Latest news with #HondaAmaze

IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
New Honda Amaze versus Suzuki Dzire: which is the best compact sedan on the block?
The Honda Amaze (left) and Suzuki Dzire are both fresh from comprehensive redesigns. Image: Jason Woosey Sedans have gone from being the go-to body style a few decades back to a relatively small niche in today's SUV-obsessed motoring landscape. Buyers have for the most part given the boot, the boot. Yet the two latest small sedans on the market, the recently launched Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze, are still selling in reasonably good numbers, with the latter being Honda's most popular vehicle at the moment. Ok, we know what you're thinking - surely these two purely exist for the ride-hailing market? Granted, they are really popular in that space, but dealers tell us there is also a demand for them among buyers with small families and pensioners. The two Japanese-branded sedans that we see here are rather similar in concept. Both are built in India, and measure a shade under four metres in length to take advantage of a tax break in that country. The pair are also powered by 1.2-litre normally aspirated engines. They're among the most affordable sedans on the market, with the Suzuki priced from R224,900 to R266,900 and the Honda costing between R254,900 and R294,900. But keep in mind that the Honda is available with higher spec levels, so to keep things as fair and equal as possible, we compared the Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+, which is the flagship manual version at R246,900, with Honda's base-spec 1.2 Trend manual, which costs R254,900. Dimensions and Design Both cars were recently redesigned, with the Suzuki being an all-new model and the Honda being a comprehensive facelift that bears little resemblance to its predecessor. Styling is a subjective thing, but we'd say both are successful restyles that inject some much-needed attitude into what were rather bland designs in the past. The design updates make both cars appear more purposeful than before. Image: Jason Woosey Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Honda's large honeycomb grille makes quite a statement and its new taillights, taking inspiration from the Ballade and Civic, are elegant and give a car a more upmarket appearance. The Suzuki is also very easy on the eye, with its new slim headlights and grille bar, and wide, tapering lower grille, but the back end is perhaps a bit forgettable. Interior design and practicality When it comes to practicality, these sedans are on a fairly equal footing. Rear legroom is surprisingly generous given their small dimensions. Sitting behind my driving position - I'm average-sized - there was room to stretch in both vehicles, with perhaps a smidgen more in the Suzuki. But rear headroom is really tight, with my head touching the ceiling in both cases if I leaned all the way back to the headrests. Their boots are similar in size, at 378 litres for the Honda and 416 litres in the Suzuki's case. Keep in mind that the boot apertures are relatively small, making it difficult to load bulkier items, and the rear seats don't fold in either of these vehicles. This does bring a security advantage, though, for what it's worth. Honda Amaze Image: Jason Woosey When it comes to interior design, we have to hand a solid win to the Honda. With a cockpit layout inspired by the latest Civic, it looks classy, and the materials appear to be of good quality. The 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument display is also a surprising addition at this end. Build quality is impressive, and the black cloth seat trim feels like it's made for life, with its dark colour scheme well suited to South African tastes. The Suzuki loses points here for its beige seat trim, which not only looks like it belongs in your Grandma's lounge, but it's sure to show dirt and grime very quickly. Suzuki Dzire. Image: Jason Woosey It's a popular colour scheme in India, but not so much in our market, and you'll certainly have to invest in seat covers for this vehicle. The Suzuki's 7.0-inch touchscreen is also smaller than its binnacle, which looks odd. User friendliness and features Neither of these vehicles disappoints when it comes to interior functionality, offering separate digital controls for the climate control systems and rather straightforward touchscreen infotainment systems - though the Honda's is bigger at 8.0 inches versus Suzuki's 7.0. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard in the two cars. Rear passengers have their own aircon vents in both cars, although the Suzuki scores extra points for having USB ports (both A and C type) positioned at the back of the centre console where both front and rear passengers can access them easily. It also has an additional USB A port upfront, while the Honda has two A-ports in this location. Both vehicles ship standard with electric windows and mirrors, multi-function steering wheels and rear park distance control with reverse cameras. But the Suzuki is the only one here with cruise control, while the Honda hits back with additional features over the Suzuki, such as automatic climate control, push-button start and LED headlights. When it comes to safety, both have stability control and ABS, but the Suzuki's airbag count of six (front, side and curtain) is a big win over Honda's two frontal crash bags. What they're like to drive As mentioned, they both have 1.2-litre normally aspirated engines and five-speed manual gearboxes, with CVT transmissions optionally available, although in the Honda's case you have to upgrade to the top-spec variant for that. The Suzuki comes with a new three-cylinder engine that delivers 60kW and 112Nm, while the Honda retains its trusty four-cylinder VTEC unit, offering 66kW and 110Nm. Their kerb weights are very similar, with the Suzuki tipping the scales at 940kg and the Honda at 963kg. Small 1.2-litre engines are the norm here. Image: Jason Woosey


Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda Elevate, City, City e:HEV and second-gen Amaze get benefits up to ₹1.20 lakh in June
Every month, almost every manufacturer announces various discounts or benefits on their products. In June, Honda Car India has also launched special promotions worth up to ₹1.20 lakh for most of its models, including the Amaze, City, and Elevate. These benefits typically include a loyalty bonus, buyback offers, an exchange bonus, corporate packages, and a complimentary seven-year extended warranty. Below is a summary of the promotions available in June for each model. Honda is offering benefits of up to ₹1,07,300 on the City model, while the Honda City Hybrid features a total benefit of ₹65,000. These offers are available for all variants of both models. The Honda City takes on models like the Volkswagen Virtus, Hyundai Verna and Skoda Slavia in the Indian market. The Honda Elevate comes with benefits of up to ₹1,20,000 on the top-tier Elevate ZX. The Honda Elevate rivals the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and similar vehicles. The Japanese SUV is one of its flagship offerings by Honda in India, featuring a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine. The new Honda Amaze does not get any explicit cash benefits, but it is being offered with corporate discounts and special discounts for loyal existing Honda customers. The second-generation Amaze is being offered with benefits of up to ₹57,200. It is worth noting that these discounts do not apply to the third-generation Amaze, which is the newest model from the brand. The automaker offers EMIs starting at ₹1,111 per lakh for the subcompact sedan. In its segment, Honda Amaze competes against the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Please note that final offers and discounts are dependent on stock availability, the automaker, and the dealership. It is recommended to check with your preferred dealership in your city for the most accurate information on these deals.


Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda Cars India offers discounts up to ₹1.20 lakh in June. Check details
Honda is offering discounts of up to 1.20 lakh in June on its product lineup. Check Offers Every month, almost every manufacturer announces certain discounts or benefits on their products. In June, Honda Car India, too, has launched special promotions worth up to ₹ 1.20 lakh for most of its offerings including the Amaze, City, and Elevate models. These benefits usually include a loyalty bonus, buyback offers, an exchange bonus, corporate packages, and a complimentary seven-year extended warranty. Listed below is a summary of the promotions available in June for each model. Honda June discounts: City and City e:HEV hybrid Honda is giving benefits of up to ₹ 1,07,300 on the City model, while the Honda City Hybrid features a total benefit of ₹ 65,000. These offers are available for all variants of both models. The Honda City competes with models like the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, and Hyundai Verna in the Indian market. Also Read : Honda Cars India sees May sales slowdown, eyes recovery with improved market conditions Honda June discounts: Elevate The Honda Elevate comes with benefits of up to ₹ 1,20,000 lakh on the top-tier Elevate ZX. The Honda Elevate competes with the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, MG Astor, and similar vehicles. The SUV from the Japanese carmaker is one of its flagship offerings in India, housing a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine. Also Read : Honda scales back EV goals, shifts focus to hybrids amid global EV slowdown Honda June discounts: New Amaze and second-generation Amaze The new Honda Amaze does not get any explicit cash benefits, however, it is being offered with corporate discounts and special discounts for loyal existing Honda customers. The second-generation Amaze is being offered with benefits of up to ₹ 57,200. It is crucial to note that these discounts do not apply to the third-generation Amaze, which is the newest model from the brand. The automaker offers EMIs starting at ₹ 1,111 per lakh for the subcompact sedan. The Honda Amaze competes against the Maruti Suzuki Dzire in its segment. Please note that final offers and discounts are dependent on stock availability, the automaker, and the dealership. It is recommended to check with your preferred dealership in your city for the most accurate information on these deals. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 06 Jun 2025, 11:12 AM IST


