Honda’s second-generation Amaze sedan has landed in South Africa.
Much like how its chief A-segment rival is now named the Suzuki DZire after dropping ‘Swift’, the new Amaze drops Brio from its name to be known as the Honda Amaze.
While it would be fair to call the original Brio Amaze sedan’s design somewhat ‘quirky’, the new Amaze sports a more mature look – almost Honda Jazz-like. The new Amaze sports a more elongated side profile, with a boxy front end and a chrome grill. The most noticeable change is out back, as the Amaze now gains C-shaped styled taillights similar in design to those seen on the Civic.
In terms of size, the new Brio gains an additional 5mm of length to 3,995mm, with its wheelbase growing by 65mm to 2,470mm. It also stands 15mm wider at 1,695mm, whilst the compact sedan now offers an additional 5mm of ground clearance at 170mm. And thanks to the increase in length and wheelbase, this means a more spacious interior than before, and more luggage space, which has increased by 20 litres to a staggering 420 litres. Despite being larger, it rides on a new platform, so it’s actually lighter than the model it replaces.
Powering the new Amaze is said to be the same 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol motor from its predecessor, with outputs expected to be 65kw and 109nm. The motor will be mated to a 5-speed manual as standard, or an optional 7-speed CVT transmission in the range-topper.
The Amaze is set to go up against the new Suzuki DZire and the Tata Bolt sedan locally. While the Amaze is now on sale, Honda has yet to confirm when the new Brio hatchback will land. In South Africa, the Amaze is available in choice of four exterior paint hues: Radiant Red, Lunar Silver, Modern Steel and White Orchid.
Honda has priced the Amaze 1.2 Trend at R179 900 and the Amaze 1.2 Comfort at R193 900, up from its predecessor at R175 700 and R188 200 respectively. The flagship model, the Amaze 1.2 Comfort, is the only model in the line-up to feature a self-shifting transmission in the form of a CVT. This model is priced at R208 900, which sees a modest R6300 increase over its predecessor.
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA.
FAQ
Q: What does the Honda Amaze cost in South Africa?
The Honda Amaze starts at R179,900 for the 1.2 Trend manual and R193,900 for the 1.2 Comfort with CVT, making it a properly affordable entry into the sedan game.
Q: Is the Honda Amaze worth buying?
The Honda Amaze is worth considering if you want a reliable, spacious compact sedan with Honda's bulletproof reputation, though you'll sacrifice some excitement for that dependability.
Q: How much boot space does the Honda Amaze have?
The Honda Amaze offers a massive 420 litres of boot space, which is seriously impressive for a compact sedan and beats most rivals in this price bracket.
Q: What engine does the Honda Amaze use?
The Honda Amaze uses a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine producing 65kW and 109Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 7-speed CVT transmission.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Honda Amaze?
The Honda Amaze's main rivals are the Suzuki DZire and Tata Bolt sedan, all fighting for supremacy in South Africa's compact sedan segment.
Should You Buy It?
The Honda Amaze is a solid choice if you're after a reliable, practical compact sedan under R200,000 in South Africa. At R179,900 for the entry-level Trend, it offers excellent value with that cavernous 420-litre boot, improved interior space, and Honda's legendary reliability. The 65kW 1.2-litre engine won't set your world on fire, but it'll get you from A to B without drama. If you prioritise dependability and practicality over thrills, the Amaze deserves a spot on your shortlist, though the Suzuki DZire might edge it out for overall refinement.
