🌟 Introduction
When Honda launched the Amaze in 2013, it wasn’t just entering the sub-4 metre sedan segment; it was bringing a fresh breeze of premium feel, refined engines, and Honda’s reliable engineering to Indian families seeking style + practicality on a budget.
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⚙️ Engine & Performance
Petrol Variant
Engine: 1.2L i-VTEC, 4-cylinder, SOHC
Power: 88 PS @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 109 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual / 5-speed torque converter automatic
Drive Feel: Smooth rev-happy engine with typical Honda refinement. Ideal for city runs and highway cruising at legal speeds. Lacks punchy midrange but compensates with linear power delivery.
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Diesel Variant
Engine: 1.5L i-DTEC, 4-cylinder, DOHC
Power: 100 PS @ 3600 rpm
Torque: 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive Feel:
Honda’s first diesel for India.
Excellent low-end torque makes city driving effortless.
Some engine clatter intrudes into cabin, especially during acceleration, but settles at cruising speeds.
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🔶 🏎️ Driving Dynamics
✅ Steering: Light at parking speeds, weighs up decently at highway speeds. Good for city manoeuvrability but not sporty.
✅ Suspension: Tuned for comfort, soaks up potholes effectively. Rear feels slightly bouncy with full load due to compact sedan dynamics.
✅ Braking: Disc front + drum rear setup. Decent stopping power but lacks the initial bite of rivals like Aspire.
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🔶 💺 Interior & Features
✅ Dashboard Design:
Dual-tone beige and black layout with silver inserts, typical Honda ergonomics – everything intuitive and driver-focused.
✅ Infotainment:
Basic 2-DIN system initially, later upgraded to touchscreen with Bluetooth, AUX, USB.
✅ Comfort & Practicality:
Spacious cabin thanks to clever Honda packaging
Generous rear legroom for the segment
Boot space: 400 litres – among the best in compact sedans
✅ Steering Mounted Controls: Available in higher trims
✅ AC Performance: Chills rapidly, effective even in peak summers
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💡 Design & Aesthetics
The first-gen Amaze carried a mini-City design language, especially upfront with chrome grille and swept-back headlamps.
✅ Front: Sharp Honda identity with clean bonnet lines
✅ Side: Compact profile with well-integrated boot (didn’t look like an attached box unlike some rivals)
✅ Rear: Tall tail lamps giving an impression of a larger sedan
Overall stance: Elegant yet practical – not overly sporty but exudes Honda’s subtle sophistication.
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⚙️ Build Quality & Safety
✅ Build Quality: Light-weight for better mileage, hence doors felt less solid compared to VW or Ford rivals but fit-finish was premium for the segment.
✅ Safety:
Dual airbags standard in later years
ABS with EBD from mid variants onwards
Strong crash performance for a sub-4m sedan as per user crash cases, despite thin sheet metal feel
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🛠️ Mileage & Maintenance
✅ Petrol Real-world mileage: 13-15 kmpl city / 17-18 kmpl highway
✅ Diesel Real-world mileage: 18-20 kmpl city / 23-25 kmpl highway
✅ Service Cost: Relatively low compared to Ford or VW, typical Honda hassle-free ownership
🕶️ Ignition Garage Verdict
> The Honda Amaze First Gen wasn’t just a budget sedan – it was a statement.
✅ It brought Honda reliability and diesel power to Indian families.
✅ Gave unmatched rear space in its class.
✅ Delivered on fuel efficiency and driving comfort without sacrificing practicality.
Even today, it remains a top choice in used markets, especially the i-DTEC variant for its torquey performance and impressive mileage, or the i-VTEC for petrolheads seeking silky smoothness in a practical package.
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🏆 Final Take
🔧 Pros:
✔️ Smooth petrol engine
✔️ Punchy diesel torque
✔️ Spacious cabin & large boot
✔️ Honda badge + reliability
🔧 Cons:
❌ Diesel engine noise intrusion
❌ Build felt light
❌ No automatic in diesel variant
Ignition Garage 