Honda Amaze Facelift : The compact sedan segment in India has always been a battleground of fierce competition, with manufacturers constantly trying to outdo each other in offering the perfect blend of space, features, and affordability.
Among these contenders, the Honda Amaze has carved a reputation for itself as a reliable, fuel-efficient option that doesn’t skimp on driving pleasure.
Now, with its latest facelift, Honda seems determined to add another dimension to the Amaze’s appeal – a distinctly upmarket appearance that belies its accessible price point.
Honda Amaze Facelift Fresh Face Forward: The Visual Transformation
Walking up to the new Amaze facelift, the first thing that catches your eye is the completely redesigned front end. Honda’s designers have clearly taken inspiration from the brand’s global design language, giving the humble Amaze a face that wouldn’t look out of place on vehicles costing twice as much.
The grille, now wider and more prominent, features a thick chrome bar that stretches between sleeker headlamps, creating a visual connection to Honda’s more premium offerings like the City and Civic.
Those headlamps themselves deserve special mention – gone are the basic halogen units of the previous generation, replaced with projector units that incorporate LED daytime running lights on higher variants.
This lighting signature not only enhances visibility but also gives the car a more contemporary, tech-forward appearance even when spotted in your rearview mirror.
The bumper has been completely resculpted, with more defined lines and character creases that add visual interest without appearing busy or overdone.
Fog lamp housings now feature chrome surrounds on top variants, adding just enough bling to catch the eye without venturing into gaudy territory – a delicate balance that Honda has managed to strike impressively well.
Moving to the side profile, the changes are more subtle but no less effective. New alloy wheel designs (16-inches on top variants) feature a two-tone diamond-cut finish that adds a touch of sophistication.
A subtle character line runs from the front fender through the door handles to the taillights, creating a sense of forward motion even when the car is stationary.
It’s these small but thoughtful details that collectively elevate the Amaze from “budget sedan” to something that looks considerably more expensive.
The rear end completes the transformation with redesigned taillights featuring LED elements in a C-shaped pattern, echoing Honda’s family design language.
A tastefully integrated boot lid spoiler not only adds a sporty touch but also improves aerodynamics marginally. The rear bumper features more sculpted surfaces and a subtle diffuser-like element at the bottom – another premium touch borrowed from higher segments.
Color options have also been expanded and refreshed, with the standout being a deep metallic blue that shows off the car’s body lines particularly well.
This paint option uses a special multi-layer application process typically reserved for more expensive vehicles, giving the Amaze a depth and lustre that stands out in parking lots dominated by the usual whites and silvers.
Honda Amaze Facelift Cabin Fever: Interior Upgrades That Matter
Step inside the refreshed Amaze, and you’re greeted by an interior that continues the upmarket theme established by the exterior.
The dashboard layout remains fundamentally familiar to existing Amaze owners, but material choices and finish have taken a noticeable step up.
The most obvious change is the new infotainment system – a 7-inch touchscreen unit that now features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for cables cluttering the cabin.
The screen itself has better resolution than before, and the interface has been redesigned for more intuitive operation.
Touch response is surprisingly good for this price point, avoiding the laggy experience common in many affordable vehicles.
Seat upholstery deserves special mention – the new two-tone leatherette option in top variants not only looks premium but also proves more resistant to stains and easier to maintain than the fabric upholstery it replaces.
The stitching pattern has been designed to echo the diamond pattern seen in some luxury vehicles, adding a subtle touch of class. Even the base variants get improved fabric upholstery with a more intricate weave pattern.
The instrument cluster has been redesigned with cleaner fonts and a more legible layout. A new multi-information display provides additional driving data, including real-time and average fuel efficiency, distance to empty, and service reminders.
Illumination has switched from the previous amber to a cool white-blue that appears more contemporary and upscale.
Climate controls remain refreshingly simple – physical knobs and buttons rather than the touch-sensitive nightmares that plague some modern vehicles.
However, they now feature a metallic finish with knurled edges that provide both a premium look and improved tactile feedback. It’s a small detail, but one you’ll appreciate every time you adjust the temperature.
Storage spaces have been rethought, with the door pockets now able to hold 1-liter bottles, addressing a common complaint with the previous model.
