Honda will once again try its hand in the sub-B segment with the introduction of the Amaze compact sedan, that LERATO MATEBESE recently drove at its South African launch in the Western Cape.
Honda’s knack for building solid, reliable urban commuter cars is well-documented and, for a number of years, the Jazz has spearheaded this crusade. It has, as a result, headlined many an ownership survey for being one of the most dependable vehicles in its class.
As is the case with a great number of manufacturers, what is an entry-level car today, could move a rung higher up the model range ladder tomorrow. You see, the current Jazz has moved up-stream and, with that, so too has its sticker price, which leaves a gaping hole where it once resided.
AMAZE SITS WHERE?
This neatly brings me to the Honda Amaze which is the metaphorical plug for that gaping hole. And while Honda was at pains to position the model as a proposition for first-time, youngish buyers, it’s also suited to a relatively older generation that is looking to buy-down.
However, having driven the vehicle, I have gleaned that it is actually pitched at the rental fleet and, indeed, the metered taxi industry.
THE LOOK OF IT
From a styling perspective, there is perhaps not a lot that one can write home about, suffice to say that the Amaze serves the purpose of transporting its occupants in relative comfort in a rather incognito, nondescript manner. So, what does the model have to offer?
Well, for starters, it is motivated by a 1.2-litre, four-pot engine pushing out 66 kW and 110 Nm through either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT (continuously variable transmission). In addition, there are two specification trims available in the form of the Trend and Comfort.
Dimension wise, Honda has tried to maximise the Amaze’s footprint and practicality with the new kid on the block. It is 5 mm longer and 15 mm wider than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has grown by a substantial 65 mm to come in at 2,470 mm.
WANTS VS NEEDS
This translates into more interior space, with boot space expanding by 20 litres to 420 compared to the previous generation. The fact, however, that the rear seat backs cannot be folded forward somewhat stifles the potentially added practicality afforded by folding rear seats.
Cabin appointments, to be frank, are basic for the most part and the hard touch plastics are perhaps not entirely out of place in this segment, but the overall fit and finish is not Honda’s finest hour. Yes, there is a high level of specification as standard, but the lack of an infotainment screen does throw it out of kilter of the aforementioned target audience. You do, however, get niceties such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB and an auxiliary port and a multi-function steering wheel among others.
LAST WORD
Driving the model at its launch in the Western Cape, the basic architecture means that there is little in the way of sound deadening, which seems to exacerbate some of the environmental elements, such as wind noise, to filter into the cabin.
The engine, in isolation, is quite sprightly and I feel that the CVT seems to mar any forward progress. On the other hand, the five-speed manual presented a much livelier performance repertoire thanks in part to the sneaky gearbox that adds another layer of driver enjoyment that the self-shifting gearbox simply cannot muster. Unequivocally, the manual would be my first port of call were I in the market for any of the Amaze models.
However, in a segment with such a great number of potential advocates playing in it, you would do well to shop around, but should you be in the fleet buying sector, then the Honda Amaze is worth a second look at the very least.
Report by LERATO MATEBESE | Images © HONDA SOUTH AFRICA
