on air now
The Drive With Roland Gaspar
up next
Kea Zawadi
Here’s what you can expect:
Image: Supplied
I spent a week with the incredibly priced Honda Amaze and I give it the thumbs up. It’s a B segment family sedan that delivers on so many points. It’s a 5 seater with plenty of space. An aesthetic and improved exterior styling., modfocations to the interior and a new infotainment system. The boot size id modest and you can really load up. And it’s frugal on fuel.
Designed as a sedan from the ground up, the updated Amaze remains unmistakably Honda, but in a compact package that is stylish, well specced, comfortable and now better suited to the needs of a discerning market.
As before, Honda’s renowned i-VTEC engine technology ensures that the Amaze has the performance to match its looks, while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency.
With two equipment levels – Trend and Comfort – on offer, Amaze buyers have a choice of features. High levels of standard equipment and uncompromising safety remain a priority on all models though.
In addition to competitive pricing, the exceptional efficiency of the new Amaze contributes to economical running costs – something which is becoming an increasingly important aspect of vehicle ownership. Additional peace of mind is provided by a two-year/30 000 km service plan.
Having already set new standards for small sedans in South Africa, the updated Amaze will appeal to buyers of all ages who appreciate Honda’s reputation for reliability, combined with a value-added purchase price, great fuel efficiency and low total cost of ownership.
Image: Supplied
Exterior Design
Thanks to its sharp contours and edgy shape, the Amaze makes an immediate visual impact. Although the overall design remains largely unchanged, styling tweaks have been made that should see it appeal to a broader target audience.
The most significant change to the updated model is a brand-new front grille, which replaces the previous “solid-wing” version. It blends in perfectly with the bold halogen headlight clusters to give the updated Amaze a decidedly fresher and more modern appearance.
Interior Updated
Image: Supplied
Apart from being thoroughly modern, the interior of the updated Amaze remains exceptionally spacious and comprehensively specced. All new models new come standard with full-black interior upholstery, doing away with the two-tone beige and black design of the previous model. This shift is not only in keeping with current market trends, but also enhances durability.
Gloss piano black detailing on the dashboard remains unchanged and adds to the sophisticated ambience of the updated Amaze, while the ergonomically designed dashboard features a driver-centric instrument binnacle with analogue dials for speed and rev count. The binnacle also houses a digital trip computer.
The centre stack houses a sound system with FM/AM radio functionality, as well as MP3 playback and Bluetooth, which allows hands-free telephony and music streaming. In addition, the four-speaker system also provides USB connectivity and an AUX socket. A multifunction steering wheel provides safe and convenient satellite control of the audio system.
Under the bonnet
The new Amaze is powered by a proven four-cylinder engine. The 1 199 cc unit employs Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent valve timing management system, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Maximum power output of 66 kW is reached at 6 000 r/min. The baseline Amaze Trend model is available with a five-speed manual gearbox only, while buyers of the Comfort model can also opt for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Amaze models with manual transmission achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5,6 litres/100 km, while the CVT version is only slightly thirstier at 5,7 litres/100 km.
Safety?
Like its predecessor, the updated Amaze sedan boasts an enviable list of active and passive safety features as standard. The extensive use of high-tensile steel ensures a lightweight but extremely rigid construction. It also showcases Honda’s Proprietary Advanced Compatibility structure, which allows for specific, programmed deformation of body structures in the case of a collision, while ensuring the integrity of the passenger safety cell. All Honda Amaze models are fitted with dual front airbags, inertia reel seatbelts front and rear, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. On the active safety front, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard.
Verdict:
Ticks all the boxes for me. This includes looks, style, price, fuel consumption, ride quality, performance, interior, bootspace, and then some. Be Amazed!
Pricing:
Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend: R247 900
Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort: R265 900
Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort CVT: R285 900
The range is supported by a full five-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a two-year/30 000 km service plan, and a three-year AA Roadside Assistance package. Scheduled services are at 15 000 km intervals.
