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Honda Amaze has always held a special place in the Indian compact sedan market. First introduced in 2013, this sub-4-meter sedan quickly became a hit due to its practicality, frugality, and the Japanese carmaker's reputation for reliability. Over the years, the company has sold over 5.8 lakh units of the 1st and 2nd generation Amaze, and now in 2025, Honda is back with the 3rd generation Amaze, promising a bold new design, better features, and improved driving dynamics. I had the opportunity to spend a few hours behind the wheel of this much-anticipated sedan, and here's my first impression of what’s new, what works, and why the Amaze continues to impress.
Design & Looks: A Fresh, Sporty Makeover
One glance at the new Amaze, and you can tell Honda has pulled out all the stops in terms of design. The 3rd generation model’s 3-box silhouette now looks bolder with a wider, more dynamic front end giving it a sportier yet simplistic feel.
At the front, Amaze gets the signature hexagonal grille, flanked by sleek automatic bi-focal LED headlamps with integrated eyebrow shaped DRLs and lane change indicators. The bumper has been reworked to give it a bolder stance with sharp lines and larger air intakes, contributing to a sportier character. The signature chrome bar sits below the bonnet giving it a muscular look without being overdone.
On the side, the Amaze retains its compact proportions with 172 mm of ground clearance but now looks more dynamic with the new 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The spoke design of the alloys, combined with chrome-accented door handles, adds a sporty touch to its overall aesthetic.
The vehicle offers three distinct wheel designs. The V Grade features 14-inch Blade Silver trim wheels, while the VX Grade comes equipped with 15-inch Sparkle Silver alloy wheels. For those seeking a more dynamic appearance, the ZX Grade offers 15-inch dual-tone machine-finished Shark Grey alloy wheels.
At the rear, Honda has smartly minimised unnecessary lines and angles for an upscale look featuring LED tail lamps that wrap around the corners. The boxy boot lid can also be integrated with an optional spoiler which is part of a 38+ official accessories list for the car.
Honda has also worked on proportions; despite staying under 4 meters, the car looks better balanced and more mature.
Interior & Features: A Big Step in the Right Direction
Stepping inside the cabin is where the new Honda Amaze truly surprises. The 3rd-gen model feels more modern, with an improved dashboard layout, better materials, and a focus on convenience. Honda has clearly listened to customer feedback, adding several features that were previously missing.
The dual-tone black-beige theme looks neat, while the horizontal flow of the dashboard creates an airy ambiance. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been replaced by a new 8-inch unit that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is responsive, bright, and easy to use. Below it, physical controls for the air conditioning add a welcome touch of ergonomics.
The center console houses two USB charging ports, while the instrument cluster combines analog and digital elements. The speedometer retains a physical needle with a backlit display, while the 7-inch digital screen on the left offers toggling options for various information via steering-mounted controls. Settings like the walk-away auto-lock can also be configured through this system.
Other notable features include push-button start/stop, remote engine start, rear AC vents (in VX & ZX trims), a wireless phone charging pad, multi-angle rearview camera, and auto headlight with wiper activation. The top-end trim also gets Honda connected car technology with first five years of free subscription for added convenience, allowing owners to monitor the car remotely.
The rear seats offer ample legroom, knee room, and a wide bench with three headrests, including a fixed one for the center passenger. Three-point seatbelts are provided for all occupants, enhancing safety. While seating three adults in the rear is snug, it remains more comfortable than many competitors. Rear AC vents now come equipped with a more powerful blower, effectively cooling the cabin even during warmer conditions, as tested in mid-30°C temperatures. The air conditioner is also equipped with a PM2.5 filter.
Despite the absence of a sunroof, the cabin feels open and airy, thanks to its large glass area.
Safety: First-in-Class Honda SENSING
Safety hasn't been overlooked either. For the first time, Amaze now gets Honda Sensing Technology, making it the most affordable sedan to get the advanced driver assists system (ADAS). Honda Sensing incorporates a front wide-view camera that identifies and analyses surrounding objects, including their size, speed, and distance.
Key technologies include: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Auto High Beam (AHB), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Rear Seatbelt Reminder, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Rear Parking Sensors, etc…
The 2025 Amaze also comes with six airbags and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard across variants. With an improved chassis, refined NVH levels, and a host of features, the new Amaze aspires to be the go-to car for young families and first-time sedan buyers.
Specifications
The new Amaze is built on an updated version of Honda's platform, making it more rigid and lighter than its predecessor. The dimensions remain similar, with a length of 3995mm and a wheelbase of 2470mm. Despite the compact size, Honda claims improved cabin space and boot capacity.
Engine and Performance
Honda has opted to stick with its tried-and-tested engine for the 2025 Amaze, with refinements aimed at improving performance and efficiency.
The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre i-VTEC four cylinder naturally aspirated unit producing 88.5 bhp at 6000rpm and 110Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic. The engine is smooth and refined, as expected from Honda, and delivers a linear power delivery to the front wheels, that's ideal for city driving. The engine is E20 (ethanol) compliant too.
On the manual variant, the shifts are light, and the clutch action is progressive, making it a breeze to drive in traffic. The CVT, on the other hand, is tuned for comfort and offers a seamless driving experience. While it isn't the quickest off the line, it makes up for it with smoothness.
Fuel efficiency is another area where the Amaze impresses. The petrol manual claims 18.65 km/l, while the CVT offers 19.46 km/l. While these figures may not reflect real-world performance, they set a promising benchmark. We'll provide a more accurate assessment of the Amaze's fuel economy once we've the opportunity to test the car extensively over a longer duration.
Unfortunately, the diesel engine has been discontinued, which might disappoint long-time Amaze diesel fans. However, Honda believes the petrol engine paired with its CVT will cater to a larger audience.
On-Road Performance: Smooth and Composed
On the road, the new Amaze feels more mature. The ride quality has seen a noticeable improvement with the reworked suspension. It soaks up bumps with ease, and even on rough patches, the car feels well-composed.
At city speeds, the light electric power steering and compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuver through traffic and tight spaces. The visibility is excellent but the cabin remains a bit noisy. The CVT version is the one to pick for urban use, as it feels refined and adequately responsive. Paddle shifters allow a sense of control when needed.
At highway speeds, the car feels stable and confident. The engine revs freely, though the power hungry drivers might crave for more punch. While it may not be a performance car, it can cruise comfortably at triple-digit speeds. There is a sports mode too for those who want an extra edge.
The 2025 Honda Amaze comes with front disc & rear drum brakes.
Colour, Variants & Price
The 3rd generation of the sedan comes in six single-tone body colour options, including Obsidian Blue, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic.
The Amaze is available in three variants: V, VX and ZX, with the top-end ZX trim offering all the bells and whistles. Honda has priced the new Amaze competitively, starting at ₹8 lakh for the base V variant and going up to ₹10.90 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end ZX CVT variant.
Verdict
The 3rd generation Amaze feels like a step in the right direction for Honda. It retains its core strengths of practicality, reliability, and fuel efficiency while adding a more premium design, modern features, and improved ride quality. However, it does fall short on a few creature comforts, like a front center armrest and ventilated seats, which are only available as optional accessories. While its design might not turn heads, the Amaze focuses on substance over show, delivering what matters most—comfort, safety, and practicality.
The refined petrol engine and smooth CVT will appeal to a wider audience, especially urban & commercial buyers who prioritise safety and reliability over flashy extras. So, if you're in the market for a car that's stylish, spacious, and easy to live with sedan, the 2025 Honda Amaze deserves a spot on your shortlist.
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