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 pretty face, or has it actually matured into the segment leader it deserves to be?
Buying a car in India today is more confusing than ever. We are moving away from the era of “just a commuter” to an era where even the budget buyer demands tech, safety, and a massive dose of curb appeal. For years, the compact sedan segment felt like it was stuck in a creative lull, largely dominated by functional but uninspiring shapes. But with the arrival of the third-generation Amaze, Honda has seemingly decided to throw the rulebook out of the window.
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: the 2026 Amaze isn’t just a facelift with a few extra LED strips. It is built on an evolved platform shared with its bigger siblings, the City and the Elevate. Having personally tested over 100 vehicles in the last 12 years—from the rawest performance machines to clinical modern EVs—I can tell you that the sensation of “big car feel” in a sub-4-meter package is hard to get right.
But here’s the catch—Honda has played a very specific game here. They have prioritized safety and refinement over high-octane performance. At a starting price of roughly ₹7.60 Lakh, it enters a shark tank filled with the dominant Maruti Dzire and the feature-rich Hyundai Aura. Is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine and a CVT enough to keep it “desirable” in 2026? This is where things get interesting. Let’s dive into the New Honda Amaze first drive, review: Desirable enough? and find out if this baby Honda is the right move for your garage.
Quick Overview: The Third Gen Evolution
The 2026 Honda Amaze marks the biggest leap the nameplate has seen since its debut in 2013. It is no longer just “the sedan version of the Brio.” It is a standalone statement. Honda has consolidated the lineup, focusing exclusively on the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, officially waving goodbye to the diesel dream in India.
Launched in three main trims—V, VX, and ZX—the new Amaze targets a buyer who is looking for a “premium-lite” experience. The headline? It is now the most affordable car in India to offer Level 2 ADAS (Honda Sensing). In a country where road safety is finally taking center stage, this is a massive tactical advantage. But as we know, brochure features are one thing; Indian roads are quite another.
Exterior Design Analysis: The Mini-Accord
If you find the current crop of compact sedans a bit “stubby,” the new Amaze is going to be a breath of fresh air. Honda has successfully integrated a three-box silhouette into the sub-4-meter constraint without it looking like an afterthought.
The Face and Lighting
The front end is clearly inspired by the global Honda design language.
- Hexagonal Grille: It borrows the bold, upright grille from the Honda Elevate, giving it a much more aggressive and “SUV-like” presence from the front.
- LED Projector Headlamps: In the top-spec ZX variant, you get sharp, sleek LED units with integrated DRLs.
- The Clamshell Hood: Look closely at the creases on the hood; they add a layer of muscle that makes the car look wider than its actual 1,733 mm width.
Silhouette and Stance
From the side, the Amaze looks like a proper executive sedan.
- 15-inch Diamond-Cut Alloys: These star-shaped wheels fill the arches well, though I would have loved to see 16-inchers to truly nail the stance.
- The Roofline: It’s more fluid now, tapering gently into a very well-defined trunk. It doesn’t have that “cut-paste” job feel at the rear.
The Rear Aesthetic
The rear features C-shaped LED signatures that mimic the Honda City. The trunk opening is wide, and the overall look is clean, mature, and remarkably uncluttered. The only “bling” is the subtle chrome strip that connects the taillights, making it look wider from the back.
Interior Design & Comfort: A High-Quality Sanctuary
Step inside, and the “Desirable Enough?” question starts to answer itself. If you were expecting the old, somewhat basic cabin of the second-gen Amaze, you’re in for a shock.
The Driver’s Command Center
The dashboard is a mix of black and beige, which is a classic Indian favorite for its airy feel.
- 8-inch Touchscreen: It’s the SmartPlay Pro system, which is snappy and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- 7-inch Digital Cluster: The driver gets a crisp display that shows everything from fuel economy to ADAS alerts. It feels significantly more modern than the analog dials of its predecessors.
Seating and Ergonomics
- Front Seats: They are well-bolstered and offer excellent under-thigh support. The driving position is “Honda-perfect”—everything falls to hand exactly where you expect it to.
- Rear Bench: This is where the Amaze has always excelled. The legroom is best-in-segment, and the recline angle is spot on.