The center console features a new sliding armrest that conceals a deeper storage compartment – perfect for keeping valuables out of sight. Rear passengers haven’t been forgotten either, with the addition of a center armrest featuring cupholders on all but the base variant.
Honda Amaze Facelift Under the Skin: Mechanical Refinements
While the visual makeover grabs immediate attention, Honda hasn’t neglected the mechanical aspects of the Amaze.
The suspension setup has been subtly retuned to provide a more composed ride without sacrificing the engaging handling that Honda vehicles are known for.
The difference is most noticeable over broken road surfaces, where the new Amaze displays more composure and less noise intrusion into the cabin.
Under the hood, the reliable 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine continues, producing 90 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque.
What has changed, however, is the level of refinement. Additional sound insulation materials have been strategically placed to minimize engine noise penetration into the cabin, resulting in a noticeably quieter driving experience – another element that enhances the premium feel.
The 5-speed manual transmission has received attention too, with a shorter shift throw and more positive engagement. The CVT automatic option remains available but has been recalibrated for better responsiveness and efficiency.
Honda claims a marginal improvement in fuel economy figures, though real-world testing suggests the difference is minimal – the Amaze was already among the more efficient offerings in its segment.
For diesel enthusiasts, the 1.5-liter i-DTEC engine continues with its 100 horsepower and 200 Nm outputs when paired with the manual transmission (80 horsepower in CVT guise).
This engine has also benefited from additional noise suppression measures, addressing one of the few complaints owners had with the previous model.
Honda Amaze Facelift Value Proposition: Premium Looks, Accessible Price
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Amaze facelift is how Honda has managed to incorporate these upgrades without a significant price increase.
The entry-level E variant starts at just under ₹6.5 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-spec VX CVT stays under ₹11 lakh. This pricing strategy positions the Amaze as an exceptional value proposition, offering visual appeal and features typically associated with vehicles in higher price brackets.
When you factor in Honda’s reputation for reliability and strong resale values, the value equation becomes even more compelling.
The company’s after-sales service has consistently ranked among the best in customer satisfaction surveys, further reducing the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Competition in this segment is fierce, with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor all vying for the same customer base. Each has its strengths – the Dzire offers the extensive Maruti service network, the Aura packs in features, and the Tigor brings distinctive styling.
However, the Amaze’s new upmarket appearance combined with Honda’s engineering pedigree creates a unique selling proposition that should appeal to buyers looking for a vehicle that punches above its weight class visually.
Honda Amaze Facelift Living With It: Ownership Experience
Beyond the showroom appeal, the Amaze facelift promises to be a satisfying long-term companion. Practical considerations haven’t been sacrificed at the altar of style – the 420-liter boot remains one of the largest in the segment, easily swallowing weekend luggage for a family of four.
Rear seat space continues to be impressive for a sub-4-meter sedan, with particular attention paid to knee room and headroom.
Fuel efficiency, always a strong suit for the Amaze, should continue to please owners. The petrol variants deliver around 18-19 km/l in mixed driving conditions, while the diesel pushes that figure past the 22 km/l mark – impressive numbers that translate to significant savings over the ownership period.
Maintenance costs have traditionally been higher than Maruti alternatives but lower than European competitors. Honda’s service packages offer some predictability in this regard, with options to pre-purchase service plans covering different durations. The 3-year standard warranty (extendable to 5 years) provides additional peace of mind.
Honda Amaze Facelift Conclusion: Substance Behind the Style
The Honda Amaze facelift represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a revolutionary change. By focusing on the aspects that matter most to consumers – appearance, comfort, and refinement – Honda has managed to inject a premium feel into what remains an accessibly priced package.
In a market segment where compromises are often the norm, the refreshed Amaze stands out by offering fewer of them. It brings the visual appeal and many of the features previously reserved for higher segments, without the accompanying price tag or sacrifice in practicality.
For buyers who want their affordable sedan to look and feel special, the new Amaze makes a compelling case. It proves that “budget” needn’t mean “basic” and that with thoughtful design, even accessible vehicles can deliver touches of luxury.
In that sense, the Amaze facelift isn’t just a refreshed product – it’s a refreshing approach to the affordable car segment as a whole.