Hello everyone! If you’re in the market for a new car in India and are looking for something reliable and well-equipped without breaking the bank, you might have heard whispers about Honda launching its cheapest car. While the idea of an ultra-affordable Honda is exciting, it’s important to understand what Honda is actually offering and planning for the India car market. As of now, Honda’s current cheapest offering is the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen, a compact sedan that has carved out a strong position for itself by offering great value and modern features. This article will dive deep into the Amaze, clarifying its place in the market and Honda’s broader strategy for affordable cars India.
Overview
| Vehicle Name | Honda Amaze 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Brand | Honda |
| Type | Sedan |
| Launch Date | June 2018 (2nd Gen) |
| Starting Price | ₹7.23 lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
| Engine | 1.2 Litre i-VTEC Petrol / 1.5 Litre i-DTEC Diesel |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / CVT Automatic |
| Mileage | Up to 24.7 km/l (Diesel) |
| Top Speed | Approximately 150-160 km/h (Varies by engine and transmission) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
Price
The pricing of the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen makes it a compelling option for many Indian buyers. While it’s not the absolute cheapest car in India, it offers a strong package for its price point, making it a key player in the sub-₹10 lakh segment. The ex-showroom prices can vary, and on-road prices will include registration, insurance, and other charges.
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.) | On-Road Price (Approx. Delhi) |
|---|---|---|
| E Petrol MT | ₹7.23 Lakh | ₹8.10 Lakh |
| S Petrol MT | ₹7.70 Lakh | ₹8.60 Lakh |
| V Petrol MT | ₹8.29 Lakh | ₹9.25 Lakh |
| VX Petrol MT | ₹9.09 Lakh | ₹10.10 Lakh |
| S CVT | ₹8.70 Lakh | ₹9.70 Lakh |
| V CVT | ₹9.29 Lakh | ₹10.30 Lakh |
| VX CVT | ₹9.70 Lakh | ₹10.80 Lakh |
| S Diesel MT | ₹8.80 Lakh | ₹9.80 Lakh |
| V Diesel MT | ₹9.50 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh |
| VX Diesel MT | ₹10.40 Lakh | ₹11.50 Lakh |
Note: Prices are indicative and can change. On-road prices include RTO, insurance, and other charges.
Variants
The Honda Amaze comes in several variants, each offering a different set of features and price points to cater to a wider audience. Here’s a look at the different options available:
- Honda Amaze E – This is the base variant, offering essential features for a comfortable driving experience. It’s the most affordable way to get into a new Honda sedan.
- Honda Amaze S – Stepping up from the E variant, the S variant adds more creature comforts and convenience features, making it a popular choice for those looking for a bit more without a significant price jump.
- Honda Amaze V – The V variant further enhances the feature list, offering a more premium feel and advanced amenities.
- Honda Amaze VX – This is the top-of-the-line variant, packed with all the bells and whistles Honda has to offer in the Amaze. It typically includes more advanced technology and comfort features, including some safety aids.
Colors
Honda usually offers its vehicles in a range of attractive colours to suit different preferences. The Amaze is no exception, providing buyers with choices to personalize their ride.
| Color Name | Availability |
|---|---|
| Taffeta White | Available |
| Meteoroid Grey Metallic | Available |
| Radiant Red Metallic | Available |
| Lunar Silver Metallic | Available |
| Golden Brown Metallic | Available |
| Pearl Shoreline Beige | Available |
Mileage
Fuel efficiency is a major consideration for car buyers in India, and the Honda Amaze performs admirably in this regard, especially with its diesel engine. Honda’s engineering ensures good mileage figures for both petrol and diesel variants.
| Fuel Type | City Mileage (Approx.) | Highway Mileage (Approx.) | Combined Mileage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol MT | 15-17 km/l | 19-21 km/l | 18 km/l |
| Petrol CVT | 14-16 km/l | 18-20 km/l | 17 km/l |
| Diesel MT | 20-22 km/l | 24-27 km/l | 24 km/l |
Note: Mileage figures are ARAI certified and can vary based on driving conditions, driving style, and vehicle maintenance.
Top Speed
While top speed isn’t the primary focus for most car buyers in the compact sedan segment, the Amaze offers respectable performance for its class.
- Maximum Speed: Approximately 150-160 km/h
- Speed Limiter: Not Officially Specified, but designed for safe road speeds
- Speed in Different Gears: Varies based on engine RPM and gear selection
Performance
The Honda Amaze is powered by a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines that balance performance with fuel economy. It’s designed to be a comfortable and capable city car with enough grunt for highway cruising.
| Performance Parameter | Value (Petrol MT) | Value (Diesel MT) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 km/h | Around 6-7 seconds | Around 5-6 seconds |
| 0-100 km/h | Around 11-13 seconds | Around 10-12 seconds |
| Quarter Mile Time | Approximately 18-20 seconds | Approximately 17-19 seconds |
| Braking Distance (100-0 km/h) | Around 45-50 meters | Around 43-48 meters |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | Moderate, suitable for its class | Good, especially for overtaking |
| Fuel Efficiency Rating | Good | Excellent |
Note: Performance figures are estimates and can vary significantly based on driving conditions, road surface, and vehicle load.