India Today
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Honda sells 5,985 units in May 2025, overall sales declined by 47.24% YoY
Honda Cars India (HCIL) recorded total sales of 5,985 units in May 2025, comprising 3,950 domestic units and 2,035 export units. The company's domestic sales witnessed a decline compared to May 2024, when it had registered 4,822 units, while exports also fell from 6,521 units in the same period last on the monthly performance, Kunal Behl, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Honda Cars India Ltd., stated, 'In view of the prevailing market conditions and subdued consumer sentiment, we continued to strategically moderate our dispatches in May to maintain optimal inventory levels across our network, while remaining optimistic about improved retail performance in the coming months supported by forecasts of a better monsoon.'advertisementDespite the decline in both domestic and export figures year-on-year, HCIL remains cautiously optimistic, banking on an expected recovery in rural and urban demand in the upcoming months. The company continues to align its production and inventory strategies with market dynamics, aiming for stability amid ongoing economic fluctuations. Honda's portfolio in the Indian market consists of Amaze, Elevate, City and CIty e: has seen a shift in its lineup over the years, introducing models like the Honda Amaze and more recently, the Honda Elevate. However, these newer generation offerings haven't resonated strongly with Indian consumers. That sentiment might be poised for a change, as per the vision of Takashi Nakajima, the newly appointed President and CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd. He has confirmed that the company's first battery electric vehicle (BEV) will debut in the next fiscal year, along with the arrival of advanced hybrid models featuring next-generation HEV Honda had previously indicated that its first electric vehicle for India would be based on the Elevate SUV, the company has now altered its strategy. Instead of adapting the Elevate, Honda plans to introduce an entirely new EV, designed specifically for the Indian market. This marks a clear strategic shift—one that distances itself from the approach taken by Hyundai, where electric and internal combustion models often share identical designs (e.g., the Creta). Instead, Honda may follow a strategy similar to Mahindra's, which has launched distinct EV models like the BE 6 and XUV.e9. This move could help Honda establish a stronger identity in India's evolving electric vehicle has been a pioneer in hybrids in India, having launched the Civic Hybrid back in 2008. Today, it offers the City e:HEV, a hybrid known for its exceptionally low emissions and impressive mileage of 27.26 km/l. Nakajima emphasizes that hybrids continue to be a key solution for India, and the company is ready to bring its latest HEV technology to the upcoming hybrid tech will be powered by a cleaner 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers about 40% greater fuel efficiency than current models. This system will also be more cost-effective and may include a dual-motor setup—one acting as the drive motor and the other functioning as a generator—further enhancing overall performance and to Auto Today Magazine


Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda Cars India sees May sales slowdown, eyes recovery with improved market conditions
The 2024 Honda Amaze is priced between ₹8.10 lakh and ₹11.20 lakh Check Offers Honda Cars India Ltd. has announced that it sold 5,985 vehicles in May 2025, including 3,950 in the domestic market and 2,035 in international markets. The figures reflect a cautious posture for Honda in the current market environment with regard to supply and distribution. It's worth noting in May that Honda's sales figures for May 2025 are weak compared to the same time last year. In May 2024, Honda Cars India sold 4,822 cars in the domestic market and 6,521 vehicles in the international market, which means Honda's year-over-year declines in both markets. The automaker faces challenges related to a number of economic headwinds and a depressed consumer confidence. The carmaker said that it implemented a cautious dispatch strategy in May. By controlling the number of vehicles shipped to the dealerships, Honda Cars India was able to control dealer inventories and prevent oversupply in a very uncertain sales environment. Also Read : Honda Amaze: The sedan that refuses to shout, but quietly delivers Kunal Behl, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Honda Cars India Ltd., addressed the company's approach: 'Given the prevailing market sentiment, we deliberately maintained a conservative dispatch volume to manage inventories efficiently across our dealer network. At the same time, we remain hopeful that an improved monsoon season will stimulate retail demand in the coming months." Despite the current slowdown, Honda Cars India is optimistic about the future. Given the forecasts for a better-than-usual monsoon season—often a key driver of rural and semi-urban demand— the company anticipates retail momentum to build as conditions improve. The maker will likely also be preparing the new product updates and refreshed operating strategy to strengthen its presence in the competitive Indian car market. Honda's increasing focus towards hybrids During the month, Toshihiro Mibe, CEO, Honda Motor Company, stated that the company intends to cut back on investments in electrification and put its focus on hybrid vehicles in the immediate future followed by a desire to go electric long-term. He called the move "a course correction" rather than a shift in long-term vision. Also Read : Honda scales back EV goals, shifts focus to hybrids amid global EV slowdown He emphasized that Honda is still committed to electrification but is now delaying that transition to respond to current market realities. The new strategy means that Honda will be more aggressive in the hybrid area and will increase production in markets where EV sales have not been as strong. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 02 Jun 2025, 11:41 AM IST