Road Safety Blog

Updated Honda Amaze gears up for changing market trends

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Having set a new standard for small sedans in South Africa with the introduction of the Amaze in 2018, Honda has upped the ante once more with a number of changes and upgrades that will see the Amaze find further favour with local buyers. These include improved exterior styling, modifications to the interior and a new infotainment system.

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.

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.

Viewed from the side, the standard alloy wheels are a visual highlight, while also reducing unsprung mass. A crisp shoulder line running from the headlights to the taillight clusters highlights the Amaze’s sculpted flanks while a broad sill contributes to the sedan’s robust look.

The roofline is smooth and curved and flows into an integrated, raised rear deck, which is accentuated by the notched C-pillar.

The rearview is now dominated by a revised bumper with a new chrome accent and LED taillights that lend the Amaze a smarter, more grown-up look.

The range of exterior colours for the updated Amaze include Platinum White, Lunar Silver, Radiant Red and Meteoroid Grey, the latter being a new metallic colour.

INTERIOR EXECUTION

Apart from being thoroughly modern, the interior of the updated Amaze remains exceptionally spacious and comprehensively specced.

All new models now 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.

Ample cabin storage is provided by pockets in all four doors and cupholders in the centre console, while a fold-down rear seat armrest also incorporates cup holders for rear occupants.

Thanks to a wheelbase that is 2 470 mm long, the interior offers ample leg and headroom both front and rear, while a class-leading boot capacity of 420 litres ensures that the Amaze can swallow a generous amount of cargo.

DRIVETRAIN AND DYNAMICS

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.

The maximum power output of 66 kW is reached at 6 000 r/min, while the torque peak is 110 Nm at 4 800 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).

A kerb mass of just more than 900 kg ensures nippy performance, along with frugal fuel consumption. Models with a manual gearbox will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12,3 seconds, while the CVT version requires 13,5 seconds to get the job done. All derivatives have a rated top speed of 150 km/h.

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.

As with its predecessor, the platform of the updated Amaze features an independent, McPherson strut-based front suspension, and a torsion beam rear set-up. Benefits include confident handling and a refined ride, while the electrically assisted power steering ensures effortless steering response.

Thanks to the platform’s effective soundproofing, reduced engine noise transmission, and optimised engine mounts, refinement is at a high level and NVH is kept to a bare minimum.

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.

RANGE AND FEATURES

Honda has continued with the same three-model line-up as the previous Amaze. All three feature the same engine, but buyers have a choice between two transmissions and two trim levels.

The Amaze 1.2 Trend is only available with a manual gearbox, and despite its base-model status, it boasts an impressive list of standard features. Enhancing its already well-appointed interior is new full-black interior upholstery. The list includes a tilt-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, a four-speaker audio system featuring FM/AM and MP3 functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, central locking and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.

Moving a step up on the line-up ladder is the 1.2 Comfort with a manual transmission, followed by the jewel in the Amaze crown, the 1.2 Comfort CVT.

Both Comfort models still sport colour-coded exterior mirrors and door handles and low-mounted, recessed fog lamps as standard. However, now differentiating them from the lesser Trend model are 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and LED fog lights at the front. These features are in addition to a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna, and a high-mounted third brake light that has been carried over from the previous model.

Inside, the Comfort offers all the standard features of the Trend model, but automatic air-conditioning and automatic door locking once the vehicle starts moving are added to the package for a more premium experience.

The infotainment system of the Comfort models has also been upgraded and now features a 7-inch touchscreen that incorporates a reverse parking camera. Catering to tech-savvy buyers, it features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

While the Comfort derivatives are identical from an interior design and styling perspective, the CVT model gains gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel to allow for manual shifts.

PRICING, WARRANTY AND SERVICE PLAN

The new Honda Amaze recommended retail pricing is as follows:

Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend: R209 100

Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort: R234 700

Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort CVT: R252 800

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.

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