In a move set to reinvigorate the compact sedan segment in India, Honda Cars India has unveiled the 2024 iteration of its popular Amaze model.
This update comes at a crucial time when the compact sedan market is facing stiff competition from compact SUVs, and Honda aims to reaffirm the Amaze’s position as a versatile, feature-rich option for Indian consumers.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Honda Amaze
- Refreshed Design: The new Amaze sports a modernized front grille, redesigned bumpers, and new alloy wheel designs, giving it a more premium look.
- Enhanced Interior: Upgraded cabin materials and a new infotainment system aim to elevate the in-car experience.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Both petrol and diesel engines have been tweaked for better fuel economy without compromising on performance.
- Advanced Safety Features: Introduction of more safety equipment across all variants, including some segment-first features.
- New Color Options: Fresh paint schemes to appeal to a younger demographic.
- Connectivity Features: Enhanced Honda Connect telematics system with more functionalities.
Variant-wise Pricing and Features
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| E (Petrol) | ₹6,99,900 | 1.2L i-VTEC, 5-speed MT, Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD |
| S (Petrol) | ₹7,79,900 | Adds 7″ Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alloy Wheels |
| V (Petrol) | ₹8,59,900 | Adds Cruise Control, Keyless Entry, Push Button Start |
| VX (Petrol) | ₹9,39,900 | Adds Leather Seats, Sunroof, Honda Connect, 6 Airbags |
| E (Diesel) | ₹8,99,900 | 1.5L i-DTEC, 5-speed MT, Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD |
| S (Diesel) | ₹9,79,900 | Adds 7″ Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alloy Wheels |
| V (Diesel) | ₹10,59,900 | Adds Cruise Control, Keyless Entry, Push Button Start |
| VX (Diesel) | ₹11,39,900 | Adds Leather Seats, Sunroof, Honda Connect, 6 Airbags |
Note: CVT option available in S and V variants for both petrol and diesel, at a premium of ₹1,20,000 over MT versions.
Market Impact and Competition
The 2024 update of the Honda Amaze comes at a time when the compact sedan segment is facing challenges from the rising popularity of compact SUVs.
However, Honda believes that there’s still a strong market for well-designed, feature-rich sedans. The Amaze will compete directly with:
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire
- Hyundai Aura
- Tata Tigor
Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd., commented on the launch: “The Amaze has been a cornerstone of our Indian lineup, and with this 2024 update, we’re reaffirming our commitment to the sedan segment.
We believe the new Amaze offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and efficiency that Indian consumers desire.”
Technology and Innovation
The 2024 Amaze showcases several technological advancements:
- New 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: Larger screen with improved resolution and responsiveness.
- Honda Connect: Enhanced telematics system with geofencing, vehicle tracking, and driver behavior analysis.
- Wireless Charging: Available in top-end variants for added convenience.
- LED Lighting: Full LED headlamps and taillamps for improved visibility and aesthetics.
Performance and Efficiency
The Amaze continues to offer two engine options:
- 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol: 90 PS power, 110 Nm torque, claimed fuel efficiency of 18.6 km/l (MT) and 18.3 km/l (CVT)
- 1.5L i-DTEC Diesel: 100 PS power, 200 Nm torque, claimed fuel efficiency of 24.7 km/l (MT) and 21.3 km/l (CVT)
Both engines are now BS6 Phase 2 compliant and offer improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels.
Safety Features
Honda has significantly enhanced the safety quotient of the 2024 Amaze:
- 6 Airbags now available in top-end variants
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) introduced in higher variants
- Hill Start Assist as standard in CVT variants
- Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Impact-mitigating headrests
Production and Localization
The 2024 Honda Amaze continues to be manufactured at Honda’s state-of-the-art facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan.
With over 95% localization, the Amaze embodies the ‘Make in India’ initiative while maintaining Honda’s global quality standards.
Customer Experience and After-sales
To support the launch of the new Amaze, Honda is enhancing its customer experience:
- 3-year/unlimited km warranty as standard
- Extended warranty options up to 5 years
- Honda Care Maintenance package with options for up to 5 years
- Expansion of dealership and service network, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
Future Outlook
The launch of the 2024 Amaze is part of Honda’s strategy to strengthen its position in the Indian market. Industry experts see this as a significant move:
Auto analyst Puneet Gupta notes, “While the market is tilting towards SUVs, there’s still a substantial customer base that prefers sedans.
The Amaze’s update could help Honda capture a larger share of this market and potentially bring back customers who were considering a switch to compact SUVs.”
Booking and Availability
Honda has opened bookings for the 2024 Amaze across its dealerships and online platform. Deliveries are set to commence from October 2024, with Honda promising minimal waiting periods.
Honda Amaze 2024
The 2024 Honda Amaze represents a significant update in the compact sedan segment.
By offering a refreshed design, enhanced features, and improved efficiency, Honda is not just updating a product but reaffirming its commitment to the sedan market in India.
As Indian consumers continue to seek value-for-money propositions with a premium touch, the new Amaze seems well-positioned to meet these expectations.
Its success could potentially reinvigorate interest in the compact sedan segment, offering a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous compact SUVs.
Moreover, the high level of localization in the Amaze’s production underscores Honda’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.
This approach not only helps in competitive pricing but also contributes to the growth of India’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.
As the automotive landscape in India continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on safety, technology, and fuel efficiency, the 2024 Amaze appears well-equipped to meet these changing demands.
Its launch marks an exciting new chapter not just for Honda, but for the compact sedan segment in India as a whole.