We’ve known for a long time that modern consumers aren’t at all interested in kiloNewtons or valve count, the only thing they care for is price, flashiness and gadgets. So, here are some new-age pros and cons of the cheapest Honda sedan…
Pro: it’s affordable
The Honda Amaze brutally deals with most people’s first problem of affordability, by abusing its Indian manufacturer roots to land at our doorsteps for between R255,000 and R295,000. It may be comparatively small (ditto for its engine) but it offers plenty of metal for your money below the 300k mark. That is quite incredible, in today’s market.
Con: it’s buzzy
Our local range is powered by just one engine: a 1,199cc in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine which – in true Honda fashion – churns out its maximum power (66kW) at very high rpm’s (6,000) while its optimum torque figure is also up in the clouds at 4,800rpm. In plain English, that means you have to rev this little car to get decent response.
Pro: it’s sensible
On the flipside, Honda offers two sensible trim levels (Trend or Comfort) and in the top-spec model we tested you can choose between a 5-speed manual or a zero-speed CVT automatic gearbox. Unless you really can’t or don’t want to pilot a manual vehicle, most of us would implore you to go for the manual because…
Con: it’s rubbery
Having no gears may be the party trick of a CVT (continuously variable transmission) because it always stays in the power or torque band of the engine but – as previously mentioned – the ones of this car are sky-high so the drive train tends to scream or yodel a bit; when trodden on hard enough.
Honda has followed international standards by programming “gears” into this transmission but they are essentially just simulated ratios. And on top of that, they’ve also given this model a set of paddle shifters behind its steering wheel. This does give any Amaze CVT drivers a degree of drive-train control, but we still found it to be a rather odd inclusion.
Pro: it’s efficient
But let’s quickly swing back to the chocolate side of things which thankfully applies to every Honda Amaze version: this is a very fuel-efficient vehicle. Its brochure alleges just 5.6L/100km (5.7 for this auto) from the admittedly tiny 35L tank, yet we’re delighted to report that low sevens and high sixes are easily achievable for serial commuters.
Con: it’s frustrating
Alas, every single one of our drivers had the age-old Honda problem of being unable to pair her/his phone to the small but efficient media screen. Perhaps this press car’s phone database was full, but that shouldn’t stop a new user from being able to delete single or multiple previous entries. That is especially true for the rental market, which this Amaze is perfect for.
Pro: it’s spacious
This may be a relative claim, as this vehicle is obviously smaller than the industry’s crossover or SUV darlings. But you can easily shove four adults and a bit of luggage (420L) into this compact sedan, without everyone sitting on top of each other. Read: this would also be a perfect retirement or young-family car!
Con: it’s disagreeable
As a bit of a Honda- and cheap car fan, I’ll be the first one to stick up my hand and admit that this is a subjective matter; sadly based on observations in our bloated SUV market. The Amaze is not a handsome machine at all, it exhibits many of the odd proportions and desperate design details of cheapie Indian stuff.
And while I’m dishing out hidings, it should come as no surprise that fellow motorist anonymously disregard it, or openly mock the poor thing. That means you’ll get cut off or inconvenienced quite often (because you’re not in a big bakkie) or people will ask you with a confused visage why you didn’t buy the umpteenth crossover.
Pro: it’s excellent
Enough. Enough already! If you are blessed with a healthy dose of self-confidence and need a good little sedan, this 4m-long little Honda-san can become your best friend. Other impressive numbers include a dry weight of around 950kg, sensible 175/65R15 wheels, a 10.2m turning radius and southern-African-friendly ground clearance of 170mm!
Pro: it’s easy
Although someone bemoaned the beeping lorry noises in reverse, everyone applauded this car’s decent rear-view camera, remote audio buttons and cruise control on the steering wheel, excellent climate control, plus the family-friendly cloth seats. Steering and handling are also perfectly acceptable, making this car easy to drive and easy to live with on a daily basis.
Although this was the top-spec Comfort derivative, we were pleased to find many powered goodies, LED headlights, multiple 12V sockets and cup holders, Isofix child seat anchors, alloy wheels (for ALL models!), plus a massive 5-year/200,000km warranty. Only the service plan is a bit shabby at two years or 30,000km.
Pro: it’s wholesome
Ignoring its shape and size, it’s easy to see why this easily competes with the Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan and VW Polo Sedan. The latter is quite expensive (although it offers a boost in power) while that freaky-looking Hyundai is probably the golden middle ground… which also goes for pricing.
A brand-new Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort Automatic currently retails for R292,400, the Grand i10 1.2 Fluid Sedan Automatic is R323,900 while Volkswagen thinks that their 1.6 Life Sedan Automatic “people’s car” is somehow worth R382,900. With fairly similar specifications, surely you’ll agree that the Honda is a wholesome new vehicle.