Honda Amaze Facelift : Sometimes car companies surprise you in the best possible way. Just when everyone expected Honda to play it safe with their budget sedan, they went ahead and made the third-generation Amaze the most affordable car in India to feature advanced driver assistance systems. That’s not just incremental improvement—that’s a genuine game-changer.
Design Evolution That Actually Makes Sense
The new Amaze doesn’t try to reinvent itself visually, and honestly, that’s probably wise. The updated front grille borrows heavily from the Elevate SUV’s design language, creating a more upright and commanding presence that makes the car look bigger than its sub-4-meter dimensions suggest.
The LED headlamps and DRLs give it a modern edge, while the rear gets those distinctive C-shaped taillights that Honda seems to love putting on everything these days. Sure, it’s not groundbreaking design, but it’s cohesive and mature—exactly what family sedan buyers actually want rather than what automotive journalists think they should want.
The 38mm increase in width might sound trivial on paper, but it makes a real difference to road presence and interior space. Sometimes the smallest changes create the biggest improvements in daily usability.
Interior Transformation That Feels Premium
Step inside the new Amaze and you’ll immediately notice Honda’s efforts to make this feel less like a budget car. The dashboard design takes clear inspiration from the City and Elevate, featuring a floating 8-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—a feature that’s becoming increasingly essential rather than optional.
The semi-digital instrument cluster strikes a nice balance between modern tech and familiar analog gauges. It’s the kind of setup that won’t confuse your parents while still looking reasonably contemporary. The addition of ambient lighting, wireless charging, and rear AC vents shows Honda understands that budget doesn’t have to mean basic.
Rear seat comfort has improved notably with better cushioning and a slightly reclined backrest angle. The 416-liter boot remains one of the segment’s most practical, easily swallowing everything from weekly grocery runs to weekend getaway luggage.
ADAS Revolution at ₹9.7 Lakh
Here’s where things get genuinely exciting. The Amaze becomes India’s most affordable car with Level 2 ADAS, and that’s not just a marketing gimmick—it’s a properly functional system that includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lead car departure notification.
The camera-based Honda Sensing system isn’t as intrusive as some radar-based setups, which actually makes it more usable in real-world Indian driving conditions. Lane-keeping assist only activates above 72 km/h, the adaptive cruise control works smoothly in stop-and-go traffic, and the emergency braking system responds appropriately without being overly aggressive.
The addition of a LaneWatch camera for blind-spot monitoring is particularly clever—it displays a live video feed on the touchscreen when you indicate left, effectively eliminating one of the biggest safety concerns in dense traffic conditions.
Engine Performance That’s Perfectly Adequate
The same 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine carries over, producing 90 PS and 110 Nm of torque. Before you roll your eyes at the lack of change, consider this: the engine was already refined, fuel-efficient, and reliable. Why fix what isn’t broken?
The real story is in how Honda has improved the driving experience around this engine. The CVT transmission masks the engine’s modest power output better than before, while the 5-speed manual remains smooth and engaging for those who prefer traditional gear-changing.
Fuel efficiency claims of 18.65 km/l for the manual and 19.46 km/l for the CVT are impressive on paper, though real-world figures typically settle around 16-17 km/l depending on driving conditions. That’s still competitive in the segment and reasonable for a naturally aspirated engine.
Safety Package That Changes Everything
Beyond ADAS, Honda has comprehensively upgraded the safety package. Six airbags come standard across all variants—a significant improvement that most competitors charge extra for. ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and tire pressure monitoring create a safety net that’s genuinely comprehensive for this price range.
The body structure now uses more high-tensile steel, improving crash protection without adding significant weight. While Honda hasn’t pursued Global NCAP certification like Maruti did with the new Dzire, the comprehensive active and passive safety package suggests they’re taking protection seriously.
Value Proposition That’s Hard to Ignore
Starting at ₹8.10 lakh, the Amaze sits slightly above the new Maruti Dzire’s pricing, but the feature and safety advantages justify the premium. The VX mid-variant at around ₹9 lakh offers the sweet spot of features without the ADAS premium, while the top ZX variant with ADAS at ₹9.7 lakh creates a compelling case for safety-conscious buyers.
Honda’s decision to continue selling the previous-generation Amaze in lower variants shows smart market positioning—budget buyers still get Honda reliability, while those wanting modern features can step up to the new generation.
Competition Reality Check
The timing couldn’t be more interesting, with Maruti launching the new Dzire almost simultaneously. The Dzire brings a 5-star Global NCAP rating and slightly lower pricing, while the Amaze counters with ADAS and arguably better build quality.
For buyers choosing between them, it comes down to priorities: the Dzire offers proven reliability and lower running costs, while the Amaze brings more sophisticated safety technology and potentially better long-term durability.
Honda Amaze Facelift The Bottom Line: Safety-First Evolution
Honda hasn’t revolutionized the compact sedan segment with the new Amaze—they’ve evolved it thoughtfully. By making ADAS accessible at this price point, they’ve essentially forced the entire segment to reconsider what’s possible in budget cars.
The Amaze succeeds because it addresses real customer needs rather than chasing headlines. It’s refined, practical, safe, and surprisingly well-equipped for the money. Sometimes the most important innovations are the ones that make advanced technology accessible to more people.
For families wanting a sedan that prioritizes safety without breaking the bank, the Amaze makes a compelling case. It’s not the cheapest option, but it might just be the smartest.