- But here’s the catch: While the legroom is massive, the headroom for anyone over 6 feet is a bit tight due to the sloping roofline. It’s a dedicated four-adult car; fitting a fifth person in the middle is still an “optimistic” endeavor.
Boot Space and Utility
At 416 Litres, the boot is cavernous. It’s shaped well, meaning you can actually fit two full-sized suitcases and a couple of soft bags without playing Tetris. For a family of four heading to the airport, it’s arguably the most practical boot in the business.
Engine Specifications & Performance: The i-VTEC Legacy
This is the part of the New Honda Amaze first drive, review: Desirable enough? where we talk about the soul of the machine. Honda has stuck with its legendary 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Technical Specs Table
| Specification | 1.2L i-VTEC Manual | 1.2L i-VTEC CVT |
| Engine Type | 4-Cyl SOHC i-VTEC | 4-Cyl SOHC i-VTEC |
| Max Power | 89 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 89 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | ~12.5 Seconds | ~13.2 Seconds |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 7-Step CVT |
| ARAI Mileage | 18.65 kmpl | 19.46 kmpl |
The Driving Experience
On the road, the Amaze is a lesson in smoothness.
- City Driveability: This is where the CVT shines. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Amaze is effortless. There is no “head-nod” like you get in AMTs, and the low-speed creep is perfectly calibrated.
- The i-VTEC Character: Being a naturally aspirated engine, it loves to be revved. It’s a very linear power delivery.
- But here’s the catch: If you are an enthusiast looking for a “turbo kick,” you won’t find it here. On open highways, overtakes require a bit of planning. When you floor the CVT, you get the “rubber-band effect”—the engine revs rise and create a bit of a drone, but the speed takes a second to catch up.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: The “Real World” Figures
In India, “kitna degi” is the ultimate deal-breaker.
- City Realities: In heavy traffic, expect a realistic 11-13 kmpl.
- Highway Cruising: On a steady cruise at 90 kmph, the Amaze easily delivers 17-18 kmpl.
- Expert Insight: Interestingly, the CVT is often more efficient than the Manual in real-world highway conditions because it can keep the engine at a lower RPM during high-speed cruising.
Ride Quality & Real-World Driving: The City Specialist
How does a sub-4-meter sedan handle the “unscientific” speed breakers and monsoon-ravaged craters of Jodhpur or Mumbai? This is where the New Honda Amaze first drive, review: Desirable enough? takes a deep dive into its mechanical soul.
The Amaze has always been the softest car in its segment, and the 2026 model continues that tradition but with a hint of added “European” maturity.
- The “Magic Carpet” Feel: At city speeds (30–60 kmph), the suspension is incredibly supple. It rounds off sharp edges and jagged manhole covers with a sophistication that makes the Maruti Dzire feel a bit “busy.”
- High-Speed Composure: On the highway, the extra-wide track of the new platform provides better stability. While it isn’t a corner-carver like the old Ford Aspire, it feels “planted” at 100 kmph, which is a significant step up from the previous generation.
- Ground Clearance Confidence: With a 172 mm unladen ground clearance, the Amaze is taller than your average sedan. In my testing, even with four adults on board, it cleared the tallest speed bumps without any heart-wrenching scrapes.
But here’s the catch—at triple-digit speeds, the steering feels a bit too light for my liking. It’s perfect for parking in tight spots with one finger, but on a winding ghat road, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more feedback. It is a city specialist, not a track weapon.
Features & Technology: The Segment Disruptor
Honda has finally woken up to the fact that Indian buyers want “toys.” The 2026 Amaze is packed with tech that would make cars a segment higher blush.
- Honda Sensing (Level 2 ADAS): This is the crown jewel. The Amaze is now the most affordable car in India to offer autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. On a well-marked expressway, it works brilliantly, adding a layer of safety previously unheard of at this price point.
- 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. In the chaotic “left-side-passing” reality of India, this is more useful than a 360-degree camera.
- Wireless Everything: Wireless charging and wireless smartphone integration are standard on the top trims, keeping the cabin clutter-free.
Safety Features: The 5-Star Fortress
Honda’s biggest PR win for the 2026 Amaze is its safety credential. It hasn’t just been built to look good; it’s been built to survive.
