Having set a new standard for small sedans in South Africa with the introduction of the Honda Amaze in 2018, the Japanese manufacture says that it has upped the ante once more with a number of changes and upgrades that will see the product find further favour with local buyers.
Changes include improved exterior styling, modifications to the interior and a new infotainment system. The updated Honda Amaze remains largely unchanged with a new front grille, which replaces the previous “solid-wing” version. Viewed from the side, the standard alloy wheels are a visual highlight, while also reducing unsprung mass. A shoulder line running from the headlamps to the taillamp clusters highlight the Amaze’s flanks while a broad sill contributes to the sedan’s look.
The roofline is smooth and curved and flows into an integrated, raised rear deck, which is accentuated by the notched C-pillar. The rear view is now dominated by a revised bumper with a new chrome accent and LED taillamps.
The range of exterior colours for the updated Amaze include Platinum White, Lunar Silver, Radiant Red and Meteoroid Grey, the latter being a new metallic colour.
All Honda Amaze models come standard with full-black interior upholstery, doing away with the two-tone beige and black design of the previous model. This shift is not only in keeping with current market trends, but also enhances durability.
Gloss piano black detailing on the dashboard remains unchanged and adds to the sophisticated ambience of the updated Amaze, while the ergonomically designed dashboard features a driver-centric instrument binnacle with analogue dials for speed and rev count. The binnacle also houses a digital trip computer.
The centre stack houses a sound system with FM/AM radio functionality, as well as MP3 playback and Bluetooth, which allows hands-free telephony and music streaming. In addition, the four-speaker system also provides USB connectivity and an AUX socket. A multifunction steering wheel provides safe and convenient satellite control of the audio system.
Ample cabin storage is provided by pockets in all four doors and cup holders in the centre console, while a fold-down rear seat armrest also incorporates cup holders for rear occupants.
The Honda Amaze is powered by a naturally aspirated 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine that employs Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent valve timing management system. Maximum power output of 66 kW is reached at 6 000 r/min, while the torque peak is 110 N.m at 4 800 r/min.
The updated Honda Amaze boasts an list of active and passive safety features as standard. Dual front airbags, inertia reel seatbelts front and rear, and ISOFIX child seat anchors together with safety front, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are included in the package.
The Amaze 1,2 Trend, at R209 100, is only available with a manual gearbox. This derivative boasts a new full-black interior upholstery. The list includes a tilt-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, a four-speaker audio system featuring FM/AM and MP3 functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, central locking and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.
Moving a step up on the line-up ladder is the 1,2 Comfort with manual transmission at R234 700, followed by the the 1,2 Comfort CVT at R252 800.
Both Comfort models still sport colour-coded exterior mirrors and door handles and low-mounted, recessed fog lamps as standard. However, now differentiating them from the lesser Trend model are 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and LED fog lights at the front. These features are in addition to a roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and a high-mounted third brake light that have been carried over from the previous model.
Inside, the Comfort offers all the standard features of the Trend model, but automatic air-conditioning and automatic door locking once the vehicle starts moving are added to the package for a more premium experience.
The infotainment system of the Comfort models has also been upgraded and now features a 7,0-inch touchscreen that incorporates a reverse parking camera. Catering to tech-savvy buyers, it features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
While the Comfort derivatives are identical from an interior design and styling perspective, the CVT model gains gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel to allow for manual shifts.
The range is supported by a full five-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a two-year/30 000 km service plan, and a three-year AA Roadside Assistance package.
