Honda launches Amaze in India, prices start from INR 4.99 Lakhs

The last few years were not good for Honda for myriad reasons. One, and the most significant, of them was the lack of a diesel engine option in any of its models in India. It not only stagnated Honda's sales here, but also forced many diesel-crazy Indians to ignore the brand altogether. All that is history now, as Honda finally launched the Amaze sedan in India yesterday. Based on the Brio hatchback, the Amaze is Honda's first sub-4m sedan ever. An innovation that was started by Tata has now really caught on the fancy of global brands.

Much to the delight of fans in India, Honda has launched the Amaze with both petrol and diesel engine options. The base petrol variant E is priced at INR 4.99 Lakhs, followed by EX at 5.24, S at 5.62 and the top-end VX at INR 6.60 Lakhs. The S and VX are also available with an automatic transmission and are priced at INR 6.62 and 7.50 Lakhs respectively. The eagerly-awaited diesel variants are priced at INR 5.99 Lakhs for the base E variant, while the EX, S and VX are priced at INR 6.24, 6.67 and 7.60 Lakhs respectively. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi. Contrary to its reputation of commanding a premium for its models, Honda has got it spot on this time around. At these prices, its clear that Honda is gunning for the Maruti-Suzuki Swift Dzire.

Shared with the Brio, the 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine in the Amaze produces a maximum power of 88 PS at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 109 Nm at 4500 rpm. The big news however is the all-new 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine that churns out 100 PS of maximum power at 3600 rpm and 200 Nm of peak torque at 1750 rpm. Developed under Honda's 'Earth Dreams' moniker, this all-aluminium power-train features a host of weight saving technologies that has enabled the Amaze diesel to return an amazing 25.8 km/l in the ARAI fuel efficiency tests. That makes the Amaze diesel the most fuel-efficient car in India. You didn't expect that from Honda, did you?

The Amaze is differentiated from the Brio with a double chrome-lined grille, bumpers with body-colored inserts, fog lamps and a longer wheelbase. Despite the same tipped-forward stance as the Brio, the designers at Honda have done a good job of integrating the boot. Unlike most of its competitors, the boot of the Amaze doesn't look like an afterthought. Having said that, the Amaze isn't entirely pleasing to the eyes, atleast for us. The increased wheelbase has liberated more passenger room inside, which will prove to be a major draw in the Indian market. The rest of the interiors, including the unconventional dashboard, are mostly identical to the Brio.

With air-conditioner, power steering, tilt steering, central locking and front and rear power windows offered as standard, the Amaze has covered the basic requirements of a majority of the general populace. The top-end variant comes fully loaded with alloy wheels, power mirrors, dual front Airbags, front seat belt pre-tensioners with load limiter, an integrated music system with MP3, USB and Aux-in functionality, steering-mounted audio controls, chrome and silver accents in the interiors, fog lamps and a heat-absorbing front windshield amongst others. In a great move, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is available as standard on all diesel variants. Sadly, only the VX and the two automatic variants of Amaze petrol gets this important safety feature.

Finally, Honda has launched a model that suits the requirements of the Indian car-buying public to the tee. Will this Amaz(e)ing model turn around the fortunes of Honda in India? We definitely think so. Be prepared for a big waiting list for the Amaze very soon!