At first glance, this car looks like a scaled-down version of the sophisticated Honda Accord—but is the 2026 Honda Amaze really just a “mini-me” shortcut, or has the Japanese automaker finally cracked the code for the ultra-competitive Indian sub-4-meter sedan segment?
Buying a car in India today is more confusing than ever. You are bombarded with flashy features, massive touchscreens, and “segment-first” gimmicks that often mask mediocre driving dynamics. For the driving enthusiast, the search for a “solid” car under 12 lakhs usually ends in compromise. But the Amaze promises something different: a “big car” feel trapped in a practical, tax-friendly Indian footprint.
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: the Amaze is Honda’s most aggressive play in India yet. Having personally tested over 100 vehicles in the last 12 years—from bone-jarring performance cars to clinical modern EVs—I can tell you that the Amaze feels familiar yet distinct. It carries the legendary i-VTEC punch we’ve loved for decades, but it packages it in a way that feels surprisingly agile for the urban jungle.
But here’s the catch—Honda has entered a shark tank. With the all-new Maruti Dzire holding firmly onto its territory and SUVs stealing the limelight, the Amaze can’t just be “good”—it has to be exceptional. This is where things get interesting. Let’s dive into the New Honda Amaze first drive, review: Desirable enough? and find out if this Japanese rebel is the right fit for your driveway.
Quick Overview: The Third-Generation Evolution
The Honda Amaze is a nameplate that has consistently punched above its weight. Now in its third generation, it departs from the somewhat “boxy” look of its predecessor to adopt a design language seen in global Honda sedans. While it sits on an evolved version of the previous platform, nearly everything you touch and see has been overhauled.
Launched with the tried-and-tested 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine, the new Amaze focuses on three main pillars: Safety, Refinement, and Technology. It doesn’t try to be a pseudo-SUV; instead, it targets the “Family Professional”—someone who values a stable chassis, a refined motor, and the prestige of a sedan silhouette.
Exterior Design Analysis: Modern Sophistication
Honda’s design philosophy has moved toward “Sophisticated Dynamism,” and the Amaze is a prime example. It looks more like a junior Honda City than ever before.
The Face of the Future
The front end is dominated by a wider, bolder grille with a honeycomb pattern, but the real talk is the headlamp setup.
- Sleek LED Headlamps: The new projector units are flanked by sharp LED DRLs, giving the car a premium, wide-eyed stare.
- The Imposing Grille: A thick chrome slat runs across the top, connecting the lights and giving it that signature “Honda Wing” face.
Silhouette and Stance
From the side, you notice how well Honda has managed the proportions of a sub-4-meter sedan.
- 15-inch Alloy Wheels: In the top-spec ZX variant, these multi-spoke wheels fill the arches beautifully.
- Ground Clearance: At 172 mm, it sits high enough to handle most Indian speed breakers without wincing, which is a significant plus for a sedan.
- Strong Shoulder Line: A prominent crease runs from the headlamps to the taillights, making the car look longer and more balanced than it actually is.
The Rear Profile
The rear is perhaps the most improved part of the car. The C-shaped LED taillights are sharp and crystalline, mimicking the City. There is no fake chrome or unnecessary clutter. It’s a design that will still look fresh five years from now.
Interior Design & Comfort: A Premium Sanctuary
Step inside, and the “Desirable Enough?” theme is immediately put to the test. If you’ve sat in the older Amaze, the 2026 model will feel like it belongs to a different class altogether.
The Layered Dashboard
The dashboard layout is horizontal and clean, utilizing a mix of black and beige to keep the cabin feeling airy.
- 8.0-inch Infotainment: It’s a snappy, high-resolution screen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- The New Steering Wheel: It’s a chunkier, more premium unit borrowed from the Elevate, featuring tactile buttons that feel great to click.
Seating and Ergonomics
- Front Seats: They are supportive, though taller drivers might find the under-thigh support a bit lacking on long journeys.
- Rear Seat Comfort: This has always been the Amaze’s “ace” in the hole. The legroom is best-in-class, and the recline angle of the rear bench is near-perfect.
- Boot Space: At 416 litres, the boot is cavernous for this segment. You can easily fit two large suitcases and a couple of duffels, making it a very capable weekend tourer.