- 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating: The third-gen Amaze officially secured a 5-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection (scoring 28.33/32) and a solid 4-star rating for Child Occupant Protection.
- Standard Safety Suite: Honda is not playing games here. Every single variant, from the base V to the top ZX, comes with 6 Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and ISOFIX mounts as standard.
- ACE Body Structure: The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body uses high-tensile steel to ensure that in the event of a crash, the impact energy is diverted away from the passengers.
Price & Variants: The VFM Breakdown
The Amaze is priced at a slight premium over its rivals, reflecting its “Premium-Lite” positioning.
2026 Honda Amaze Price Table (Ex-Showroom India)
| Variant | Key Features | Manual Price | CVT Price |
| V | 6 Airbags, ESC, All Power Windows | ₹ 7.51 Lakh | ₹ 8.66 Lakh |
| VX | 8″ Touchscreen, Alloys, Rear Cam | ₹ 8.52 Lakh | ₹ 9.25 Lakh |
| ZX | ADAS (Honda Sensing), LED Headlamps | ₹ 9.25 Lakh | ₹ 10.00 Lakh |
*Note: On-road prices in cities like Bangalore or Delhi will typically be ₹ 1.2 to 1.6 Lakh higher due to RTO and Insurance.
Competitor Comparison: The Compact Stand-off
| Feature | New Honda Amaze | New Maruti Dzire | Hyundai Aura |
| Safety | 5-Star B-NCAP | 5-Star B-NCAP | Not Tested |
| Engine | 1.2L 4-Cyl (89 hp) | 1.2L 3-Cyl (80 hp) | 1.2L 4-Cyl (83 hp) |
| Automatic | 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 ADAS in a compact sedan.
- Smooth Operator: The CVT is the most refined automatic under ₹12 Lakh.
- “Big Car” Space: Best-in-class boot and impressive rear legroom.
- Reliability: The i-VTEC motor is bulletproof and easy on the pocket.
Cons:
- Performance Deficit: Lacks the low-end punch of turbo-petrol rivals.
- CVT Drone: The “rubber-band” effect is still present during hard overtakes.
- No Sunroof: Unlike the new Dzire, Honda has skipped the sunroof (though some purists might prefer the extra headroom).
- Missing Features: No 360-camera or ventilated seats, which are becoming common.
Who should buy this vehicle?
You should buy the New Honda Amaze if you are a sensible family person who prioritizes peace of mind above all else. 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. Also, if you are a “feature-hound” who needs a sunroof and a 360-camera 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 very clear insight: Honda has built a car that respects the buyer’s intelligence.
It doesn’t try to win you over with gimmicks. Instead, it offers a 5-star safety net, the smoothest automatic gearbox in the class, and a design that looks significantly more expensive than it is. While the lack of a sunroof might hurt its “brochure appeal” against the new Dzire, the inclusion of ADAS and the superior 4-cylinder refinement make it the most “desirable” car for anyone who actually enjoys the act of effortless, safe driving.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Is the Honda Amaze underpowered for the highway?
Not exactly. It’s adequate for cruising at 100 kmph, but quick overtakes require a downshift (in the Manual) or a bit of patience (in the CVT). It’s a “steady” performer, not a “fast” one.
Q2: Does it have a CNG option?
As of April 2026, Honda has not launched a factory-fitted CNG variant. If high mileage is your only goal, the Maruti Dzire CNG remains the better choice.
Q3: How is the maintenance cost of the new Amaze?
Honda’s maintenance is surprisingly affordable. With service intervals at 10,000 km, expect an annual service bill of roughly ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 for the first few years.
Q4: Is the ADAS actually useful on Indian roads?
The “Collision Mitigation” and “LaneWatch” are lifesavers. However, the “Lane Keep Assist” can sometimes struggle with poorly marked roads. Use it as a helper, not a replacement for your attention.
Q5: Why is there no diesel engine?
Honda has officially shifted its focus to Petrol and Hybrid tech globally. The 1.2 i-VTEC is future-proof against stricter emission norms (BS6 Phase 2 and beyond) that have made small diesels unviable.