New Honda Amaze: The morning sun glints off the sleek lines of the new Honda Amaze as it navigates through the crowded streets of Mumbai.
In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs of all shapes and sizes, this compact sedan makes a compelling case for itself with a confident stance and purposeful movement.
Now in its third generation, the 2025 Honda Amaze isn’t just fighting for relevance in a changing automotive landscape—it’s aiming to redefine what buyers can expect from an entry-level sedan.
New Honda Amaze Evolution of an Icon
The Honda Amaze has always occupied an interesting position in the Indian automotive ecosystem. Originally derived from the Brio hatchback, the first-generation model introduced in 2013 was Honda’s answer to the sub-four-meter sedan category created by tax regulations unique to the Indian market.
The second generation, launched in 2018, moved away from its hatchback roots with a more distinctive design and improved packaging.
This third iteration, unveiled in late 2024, represents the most comprehensive overhaul yet. Rather than a mere facelift, Honda has delivered a ground-up redesign that shares the brand’s latest global design language with its more expensive siblings.
The result is a vehicle that looks more grown-up and premium than its predecessor, despite maintaining similar dimensions to comply with India’s sub-four-meter tax benefits.
Design: Global Sophistication, Local Sensibilities
First impressions matter, and the 2025 Amaze makes a strong one. Gone is the somewhat awkward proportioning of earlier generations, replaced by a more cohesive and elegant design that manages to look both contemporary and timeless.
The front fascia features a bold, wide grille with a distinctive chequered flag pattern that establishes a strong visual identity. This is flanked by sleek bi-projector LED headlamps and sharp C-shaped daytime running lights that add a touch of sophistication previously absent in this segment. The bumper design incorporates clean, sculptured lines and well-integrated fog lamp housings that complete the premium look.
In profile, the Amaze maintains compact sedan proportions but elevates them with strong character lines that run the length of the vehicle, creating a sense of forward motion even when stationary.
The 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels on higher variants feature an intricate design that punches above the car’s weight class, while the door handles with chrome accents add a touch of premiumness.
The rear continues the sophisticated theme with wrap-around LED tail lamps reminiscent of the larger Honda City, connected by a chrome strip that visually widens the stance. The bumper design is clean and uncluttered, with subtle character lines that echo the front end’s design language.
Available in six attractive colors—Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, and Radiant Red Metallic—the Amaze offers enough variety to suit different tastes while maintaining its premium positioning.
Cabin: Punching Above Its Weight
Step inside the new Amaze, and the impression of upmarket quality continues. The dashboard layout is modern and uncluttered, with a driver-centric orientation that puts all controls within easy reach. The two-tone beige and black color scheme creates an airy, spacious feel that belies the car’s compact exterior dimensions.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a feature often reserved for more expensive vehicles.
The interface is intuitive and responsive, with clear graphics and minimal lag. Below it sit the controls for the automatic climate control system, which features a ‘Max Cool’ function particularly welcome in India’s often scorching climate.
The instrument cluster combines analog and digital elements, with a 7-inch digital driver’s display presenting key information clearly and legibly. The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in high-quality material and hosts controls for audio, phone connectivity, and cruise control functions.
Seat comfort is impressive for a vehicle in this class, with good bolstering and support for front occupants. The rear bench accommodates three adults with reasonable comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom slightly restricted due to the sloping roofline. The seats themselves are upholstered in durable fabric with an attractive pattern that elevates the cabin ambiance.
Storage solutions abound, with door pockets sized to hold 1-liter bottles, a spacious glovebox, center console cubby, and cup holders for both front and rear passengers. Rear occupants also benefit from dedicated AC vents—a thoughtful inclusion that makes a significant difference during hot weather.
Perhaps most impressive is the 416-liter boot capacity, which rivals or exceeds that of many larger sedans. The wide opening and low loading lip make it practical for everyday use, whether shopping runs or airport luggage.
Technology: Democratizing Advanced Features
The 2025 Honda Amaze makes a strong statement with its technology offerings, bringing features previously unseen at this price point. The aforementioned 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the hub for connectivity, but it’s just the beginning of the Amaze’s tech story.
Most headline-worthy is the inclusion of Honda SENSING—the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This makes the Amaze the most affordable car in India to offer Level 2 ADAS features, bringing technologies usually reserved for premium vehicles to the mass market.
The package includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation, Lead Car Departure Notification, and Auto High-Beam assistance.
These systems utilize a high-performance front camera with wide-angle, far-reaching detection capabilities to constantly monitor the road ahead. While not intended to replace attentive driving, they provide an additional layer of safety that could prove invaluable in emergency situations.
