Keeping up with changing car names can be tricky, remember when the Hyundai Tucson became the Hyundai IX35? And then became the Tucson again? Look, we do eventually get there. Honda has decided to drop the Brio in its Honda Brio Amaze model and so is now just called the Honda Amaze (like the rest of the world). The Brio, as a matter of fact, will also be discontinued soon. So, thankfully, we only need to remember the name Amaze. Amazing!
As we bid farewell to the Brio, this all-new compact sedan will give customers the opportunity to enter in to the Honda brand. And with Honda’s reputation for reliability and great fuel economy, it makes sense that Honda would offer such an entry-level product – in the hope that its customers will make Honda their brand of choice through all life’s car-buying chapters.
Compact sedans are... Well, they're not pretty!
Honda spins the PR speak when describing the looks of the new Amaze; “Fearless and confident,” “an aggressive long nose,” “sleek,” “dynamic,” with a “powerful lower body.” Compact sedans are, unfortunately, not exactly the most handsome of vehicles. You can add a selection of accessories to your Amaze if you feel the need to pimp it out, but it might just be a fruitless exercise. Let’s accept that a compact sedan is about practicality and not about looks.
Cabin ambience is surprisingly modern and fresh
The cabin, on the other hand, is quite modern and fresh looking. The boot space of this new Amaze has increased by 20-litres, making it one of the larger in its segment. Rear legroom is also ample. And what Honda has done so well with this new Amaze, is to pack it with standard features. With two trim levels to choose from, namely Trend and Comfort, both will serve you well. You can expect front and rear electric windows, a multi-function steering wheel, manual air conditioning, a 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port as well as a rear armrest with cupholders. Choose the Comfort trim level (available with a manual or CVT transmission) and you add automatic air conditioning, electric mirrors, auto door locking, and steering wheel mounted shift paddles (on the CVT).
And if that is not enough, Honda is offering its customers the opportunity to fit synthetic leather seat covers to either the Trend or Comfort at no extra cost. And if you’re thinking they will look appalling, you are wrong. I was pleasantly surprised by the snug fit, they don’t feel like seat covers. It gives the cabin a more premium feel and as Honda says, it aims to attract a new type of customer with them.
No cost optional synthetic seat covers are not as bad as you might expect
The Amaze is powered by a 1.2-litre 66 kW, 110Nm engine which as mentioned, is mated to either a manual or CVT ‘box. The CVT, although quite grumbly while idling, is well-suited to this engine. It’s perfect for around town and you will only note the strain when you put a bit of oomph in to your pedal pushing. But with a smaller engine, so too comes a low fuel consumption. Honda claims the manual to be at 5.6L/100 km and the CVT to be at 5.7L/100 km. That should please anyone living in South Africa at the moment. Your next best option is a bicycle.
Amaze's 1.2-litre engine is likely to be as frugal as it is reliable
This new Amaze, while not the prettiest or most refined, does what it says on the box. And with a starting price of just R179,900.00, you can’t really complain about too much.
Honda admits that one of its target audiences is the rental market and taxi services such as Uber. I can say with the utmost confidence that you will find yourself in an Amaze at some point without having to buy one. It is the perfect Uber – compact, yet spacious, affordable, light on fuel and practical.
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