Evolution of the Honda Amaze Over the Years

The Honda Amaze has been a steady seller for the Japanese carmaker in India. Over the years, it has evolved significantly, blending solid design with practicality and technological advancements. The Honda Amaze was first launched to cater to the growing demand for compact sedans in India. It became a popular choice among buyers looking for a blend of efficiency, comfort, and Honda’s trusted engineering, which can be relied upon even for used examples. 

Through its three generations, the Amaze has consistently set benchmarks in its category with timely design and feature upgrades. This guide will run through the Amaze’s evolution over the years, culminating in its most recent iteration that has brought with it a number of upgrades.

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First Generation Honda Amaze: The Beginning

(Source: Honda Global)

The first-generation Honda Amaze was a pivotal step for Honda Cars in India, marking its entry into the sub-4-meter sedan category. This generation was all about practicality and affordability, attracting both first-time buyers and small families.

Launch Year and Key Specifications

The first-generation Honda Amaze was launched in April 2013. It was Honda’s first diesel offering in India, making headlines with its 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine, designed specifically for Indian roads and conditions. The petrol variant was powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine. With its compact design and a length under 4 meters, the car benefited from excise duty cuts, making it a value-for-money proposition.

Initial Design Philosophy and Target Audience

The design philosophy of the first-generation Amaze was simplicity combined with functionality. Its sedan styling was built on the platform of the Honda Brio, but the rear was extended to accommodate a boot. The target audience included urban middle-class families seeking a stylish yet budget-friendly sedan.

First Generation Facelift in 2016

The Amaze received its first facelift in March, 2016. The updates included:

• Exterior changes: A new grille, redesigned bumpers, and updated taillights
• Interior upgrades: A redesigned dashboard with a new instrument cluster and a digital AC control panel

• Feature additions: Introduction of touchscreen infotainment and improved upholstery in higher variants

   

These updates helped the Amaze stay competitive in a segment that saw increasing competition from rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire.

Sales Performance

The first-generation Amaze witnessed a stellar response, selling over 60,000 units within the first year of launch, with a cumulative 2.6 lakh units in sales up to March, 2016. Its competitive pricing, along with Honda’s reliability and the introduction of a diesel engine, helped it carve a niche in a highly competitive market dominated by players like the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire.

Second Generation Honda Amaze Launched in 2018

The second-generation Honda Amaze was unveiled in 2018, introducing a completely new design and a host of advanced features. This model marked Honda’s transition from functionality-focussed design to a premium and sophisticated approach.

Key Changes

The second generation was built on a new platform derived from the City, offering improved structural rigidity and better crash protection. It retained the same petrol and diesel engines but came with improvements in refinement and efficiency.

Design Upgrades

The second-generation Amaze featured a bold and upright design, moving away from the compact look of its predecessor. Key design changes included:

• A wide front grille with chrome detailing
• Sleek headlamps with LED DRLs
• A more aerodynamic side profile with a proper three-box sedan design

• A premium cabin with dual-tone interiors and better material quality

   

Performance Improvements

While the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines were carried forward, Honda introduced a CVT gearbox for both engines, making it the first diesel-CVT car in India. The engines were fine-tuned for better throttle response and NVH levels.

Added Features

The second generation came with a number of new features, including:

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Push-button start/stop
• Cruise control

• Improved safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors

   

Recall in 2018

In November 2018, Honda announced a recall for around 7,290 units of the Amaze due to potential issues with the power steering sensor. The company promptly addressed the issue, reinforcing its commitment to customer safety.

Second Generation Facelift in 2021

The second-generation Amaze received a facelift in August 2021 with the following updates:

• Exterior changes: New LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, and updated alloy wheels
• Interior upgrades: New seat upholstery and a redesigned dashboard with silver accents

• Safety enhancements: Introduction of Honda’s LaneWatch camera in higher variants

   

These changes helped the Amaze maintain its relevance in a fiercely competitive market.

Diesel Amaze Discontinued in 2023

In 2023, Honda discontinued the diesel variants of the Amaze due to stricter BS6 Phase-II emission norms and declining demand for diesel vehicles. The petrol variant with the i-VTEC engine became the sole offering, with Honda focusing on petrol and hybrid technologies for the future.

Third Generation Honda Amaze Launched in 2024

(Source: Honda India)

The third-generation Honda Amaze, launched in 2024, takes the model to a whole new level, combining better technology with a bold new design.

Key Changes

The third-generation Amaze is based on an updated platform, focusing on better rigidity and safety. It uses 46% high tensile steel with a high rigidity design on the front cross-member, side sill and rear parcel tray area. It also introduces Honda’s next-generation connected car technology, making it one of the most advanced cars in its segment, especially with the inclusion of ADAS features.

Design Upgrades

The 2024 Amaze features a striking design, with:

• A larger grille and new LED matrix headlamps
• A sculpted hood and sharper body lines for a sportier look

• A premium interior with leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof (in top variants)

   

Performance Improvements

The 2024 Amaze carries over the tried and tested 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. In terms of the transmission, you can opt for either a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The Amaze is the only car in the segment to offer a CVT option, with all other competitors offering AMTs. 

Added Features

The new Amaze is packed with features such as:

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Wireless charging
• ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

• Six airbags as standard across all variants

   

The third generation Honda Amaze is available in three variants: V, VX and ZX. Prices start at ₹7.99 lakh, with the top-spec ZX trim costing ₹10.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Amaze comes with a standard warranty of 3 years/unlimited km, which can be extended up to 7 years/unlimited km. One of the biggest USPs of the new Amaze is the fact that it comes with ADAS. The system is camera-based and doesn’t have a radar, and includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Auto High Beam, and Lead Car Departure Notification. As for safety, Honda has engineered the new Amaze to meet the stricter EuroNCAP crash test requirements, however, the crash test results are pending.

​​Comparing Old vs. New Honda Amaze Models

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key features across different generations of the Honda Amaze.

Conclusion

The Honda Amaze has undergone considerable evolution over the years, adapting to the changing preferences of Indian car buyers. From its humble beginnings as a compact and functional sedan to the premium, feature-rich third generation in 2024, the Amaze has consistently delivered value and reliability. As Honda continues to innovate, the Amaze remains a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in the Indian automotive market.