Driven | Honda Amaze
Is it… Amaze-ing? That’s the first question that popped into my head as I slid behind the wheel of the new Honda Amaze. On paper, it’s Honda’s most affordable sedan, but in reality, it’s trying to be a lot more than just “entry-level.” I spent time behind the wheel of the Comfort CVT model, and it’s clear this compact sedan wants to punch above its weight with a sharper look, a smarter cabin, and features that make you double-check the price tag. In a market where SUVs dominate the headlines, the Amaze is here to remind us that a well-sorted sedan still has a place on South African roads.
What’s New on the Amaze?
Honda’s third-generation Amaze isn’t just a facelift, it’s a real deal glow-up. Key updates include:
- Sharper exterior styling, with a bold hexagonal grille inspired by the CR-V, sleek LED projector headlamps, and refreshed tail lamps that echo Honda’s family design cues.
- Built on a modified Honda City platform, offering better ride comfort and interior space while keeping under the sub-4m limit.
- Interior upgraded with a floating 8-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and bits borrowed from the Elevate and Civic—now classier than ever.
- Safety and tech on point: six airbags standard on higher trims, optional Honda Sensing suite including adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist—pushing it into Level-2 ADAS territory.
- Practical muscle: a commodious 416-litre boot (class-leading in its class), keyless entry, remote start on select trims, wireless charging, and better NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control for a quieter cabin.(
- Same trusty engine: the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol continues, producing approximately 66 kW (90 PS) and 110 Nm, available with a 5-speed manual or a CVT (with paddle shifters on CVT trims).
- Price (South Africa): starting R254,900 for Trend manual; Comfort manual R274,900; Comfort CVT R294,900.
Exterior
The Amaze now walks the talk. Its new grille and LED headlamps give it a confident, modern expression, think “mini Civic” at first glance. The smooth lines, 15-inch alloy wheels, and sharper silhouette shed the previous model’s frumpiness. It’s polished, not shy.
Interior
Slide inside, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels lifted—not just refreshed. The 8-inch floating screen plays boss between sleek vents; the 7-inch cluster keeps things digital but not intimidating. Fabrics feel durable, controls are thoughtfully laid out, and backseat legroom is surprisingly generous for a sub-4m sedan.
Engine / Driving Impressions
Under the bonnet, nothing wild—a familiar 1.2-litre, 4 cylinder petrol engine that’s more about day-in-day-out reliability than thrills. That said, the CVT variant is a smooth operator, especially with paddle shifters. Fuel figures hover around 5.5 L/100 km, which is wallet-pleasing. The bonus? Reduced cabin noise thanks to better insulation and refined tuning.
Pricing
In South Africa, you’re looking at:
- Trend MT – R254,900
- Comfort MT – R274,900
- Comfort CVT – R294,900
These prices bring the Amaze solidly into value-for-money territory, especially when stacked against rivals.
Rivals
The Amaze stakes its claim against the familiar trio:
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire – sharp pricing and 5-star NCAP rating. Amaze counters with more tech and better safety gear.
- Hyundai Aura / Grand i10 Sedan – solid reliability, but less premium feel and smaller boot.
- Tata Tigor – rugged and feature-rich, though less driver refinement.
Honda seems to be saying, “Look, we may be a sedan in an SUV world, but we still do it better.”
Conclusion
So, is it Amaze-ing? You bet. Honda hasn’t reinvented the wheel, but it’s refreshed the Amaze with intelligence—not just looks. It’s still compact, but now it’s clever, comfortable, and genuinely competitive. A sedan with soul. If you're after a budget-friendly ride that doesn’t skimp on tech, safety, or everyday polish, this little Amaze might just make you smile.