Beyond ADAS, the Amaze offers wireless smartphone charging, eliminating the need for cables in an increasingly wireless world. The 6-speaker audio system delivers impressive sound quality for the segment, while the PM2.5 air filter helps keep the cabin environment clean and healthy—an important consideration in many Indian cities with air quality concerns.
Other notable tech features include push-button start, keyless entry, auto-folding mirrors with electric adjustment, and a rear-view camera with multiple viewing angles (normal, wide, and top-down), providing excellent visibility during parking maneuvers.
Performance: Refined Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2025 Honda Amaze continues with the proven 1.2-liter, four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine that has served the previous generation well.
This naturally aspirated unit produces 89 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm—figures that position it among the more powerful offerings in its segment.
What sets this engine apart isn’t outright performance figures but rather its refinement and linear power delivery. The i-VTEC technology ensures good response across the rev range, with enough low-end torque for city driving and sufficient mid-range punch for highway overtaking maneuvers.
Transmission options include a slick-shifting 5-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that prioritizes smoothness and efficiency.
The CVT variant now features paddle shifters on higher trims, adding a touch of sportiness to the driving experience by allowing manual control of the virtual ‘gears’ when desired.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong point, with Honda claiming 18.65 km/l for the manual transmission version and an impressive 19.46 km/l for the CVT variant. These figures make the Amaze one of the most economical petrol sedans in its class, an important consideration for value-conscious buyers.
The updated fuel injection ECU not only optimizes efficiency but also allows the engine to communicate with the vehicle’s ADAS systems effectively, enabling features like adaptive cruise control to function seamlessly.
Ride and Handling: Balanced Composure
The Amaze has always been known for its well-judged balance between ride comfort and handling precision, and the 2025 model builds on this reputation.
The suspension setup—MacPherson struts with coil springs at the front and a torsion beam with coil springs at the rear—is tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively while maintaining good body control during cornering.
Ground clearance stands at 172 mm, a figure that strikes an appropriate balance between handling dynamics and the ability to tackle the occasional rough patch or speed breaker without scraping the underside.
The electric power steering is light at low speeds, making city maneuvers effortless, while weighing up progressively as speeds increase to provide reassuring stability on highways.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been noticeably improved over the previous generation, with better insulation materials and structural rigidity contributing to a quieter cabin experience.
Wind noise is well-suppressed even at highway speeds, though some road noise does filter through on coarser surfaces—an acceptable compromise given the car’s focus on value.
The braking system combines front disc brakes with rear drums, a common configuration in this segment. Pedal feel is progressive and intuitive, inspiring confidence during emergency stops, while the inclusion of ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures stability under hard braking in varying road conditions.
Safety: Setting New Standards
Safety has traditionally been a strong suit for Honda, and the 2025 Amaze raises the bar significantly for its segment. Beyond the groundbreaking ADAS suite mentioned earlier, the car offers a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features as standard across all variants.
Six airbags—dual front, side, and curtain—are included even on the base trim, a commendable decision that puts occupant protection at the forefront. This is complemented by a robust body structure designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy effectively in the event of a collision.
Electronic stability control, traction control, and hill-start assist are included on all variants, providing additional layers of active safety that were once considered premium features.
The three-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts for all five seating positions, along with seatbelt reminders, encourage proper restraint use for all occupants.
Rear parking sensors are standard across the range, with higher variants adding front sensors and the aforementioned multi-view camera system.
ISOFIX child seat anchors on the rear seats provide secure attachment points for compatible child restraints, enhancing safety for younger passengers.
While official crash test ratings from Bharat NCAP weren’t available at the time of writing, Honda’s emphasis on safety engineering and the comprehensive feature set suggest that the Amaze should perform well when subjected to formal assessment.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The 2025 Honda Amaze is offered in three primary trim levels—V, VX, and ZX—each available with either manual or CVT transmission options. This streamlined lineup makes it easier for buyers to choose a variant that matches their requirements and budget.
The entry-level V variant, priced at Rs. 8.10 lakh (ex-showroom), provides an impressive array of features for its price point, including the six airbags, LED headlamps, a 7-inch driver’s display, and essential connectivity options. It serves as an accessible entry point to the Amaze lineup without feeling stripped-down or basic.
The mid-range VX variant, starting at Rs. 9.20 lakh (ex-showroom), adds comfort and convenience features such as the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and the rear-view camera system. It represents the sweet spot in the range for many buyers, offering a good balance of features and value.
The top-spec ZX variant, priced from Rs. 10.00 lakh for the manual and Rs. 11.20 lakh for the CVT (ex-showroom), includes the full ADAS suite, paddle shifters (on CVT), wireless charger, and premium alloy wheels, delivering a near-luxury experience in a compact package.
