The Amaze is currently in its third generation since it made its local introduction in 2013, which was essentially a sedan version of the Brio hatchback. The sedan has gone on to become a staple in Honda’s local range (other sedans also include the Ballade and Civic RS), and is known for its affordability, frugality and reliability.
There are two spec levels in the range - Trend and Comfort - and both are powered by the same naturally aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 66kW of power and 110Nm of torque. Both the Trend and Comfort are available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, but if you want a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), you have to choose the Comfort derivative. Honda claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.5-litres/100km, and we improved that by using just 5.4-litres per 100km. The engine only covered 5000km, and with more efficient driving it could well drop further.
Features
The new model benefits from bold styling and upgraded technology, which is a big improvement on the previous generations, which were not much more than taxi spec. Starting with the styling, upfront is a bolder grille, standard LED headlights with daytime running lights and LED front fog lights. The side and rear profiles consist of dual-tone 15-inch alloy wheels and redesigned LED taillights. Customers can also choose between 5 body colours (Platinum White, Obsidian Blue, Lunar Silver, Radiant Red and Meteoroid Grey).
The interior is simple and to the point, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto), a 7-inch driver display, wireless charging and a 6-speaker setup (4 on the Trend).
Standard features for the range include smart keyless entry, rear parking sensors, reverse camera, six airbags, hill start assist, stability control, and automatic climate control. Smart keyless entry with walk-away lock is on the Comfort CVT model only, as are automatic headlights.
One thing worth noting is the Amaze’s boot size, which has a capacity of 416 litres. For comparison, the Toyota Corolla Cross has a capacity of 440-litres, and it is an SUV. In terms of rivals, the Amaze goes up against the Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Grand i10 sedan which are priced from R224 900 and R279 900 respectively. Pricewise, the Amaze is bang in the middle.
How does it drive?
Having driven the previous generation, we already had an idea of the Amaze’s drivability, but there is no comparing the two generations because Honda has improved the current version in terms of comfort. The ride is smoother and not as firm as previous versions.
As is the case with most CVTs, this transmission is on the noisy side, particularly if you drive fast. Most of our time behind the wheel was driving conservatively to see just how efficient the engine could be. Cruising on the highway or long stretches of road suits the CVT better as there is no need to accelerate or decelerate on a regular basis. Loading the boot with groceries didn’t affect the drive at all despite the extra weight – if anything, it made the sedan fee more stable.
The Amaze has everything a modern driver could possibly need for day-to-day life: it gets you from point A to B, has a massive boot and saves fuel – that is a combination that will appeal to many buyers.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
Amaze Trend manual - R254 900
Amaze Comfort manual - R274 900
Amaze Comfort CVT - R294 900
Included as standard is a 5-year/200 000km mechanical warranty, a 4-year/60 000km service plan and 3 years of AA roadside assistance.
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