Honda Amaze

The third-generation Honda Amaze arrived in late 2024 as Honda's sub-four-metre compact sedan for India. It keeps the proven 1.2-litre petrol engine but wraps it in sharper, City-inspired styling and adds a genuine headline feature: Honda Sensing ADAS on the top trim, a first in this segment. Aimed at buyers who want a roomy boot, a trusted badge and easy ownership over the flashier features of rivals, the Amaze plays a deliberately sensible game.

On the road the Amaze is built around comfort and predictability rather than excitement. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol makes 89 bhp and 110 Nm, which is adequate around town and on highways at sensible speeds, but it asks you to work the revs when overtaking or climbing with a full load. The smooth CVT automatic suits the car's relaxed character far better than chasing quick getaways, though it does drone under hard acceleration. The five-speed manual is light and forgiving, making it an easy companion in city traffic.

Where the Amaze quietly excels is space and ride quality. The 2470 mm wheelbase frees up generous rear legroom for the class, and the 416-litre boot is among the largest you'll find on a compact sedan. The suspension soaks up broken roads and speed breakers with a maturity that belies the price, keeping occupants settled. Steering is light and accurate enough for parking and commuting, even if it offers little feedback for enthusiastic driving.

Inside, the cabin is neatly finished and sensibly laid out, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and a wireless charger on higher trims. Honda's LaneWatch camera and the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist and collision mitigation, are real talking points. The trade-offs are visible too: there is no sunroof, plastics are functional rather than plush, and the design plays it safe inside.

Honda's biggest strength remains the ownership experience. Service costs are predictable, reliability is strong and resale holds up well. What you sacrifice is segment-leading feature theatre and the punch of a turbo engine, both of which some rivals now offer at similar money.