In a market obsessed with SUVs, the Honda Amaze continues to do its job quietly. No drama. No unnecessary gimmicks. Just a well-rounded compact sedan that understands what Indian families actually need.
We drove the CVT version of the Honda Amaze - and what stands out immediately is how balanced it feels. This isn't a car trying to impress you with flash. It wins you over with thoughtfulness.
Let's break it down.
What's Good?
The CVT - One of the Smoothest in the Segment
Under the hood sits Honda's 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine. It produces 90 PS at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. On paper, those numbers aren't headline-grabbing - but in real-world city driving, they work beautifully.
Paired with a CVT automatic, the Amaze feels relaxed and smooth. In traffic, where most of us spend our time, this gearbox makes life easier. There are no jerky shifts, no confusion, just seamless power delivery.
It's not built to be aggressive - and that's the point. It's built to be stress-free.
The paddle shifters on the CVT version add a layer of engagement if desired, but realistically, most buyers will appreciate the calm, linear delivery that the CVT offers.
For daily commutes in congestion, this is one of the nicest automatic setups in the segment.
Ride Quality & Suspension Setup
The Amaze's suspension is tuned for Indian roads. With 172 mm of ground clearance, it manages speed breakers and uneven patches without scraping or drama.
In the city, it feels composed. It absorbs potholes reasonably well and doesn't feel unsettled. It's not sporty - but it doesn't need to be.
Steering is light, making parking and tight city manoeuvres easy. Visibility is good. The overall driving experience is predictable - and that predictability builds confidence.
This is not a car that surprises you. And that's a compliment.
Space - The "Big Car" Feeling
Step inside, and the Amaze punches above its size.
Rear seat space is one of its strongest points. Legroom is generous enough that adults can sit comfortably without feeling cramped. This is a compact sedan that you can realistically be chauffeur-driven in.
The boot space stands at 416 litres. That's genuinely usable. Airport runs, family weddings, weekend luggage - it handles them without compromise. For a car under 4 metres, that practicality matters.
Safety - Properly Equipped
The third-generation Amaze carries a 5-star BNCAP rating. All variants get six airbags as standard, along with stability control and traction control.
Top variants also feature Honda SENSING ADAS technology, including collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist.
That's serious safety hardware in a compact sedan.
For family buyers, this becomes a major deciding factor.
Features That Make Sense
The Amaze doesn't overload you. It gives you what you'll actually use.
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Paddle shifters (CVT)
- Automatic climate control
- Rearview camera
- Wireless charging (top variants)
- 7-inch TFT instrument cluster
- Honda Connect with 37+ telematics features
It feels modern without being complicated.
And that simplicity is refreshing.
What Could Have Been Better?
While the 1.2-litre i-VTEC is refined and smooth, it's not a performance motor. At higher speeds, especially during overtakes, you do feel the need to plan ahead.
It's adequate. It's efficient. But it's not thrilling.
Buyers looking for a strong highway punch may find it modest.
The cabin is well laid out and premium to look at, but it remains practical in its material choice. It's durable and functional, but those expecting soft-touch indulgence everywhere may notice the focus remains on usability rather than plushness. Also, it's only available in beige, which can be a bit tough to keep clean in long-term ownership.
Again - that's part of the Amaze philosophy.
It's Still A Sedan In An SUV Market, unfortunately.
While the Amaze offers better boot space and rear comfort than many similarly priced hatchbacks, it competes in a market increasingly tilted toward compact SUVs.
Ground clearance is good at 172 mm, but buyers chasing a higher seating stance may naturally drift toward SUVs.
That's a market reality, not a flaw.
Driving Experience - The CVT Advantage
Driving the Amaze CVT in city conditions highlights its core strength - ease.
The throttle response is progressive. The gearbox keeps revs smooth. There's no unnecessary aggression.
In bumper-to-bumper traffic, that matters more than outright speed.
Mileage figures stand at approximately 19.46 km/l for the CVT and around 18.6 km/l for the manual. That keeps running costs sensible - another reason why the Amaze works as a long-term car.
Also Read: Mahindra To Launch Two New Electric SUVS - BE.07 And BE.09
This is not a car designed to entertain you on winding roads. It's designed to make everyday life easier.
And it succeeds.
Who Should Buy The Honda Amaze?
1.Families Moving Up From A Hatchback
If you want more space, more comfort, and a proper boot without stretching your budget too far, the Amaze makes a lot of sense.
Rear seat comfort and luggage capacity make it ideal for small families.
Also Read: Tata Sierra Deliveries Cross 10,000 Mark In Just 2 Months; What Helped?
2. City Commuters Wanting A Smooth Automatic
If most of your driving happens in urban traffic, the CVT is one of the biggest reasons to consider this car.
It's light. It's easy. It's stress-free.
3. Safety-Conscious Buyers
A 5-star BNCAP rating, six airbags as standard, stability control, and Honda SENSING ADAS - that's serious reassurance in this segment.
4. Buyers Looking For Long-Term Reliability
Honda's reputation for durability and low maintenance costs remains a major strength. Combine that with decent fuel efficiency and a widespread service network, and the Amaze becomes a very sensible ownership proposition.
Final Verdict
The Honda Amaze doesn't shout. It doesn't try to be flashy. It doesn't overload you with unnecessary tech.
What it does offer is:
- Smooth CVT driving
- Practical 416-litre boot space
- Spacious rear seat
- Strong safety credentials
- Reliable 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine
- Usable, clean features
In a segment crowded with choices, the Amaze stands out not because it's dramatic - but because it's balanced.
If you want a comfortable, safe, practical, and reliable compact sedan that just works every single day, the Honda Amaze CVT absolutely deserves to be on your shortlist.
Sometimes the smartest choice isn't the loudest one.
And that's exactly where the Amaze fits.