Image Source: motorbeam.com
Honda’s upcoming Amaze, the only new model planned for India this year, will make its global debut in December 2024, according to Autocar India. Initially scheduled for an October release to coincide with the festive season, the launch has been postponed. The new Amaze will mark the start of its third generation, succeeding the popular second-generation model that has been in the market since 2018.
Design and Platform Updates
The next-generation Amaze will feature a fresh design inside and out. It will retain a modified version of the platform used by the Honda City and Elevate, but with a notably shorter wheelbase compared to the City’s 2,600mm and the Elevate’s 2,650mm. The new Amaze’s wheelbase will be shorter than the current model’s 2,470mm, helping keep the overall length under four meters. This shift will allow Honda to streamline its India lineup by consolidating from two platforms to one, which will improve economies of scale.
While specific details on the Amaze’s appearance are still emerging, it is expected to maintain the stylish design elements seen in larger Honda sedans sold internationally. The third-gen Amaze may follow a design philosophy similar to the second-gen model, which was inspired by the Honda Accord of its time.
Interior and Features
The interior of the new Amaze will likely feature a revamped cabin layout, possibly including a larger, free-standing touchscreen akin to the one in the Elevate. To manage costs, the Amaze will probably share interior components with other Honda models available in India.
Engine and Performance
The third-generation Amaze will continue to offer the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 90hp and 110Nm of torque. It will come with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. With Honda having discontinued diesel engines in India, the new Amaze will be petrol-only.
Market Challenges and Projections
The compact sedan segment, which sees monthly sales of approximately 23,000 to 24,000 units, is dominated by Maruti Suzuki with nearly 60 percent of the market share. The new Amaze will face stiff competition from the Hyundai Aura and the Maruti Dzire, both of which will be updated before the Amaze’s launch. Additionally, sedans are losing favor to compact SUVs and hot hatchbacks, and a significant portion of sub-4-meter sedans are sold in the taxi segment.
Honda Cars India has adjusted its volume projections for the new Amaze, reducing the expected annual production from 56,000 units to 40,000 units, reflecting the current slowdown in sedan sales. Despite this, the Amaze remains Honda’s entry-level model in India, contributing nearly 25 percent to the company’s total sales.