Specifications
Engine Specifications
| Engine Type | 1.2 Litre i-VTEC Petrol / 1.5 Litre i-DTEC Diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1199 cc (Petrol) / 1498 cc (Diesel) |
| Max Power | 88.7 bhp @ 6000 rpm (Petrol) / 98.6 bhp @ 3600 rpm (Diesel – MT) & 78.9 bhp @ 3600 rpm (Diesel – CVT) |
| Max Torque | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm (Petrol) / 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm (Diesel – MT) & 160 Nm @ 1750 rpm (Diesel – CVT) |
| Fuel System | Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Petrol) / Common Rail Direct Injection (Diesel) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 (Petrol) / 16.5:1 (Diesel) |
| Valve Configuration | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder |
Dimensions
| Length | 3995 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Height | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2530 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Kerb Weight | Approx. 986 kg (Petrol MT) / Approx. 1075 kg (Diesel MT) |
| Boot Space | 510 Litres |
Features
Exterior Features
- Projector Headlamps
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
- Chrome Grille Accents
- Body-Coloured ORVMs and Door Handles
- Rear Defogger
- Electric ORVM Adjustment
- Alloy Wheels (on higher variants)
Interior Features
- Automatic Climate Control
- Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Multi-function Steering Wheel
- Keyless Entry
- Push Button Start/Stop
- Front and Rear Power Outlets
- Rear AC Vents
- Comfortable Seating with Good Lumbar Support
Safety Features
- Dual Front Airbags
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Reverse Parking Camera
- Seat Belt Reminders
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Notably found on Amaze
It’s worth highlighting that the Honda Amaze is noted for being one of the most affordable cars in India equipped with ADAS features. This is a significant draw for buyers looking for advanced safety technology in a reasonably priced package.
Technology Features
- 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
- Voice Recognition
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- USB and Aux-in Ports
- Steering Mounted Audio and Calling Controls
- Navigation System (Optional on some variants)
Competitors
The Honda Amaze operates in a highly competitive segment of the India car market. It faces strong rivals from other manufacturers who also offer compelling packages in the compact sedan and premium hatchback space.
| Competitor | Price Range (Ex-Showroom) | Engine | Mileage (Approx.) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | ₹6.50 – ₹9.39 Lakh | 1.2L Petrol, 1.2L Petrol (CNG) | Up to 24.12 km/l (Petrol) | Maruti’s reliability, extensive service network, CNG option |
| Hyundai Aura | ₹6.49 – ₹9.48 Lakh | 1.2L Petrol, 1.0L Turbo Petrol, 1.2L Diesel | Up to 28 km/l (Diesel) | Feature-rich, premium interiors, multiple engine options |
| Tata Tigor | ₹6.30 – ₹9.25 Lakh | 1.2L Petrol, 1.2L Turbo Petrol (Punch) | Up to 20.3 km/l (Petrol) | Excellent safety rating (5-star GNCAP), good ride quality |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | ₹6.00 – ₹9.50 Lakh | 1.2L Petrol | Up to 23.2 km/l | Sporty design, agile handling, good fuel efficiency |
| Hyundai i20 | ₹7.00 – ₹11.80 Lakh | 1.2L Petrol, 1.0L Turbo Petrol, 1.5L Diesel | Up to 25.0 km/l (Diesel) | Premium feel, spacious cabin, advanced features |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Value for Money: Offers a good balance of features and Honda’s reliability at a competitive price.
- Spacious Interior: The cabin is quite roomy for its segment, especially in the rear.
- Large Boot Space: At 510 litres, the boot is one of the largest in its class, perfect for families.
- Fuel Efficient Engines: Both petrol and diesel engines deliver impressive mileage.
- Smooth CVT Transmission: The automatic (CVT) option offers a comfortable driving experience, especially in city traffic.
- Advanced Safety Features: Inclusion of ADAS on higher variants is a significant plus.
- Honda Reliability: Known for its durable engines and overall build quality.
Cons
- Not the Cheapest in India: While affordable, it doesn’t compete with ultra-budget cars like the Alto or Kwid.
- Engine Refinement: The diesel engine can be a bit noisy and less refined compared to some rivals.
- Suspension Feel: The ride can feel a bit stiff over rough patches.
- Interior Plastics: Some of the interior plastics could have been of better quality.
- Exterior Design: While subjective, some might find the exterior styling a bit plain compared to competitors.
FAQs
Is Honda launching India’s cheapest car?
As of my last update, Honda is not planning to launch a car explicitly marketed as “India’s cheapest car” in the near future. Their strategy focuses on segments above the ultra-budget category.
What is currently Honda’s cheapest car in India?
Currently, the Honda Amaze 2nd Gen is Honda’s most affordable car in India, with prices starting around ₹7.23 lakh (ex-showroom).
What are Honda’s future plans for new models in India?
By FY 2026-27, Honda plans to introduce three new models in India, with a strong emphasis on electric and strong hybrid powertrains. These are expected to be in the SUV and possibly sedan segments, likely targeting higher price points than the Amaze.
Which cars are considered India’s cheapest?
Cars like the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, Renault Kwid, and Tata Tiago are generally considered the cheapest cars available in India, with starting prices typically ranging from ₹4.5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Does the Honda Amaze offer ADAS?
Yes, the Honda Amaze is notable for offering Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on its higher variants, making it one of the most affordable cars in India to feature such advanced safety technology.
What is the boot space of the Honda Amaze?
The Honda Amaze boasts a substantial boot space of 510 litres, which is quite impressive for its segment and makes it very practical for families and luggage.
For more information about the Honda Amaze, visit the official Honda India website or contact your nearest dealership.
