Bringing Home the New Honda Amaze: A Personal Experience
Introduction
After a significant decision, I recently brought home the all-new Honda Amaze ZX MT for my parents. The car is intended to replace our reliable 2012 Alto LXi, which has served us well but lacked some features my parents now need, such as a higher driving position and additional safety. I want to share our experience, from the decision-making process to the initial impressions of the car.
Choosing the Right Car
When it came to selecting a new vehicle, my father and I discussed various options. After test-driving both the manual transmission (MT) and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) versions of the Amaze, my father, who is now in his 60s, preferred the MT. Though I initially suggested the CVT for ease of use, my dad found the manual version more engaging and enjoyable to drive.
The Delivery Experience
We took delivery of the Honda Amaze after conducting a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) three days prior to pickup. The dealership in Vijayawada was accommodating, allowing us to examine the vehicle closely. They encouraged me to check every feature without rushing, which made the experience enjoyable. I appreciated that they did not try to upsell any accessories or service packages, keeping the process straightforward and customer-friendly.
Pricing and Negotiation
I booked the car in late December and was fortunate to receive a model manufactured in January 2025. This timing allowed me to benefit from price protection, securing the vehicle for ₹9.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Shortly after booking, the showroom informed us of a price increase of ₹35,000 due to changes on February 1st, but a quick email to Honda India resolved the issue within 12 hours. I was impressed with their responsiveness. Though there were no discounts on the car itself, we received a ₹5,000 discount on accessories and received an insurance quote that closely matched what we found elsewhere. We opted for essentials like 3D floor mats and airbag-compatible seat covers, as the car already comes well-equipped, much to my parents’ satisfaction – especially since they were pleased that no sunroof was included.
First Impressions of the Honda Amaze
Driving the new Honda Amaze has been a wonderful experience so far, with the odometer reading just 75 km upon my return to Bangalore. Here are some of my initial observations about the car:
Engine Performance
The engine runs smoothly and is impressively quiet, remaining mostly inaudible until around 2,500 RPM. Even at higher RPMs, the engine emits a pleasant sound with little to no vibrations. This smoothness is thanks to the well-calibrated four-cylinder engine.
Air Conditioning & Comfort
The air conditioning in the Amaze performs excellently, effectively cooling the cabin even after being parked under the hot sun for an hour, with outside temperatures hitting 36°C.
Suspension Quality
The suspension system adeptly absorbs bumps in the road, minimizing noise and making the ride comfortable for both passengers and drivers alike.
Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Amaze comes equipped with advanced driver-assist features, also known as ADAS. Here are some highlights:
Collision Mitigation: The car’s braking system efficiently detects potential collisions, activating when needed, and operates consistently without surprises.
Adaptive Cruise Control: This system effectively maintains speed and adjusts according to the distance to the vehicle in front, allowing for a stress-free driving experience in traffic.
- Lane-Keeping Assist: The car provides gentle steering adjustments to help maintain lane position, which can be easily activated or deactivated using steering controls.
Driving Experience
In the manual version, the cruise control remains engaged while I manage gear shifts according to speed. The system automatically deactivates at speeds below 30 km/h, ensuring a seamless driving experience.
Conclusion
My initial experience with the Honda Amaze has been overwhelmingly positive. My dad is particularly happy with it, which is a big win for me. As my father drives more and completes some routine services with the car, I plan to share a comprehensive ownership review later. This car is more than a machine; it’s becoming a part of our family journey.
Stay tuned for more insights!
