauge, floating mileage and time.
The Amaze's interior still misses out on the engine start-stop button. However, the new dashboard gets new utility spaces to stack away more stuff.
There are in all five cup and bottle holders in the car. The rear seat gets a centre arm-rest, which is equipped with two of these cup-holders.
The Amaze is a compact sedan and still gets a boot space of 400 litres. This is certainly the biggest of all in the compact sedans available in India.
Despite being under four metre in length, Honda has managed to provide enough space within the cabin. The seats are comfortable despite not getting adjustable head-rests.
The engine options remain the same with the 88bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine and the 99bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-DTEC diesel mill.
The petrol variant of the Amaze now comes equipped with a new CVT gearbox. This automatic transmission replaces the earlier five-speed torque converter.
Pictures by Kapil Anagane