Engine Specifications & Performance: The i-VTEC Soul
This is the heart of the matter. While rivals are moving toward three-cylinder engines, Honda has stuck to its guns with a refined four-cylinder powertrain.
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol |
| Engine Type | 4-Cylinder, SOHC |
| Max Power | 89 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | ~12.5 Seconds |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 7-Step CVT |
| ARAI Mileage | 18.65 kmpl (MT) / 19.46 kmpl (CVT) |
The Real-World Drive
The 1.2 i-VTEC is an engine that rewards the “smooth” driver. It doesn’t have the sudden kick of a turbo, but it has a linear, silk-like power delivery.
- City Manners: In low-speed traffic, the Amaze is effortless. The CVT, in particular, is the smoothest in the business, avoiding the “head-nod” effect of AMTs found in many rivals.
- Highway Cruising: It cruises comfortably at 100 km/h. However, if you want to make a quick overtake, you’ll need to work the gears. The engine loves to be revved, and it makes a sweet, mechanical sound when you push it toward the redline.
But here’s where things get interesting—the CVT now features paddle shifters. This gives you manual control over the “steps,” making it feel much more engaging on a winding road.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: The Practical Reality
In India, we always ask, “Kitna deti hai?” and the i-VTEC engine gives you an honest answer.
- Heavy City Traffic: Expect around 11-13 kmpl. If you are gentle with the throttle, the CVT can actually be quite efficient in the city.
- Steady Highway Runs: If you behave and stick to 80-90 km/h, you can actually touch 19-20 kmpl.
- Expert Insight: The i-VTEC is highly sensitive to throttle inputs. It can be a fuel-sipper if you’re gentle, but if you drive it like a race car, the numbers will drop. There is a “Sweet Spot” between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM where it delivers the best balance of power and economy.
Ride Quality & Real-World Driving: The Comfort Benchmark
How does a sub-4-meter sedan handle the “unscientific” speed breakers and monsoon-ravaged craters of India? This is where the New Honda Amaze first drive, review: Desirable enough? moves from the brochure to the blacktop.
The Amaze has always been the “plush” choice in its segment, and the 2026 model continues that tradition with a hint of added maturity.
- Low-Speed Suppleness: In the city, the suspension is beautifully damped. It rounds off sharp edges and manhole covers with a sophistication that makes the Maruti Dzire feel a bit “busy.”
- The High-Speed Settlement: On the highway, the car feels more “planted” than the second-generation model. While it isn’t a corner-carver, it feels stable at 100 km/h.
- Ground Clearance Confidence: At 172 mm (unladen), you won’t be scraping the belly on standard speed bumps, even with a full load. However, a fully loaded car can compress the rear suspension over particularly large speed breakers, so a cautious approach is still advised.
One small insight only an expert would notice: the steering is incredibly light, which is a godsend for parking in tight spots or navigating heavy traffic. However, it lacks the “feedback” or weight that a driving enthusiast would crave on a winding ghat road.
Features & Technology: The Segment Disruptor
Honda has finally woken up to the fact that Indian buyers want “toys,” but they’ve added something much more valuable than just a sunroof.
- Honda SENSING (Level 2 ADAS): This is the crown jewel. The Amaze is now the most affordable car in India to offer a camera-based ADAS suite. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. On a well-marked highway, it works with surprising precision, making long drives significantly less fatiguing.
- LaneWatch Camera: Instead of a complex 360-degree setup, Honda gives you a camera under the left wing mirror that projects the blind spot onto the main screen when you indicate left. In the chaotic “left-side-passing” reality of India, this is more useful than a sunroof.
- Wireless Connectivity: The 8-inch touchscreen is crisp and supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across most variants.
Safety Features: The 5-Star Guardian
Safety isn’t just about airbags; it’s about the precision of the hardware. The Amaze is built like a vault.
- 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating: The third-gen Amaze officially secured a 5-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection (scoring 28.33/32 points). This makes it one of the safest compact sedans on Indian roads today.
- Standard Safety Suite: Honda is not playing games here. Every single variant comes with 6 Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard.
- ACE Body Structure: The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body ensures that in the event of a crash, the impact energy is diverted away from the passengers.
Price & Variants: The VFM Breakdown
Honda has positioned the Amaze at a slight premium, reflecting its “Big Car” aspirations and segment-first safety tech.
