Honda Amaze: The Honda Amaze has been one of the most successful compact sedans in India, offering a balance of affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The latest iteration, the third-generation Honda Amaze, continues to build on the strengths of its predecessor. While Honda claims an impressive ARAI-rated fuel economy for the Amaze, real-world conditions often tell a different story. Our real-world fuel economy test of the petrol-automatic variant of the Honda Amaze provides an in-depth look into its actual efficiency on both city roads and highways.
Despite the increasing preference for SUVs in the Indian market, the Honda Amaze remains a top choice for those looking for a reliable sedan with an automatic transmission. The petrol-CVT version of the Amaze features a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 90hp and 110Nm of torque. However, real-world tests reveal that its fuel economy falls short of the manufacturer’s claim. While Honda states that the Amaze CVT delivers 19.46kpl, our test results show an overall average fuel efficiency of just 13.28kpl. The city mileage stands at 9.94kpl, while the highway mileage is relatively better at 16.62kpl. This disparity highlights the challenges posed by urban driving conditions and the CVT’s characteristics.
One of the notable aspects of the Honda Amaze CVT is its powertrain behavior. Unlike some rivals that offer multiple drive modes or an economy setting to enhance efficiency, Honda has opted for a simpler approach. The CVT gearbox helps to compensate for the engine’s weak bottom-end power, ensuring smoother performance, but it also results in a noticeable rubber-band effect under hard acceleration. Additionally, during our city tests, ambient temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius, which might have contributed to lower mileage figures as the air conditioning worked continuously to maintain a comfortable 22-degree cabin temperature. These factors play a crucial role in determining the real-world efficiency of the Honda Amaze.
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Honda Amaze Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol |
| Power Output | 90hp |
| Torque | 110Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual / CVT |
| Fuel Efficiency (Claimed) | 19.46kpl (CVT) |
| Fuel Efficiency (Tested) | 13.28kpl (CVT) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420L |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts |
Performance and Driving Experience
The Honda Amaze CVT offers a comfortable and effortless driving experience, particularly for city commutes. The CVT gearbox, while smooth, tends to keep the engine revving above 2,000rpm, affecting fuel efficiency. The rubber-band effect is noticeable when accelerating aggressively, which might not appeal to enthusiastic drivers. However, for regular city driving, the Amaze CVT remains refined and easy to handle. The steering is light, making maneuverability convenient, and the suspension setup ensures a balanced ride quality.
Design and Features
The latest Honda Amaze retains its elegant yet modern design language. The prominent chrome grille, sharp LED DRLs, and sleek headlamps give it a sophisticated look. The cabin is well-equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a multifunction steering wheel. Though the interior layout is simple, the use of high-quality materials enhances the premium feel of the car.
Price and Variants
The Honda Amaze is available in multiple variants, with the CVT option offered in the higher trims. The price of the Amaze petrol CVT starts at approximately ₹8.36 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹9.81 lakh for the top-end model. The pricing remains competitive in its segment, making it an attractive option for sedan buyers.
Launch Date & Availability
The third-generation Honda Amaze was launched in India in 2021, and it continues to be a strong contender in the compact sedan market. The vehicle is available for purchase at Honda dealerships across the country, with multiple color options and customization features.
Honda Amaze Conclusion
In conclusion, the Honda Amaze is a popular choice in the compact sedan segment, particularly for those who prioritize comfort, reliability, and an automatic transmission. While it offers a host of features and a refined driving experience, the real-world fuel economy of the Amaze, particularly the petrol-CVT variant, does not meet the expectations set by its ARAI-rated efficiency. The average fuel efficiency of 13.28kpl in real-world conditions is a notable deviation from the claimed 19.46kpl, especially in city driving where the fuel economy stands at just 9.94kpl.
One of the primary factors contributing to this discrepancy is the engine’s performance characteristics, combined with the CVT transmission. The CVT’s efforts to keep the engine revving above 2,000rpm lead to a less efficient city driving experience. The absence of drive modes or an economy setting is another limitation, as it means drivers do not have any assistance in optimizing fuel efficiency. While the CVT helps smoothen performance, it also introduces a rubber-band effect, especially when accelerating aggressively, which impacts the overall driving experience.
Despite these challenges, the Honda Amaze remains a solid contender in its segment due to its refined cabin, well-designed interior, and balanced ride quality. The car offers an array of essential features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and safety equipment like dual airbags and ABS with EBD. The spacious boot, combined with generous cabin space, makes the Amaze a practical choice for family usage, with ample storage and comfort for long journeys.
When it comes to pricing, the Honda Amaze remains competitive in the market, with its CVT variant offering good value considering the premium features on offer. For those who need an automatic transmission for daily city commutes, the Amaze CVT can be a practical and comfortable option. However, those looking for outstanding fuel economy might be better off with alternatives, such as manual transmission variants or other sedans in the segment with better real-world efficiency.
In essence, while the Honda Amaze’s fuel economy might not be its strongest point, it excels in providing a smooth, reliable, and comfortable driving experience. It stands out as a practical sedan in the competitive compact segment. For buyers prioritizing comfort over fuel efficiency, the Honda Amaze CVT is a solid choice that continues to offer great value in the market.
Honda Amaze FAQs
1. What is the real-world fuel efficiency of the Honda Amaze CVT?
The real-world fuel efficiency of the Honda Amaze petrol-CVT variant averages at 13.28kpl. The city mileage is recorded at 9.94kpl, while highway driving yields better efficiency, with 16.62kpl. This is notably lower than the ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 19.46kpl, highlighting how real-world driving conditions can significantly affect performance.
2. Does the Honda Amaze CVT offer drive modes to improve fuel economy?
No, the Honda Amaze CVT does not come with drive modes or an economy setting. Unlike some rivals, which feature different driving modes to enhance fuel efficiency, the Honda Amaze focuses on delivering a smooth, automatic transmission without the additional features to actively manage fuel consumption.
3. Is the Honda Amaze CVT good for city driving?
Yes, the Honda Amaze CVT is generally well-suited for city driving due to its light steering, smooth transmission, and comfortable ride quality. The CVT transmission helps to make city commutes less stressful by providing effortless shifting. However, the fuel economy in city conditions is lower than expected, which could be a concern for those looking for high efficiency.
4. How does the Honda Amaze CVT perform on highways?
On highways, the Honda Amaze CVT performs decently, with an average fuel efficiency of 16.62kpl. The CVT delivers a smooth and relaxed cruising experience, although drivers might experience the rubber-band effect when accelerating aggressively. Despite this, it remains comfortable for long-distance drives, offering a quiet and stable ride.
5. What are the main advantages of the Honda Amaze CVT?
The Honda Amaze CVT offers several key advantages, including a smooth and refined automatic transmission, a comfortable ride quality, and a feature-rich interior with essential features like automatic climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system. It also provides a spacious cabin and a generous boot, making it a practical family sedan. However, its fuel efficiency could be a concern for some, especially in city driving conditions.