When considering on-road prices, which include insurance, registration, and other charges, the range spans from approximately Rs. 9.17 lakh for the base variant to Rs. 12.78 lakh for the fully-loaded model in Delhi—still representing excellent value given the feature set and build quality.
Ownership Experience: Peace of Mind
Honda has built a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs over decades, and the Amaze benefits from this heritage. The company offers a standard warranty of 3 years or unlimited kilometers, an unusually generous coverage period that reflects confidence in the product’s durability.
The service interval is set at 10,000 kilometers or 6 months, whichever comes first, with transparent pricing and package options that help owners plan maintenance expenses.
Honda’s service network is extensive across India, with facilities in major cities and many smaller towns, ensuring convenient access to authorized maintenance.
The 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine has proven its reliability over years of service in various Honda models, with simple maintenance requirements and good parts availability.
The absence of complicated turbocharging systems or dual-clutch transmissions (the CVT is generally considered more reliable over the long term) should translate to fewer potential issues as the vehicle ages.
For those looking to reduce running costs further, Honda offers government-approved CNG kit retrofitment through its dealer network for select variants, providing an alternative fuel option that can significantly lower per-kilometer expenses in areas with good CNG infrastructure.
Competition Landscape: Standing Out in a Crowd
The compact sedan segment in India has seen declining volumes in recent years as buyers increasingly gravitate toward similarly priced compact SUVs. Nevertheless, it remains an important category with several established players vying for market share.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire, traditionally the segment leader by volume, offers a similar value proposition but with a more conservative approach to styling and features.
The Dzire’s trump card has been its extensive service network and perceived reliability, though the Amaze now matches or exceeds it in most objective criteria.
The Hyundai Aura presents another strong alternative, with distinctive styling and a feature-rich package, though it lacks the Amaze’s ADAS capabilities and overall refinement.
The Tata Tigor rounds out the main competition, offering solid build quality and safety credentials but falling short in terms of interior space and powertrain refinement.
Beyond direct sedan competitors, the Amaze also faces competition from compact SUVs like the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue, which offer a higher seating position and more commanding road presence at similar price points, albeit with generally less interior space and inferior fuel efficiency.
The Amaze’s unique selling propositions in this crowded field are its combination of mature styling, segment-first ADAS features, refined powertrain, and Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability. For buyers who prioritize these attributes over the fashionable SUV body style, it presents a compelling alternative.
The Road Ahead: Future Prospects
The 2025 Honda Amaze represents a significant investment for Honda Cars India, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to the sedan body style despite shifting market trends.
This confidence appears well-placed, with initial market response suggesting that there remains a substantial audience for well-executed sedans that offer the right balance of style, features, and value.
Looking forward, Honda has confirmed that the Amaze platform is future-proofed for upcoming regulatory changes, including potential emissions updates.
The engine already complies with E20 (20% ethanol-blended) fuel standards, ensuring compatibility with the government’s ethanol-blending roadmap.
While Honda has not officially announced plans for electrification of the Amaze, the company’s global strategy includes significant investment in electric vehicles, suggesting that an electrified version—whether hybrid or fully electric—could be part of the model’s future evolution as the market and infrastructure mature.
In the nearer term, Honda is likely to introduce special editions and feature updates to maintain interest in the model, a strategy that proved successful with the previous generation. The platform’s flexibility should allow for such enhancements without requiring substantial re-engineering.
New Honda Amaze Conclusion: Redefining Expectations
The 2025 Honda Amaze arrives at a challenging time for sedans in the Indian market but makes a persuasive case for the body style’s continued relevance.
By combining striking design, premium features, advanced safety technology, and Honda’s engineering prowess in an accessibly priced package, it raises the bar for what buyers can expect from an entry-level sedan.
Is it perfect? Not quite. Some might wish for a diesel engine option (no longer offered in the current generation), ventilated seats for hot climate comfort, or perhaps a sunroof to match certain competitors. But these are minor omissions in what is otherwise a comprehensively equipped and thoughtfully designed vehicle.
For young professionals seeking a stylish first car, small families requiring practical transportation, or anyone who appreciates refined driving dynamics and technological innovation without breaking the bank, the new Amaze deserves serious consideration.
In a market increasingly populated by me-too SUVs, Honda’s commitment to crafting an exceptional sedan stands out—proof that with sufficient attention to detail and understanding of customer needs, traditional body styles can remain not just relevant but desirable.
The 2025 Honda Amaze doesn’t just live up to its name; it exceeds it, delivering a driving and ownership experience that truly amazes for its price point.
In doing so, it makes a compelling argument that sometimes, the most forward-thinking choice isn’t necessarily the most fashionable one, but rather the one that best balances form, function, and value in a package designed to stand the test of time.