2026 Honda Amaze Price Table (Ex-Showroom)
| Variant | Key Features | Manual Price | CVT Price |
| Amaze V | 6 Airbags, LED DRLs, 8″ Screen | ₹ 7.51 Lakh | ₹ 8.66 Lakh |
| Amaze VX | Alloys, Wireless Charging, Rear Cam | ₹ 8.52 Lakh | ₹ 9.25 Lakh |
| Amaze ZX | ADAS (Honda Sensing), LED Headlamps | ₹ 9.25 Lakh | ₹ 10.00 Lakh |
*Note: Prices are ex-showroom India. The ZX CVT is the range-topping “no compromise” variant.
Competitor Comparison: The Compact Stand-off
| Feature | New Honda Amaze | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Hyundai Aura |
| Safety | 5-Star B-NCAP | 5-Star B-NCAP | Not Rated |
| Engine | 1.2L 4-Cyl (89 hp) | 1.2L 3-Cyl (80 hp) | 1.2L 4-Cyl (83 hp) |
| Transmission | Smooth CVT | 5-Speed AMT | 5-Speed AMT |
| Boot Space | 416 Litres | 382 Litres | 402 Litres |
| Key Edge | ADAS & Refinement | Mileage & Features | Interior Quality |
Pros and Cons: The Unfiltered Truth
Pros:
- Unbeatable Safety: 5-star rating and Level 2 ADAS at an accessible price.
- Refinement: The 4-cylinder engine is significantly smoother than 3-cylinder rivals.
- Massive Boot: 416 litres of space is genuinely usable for families.
- CVT Excellence: The best automatic gearbox for city traffic in this segment.
Cons:
- Power Deficit: Struggles slightly when fully loaded on steep inclines.
- Missing Features: No sunroof or 360-degree camera (offered by Dzire).
- Fuel Sensitivity: The i-VTEC mileage drops significantly with aggressive driving.
- Narrow Cabin: Fitting three adults in the rear remains a tight squeeze.
Who should buy this vehicle?
You should buy the New Honda Amaze if you are a sensible family person who priorities peace of mind. If your daily drive is in the city and you want a car that is stress-free to drive, has the best safety kit in the business, and offers enough room for a weekend getaway with the kids and parents, this is the one. It is the “grown-up” choice in the segment.
Who should avoid it?
Avoid this car if you are an adrenaline junkie. If you want a car that “pushes you back into the seat” when you floor it, the linear 1.2L i-VTEC will feel underwhelming compared to some turbo-petrol engines. Also, if you are a “feature-hound” who needs a sunroof to feel satisfied with your purchase, the Maruti Dzire will likely pull you toward the Suzuki showroom.
Expert Verdict: The Benchmark of Balance
The New Honda Amaze first drive, review: Desirable enough? concludes with a resounding Yes.
Honda has built a car that respects the buyer’s intelligence. It doesn’t try to win you over with a sunroof or a 360-camera. Instead, it offers a 5-star safety net, the smoothest automatic gearbox in the class, and a 4-cylinder engine that feels a generation ahead of its 3-cylinder rivals in terms of refinement. In 2026, if you want a car that feels like a “proper sedan” without the “proper sedan” price tag, the Amaze is the only answer.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Is the Honda Amaze available with a diesel engine?
No, Honda has officially discontinued the diesel engine for the Amaze. It is now only available with the 1.2L i-VTEC petrol motor.
Q2: Is the ADAS actually useful on Indian roads?
The “LaneWatch” and “Collision Mitigation” are lifesavers. However, the “Lane Keep Assist” works best on well-marked expressways and can be intrusive on city roads.
Q3: How is the maintenance cost of the new Amaze?
Honda’s maintenance is surprisingly affordable. Standard service is every 10,000 km or 1 year, and the i-VTEC is known for its bulletproof reliability.
Q4: Can it run on E20 fuel?
Yes, the 2026 Honda Amaze is fully E20 (Ethanol 20%) compatible, making it future-proof for India’s evolving fuel standards.
Q5: Is there a factory-fitted CNG option?
As of now, there is no factory-fitted CNG. However, many Honda dealers offer a dealer-installed CNG kit that remains under warranty.