Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) launched its highly-anticipated new compact sedan – the Honda Amaze – in New Delhi, aggressively priced from Rs 4.99 lakhs for the base petrol variant and Rs 5.99 lakhs for the base diesel variant (both ex-showroom New Delhi).
The Amaze – essentially the sedan version of HCIL’s Brio hatch – has been tagged as a ‘Smart Micro Limousine’ by the company. The car was launched with two engine options: a 1.2 litre petrol engine (from the Brio) producing 88 PS at 6,000 RPM and 109Nm at 4,500 RPM, and more importantly an all-new 1.5 litre diesel engine producing 100 PS at 3,600 RPM and 200Nm at 1,750 RPM.
Both engine options will be sold in four variants each – E, EX, S, and VX. The base E variant is equipped with features like body colored bumpers, immobiliser, rear micro antenna, Eco Lamp (to indicate most economical driving style), and ABS with EBD (standard on all diesel variants. The top VX variant has additional features such as 2-DIN integrated audio, steering audio controls, keyless entry, powered ORVMs with turn indicators, front dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, front foglamps, rear defogger, and a dual horn. The fuel tank capacity though is only 35 litres; Honda however is confident that the high fuel efficiency of both engines negates the small tank size.
Pricing for the four variants for the petrol engine are E, EX, S and VX variants for the petrol model are Rs 4.99 lakhs, 5.24 lakhs, 5.62 lakhs, and 6.6 lakhs respectively, while for the diesel model, the prices are Rs 5.99 lakhs, 6.24 lakhs, 6.67 lakhs and 7.6 lakhs respectively (all prices in ex-showroom New Delhi). An automatic transmission variant with a five-speed automatic transmission is available on the S and VX trims in the petrol model, and prices for the petrol SAT and VXAT are Rs 6.62 lakhs and 7.5 lakhs respectively (both prices ex-showroom New Delhi).
The new Amaze is a model on which the company has pinned its hopes for success in the midsize sedan market. Class-leading features include a 400-litre boot, power-folding ORVMs, and diesel version offers 100PS power and 25.8 kpl fuel efficiency under test conditions, and the pricing will no doubt go a long way in facilitating the success of the car. Here’s to amazing times ahead!
Read our first drive of the Honda Amaze here.