The Honda Amaze has established itself as one of the most versatile compact sedans in the Indian market. With its reliability, refined engineering, and feature-rich lineup, it appeals to a broad spectrum of buyers. Offered in three trims—V, VX, and ZX—the Amaze caters to both manual and CVT automatic enthusiasts, making it a strong contender for city and highway usage alike. With a petrol-only powertrain, Honda has optimized the Amaze for buyers who value efficiency, practicality, and modern features.
In this article, we break down the features, pricing, and value-for-money (VFM) quotient of each trim, offering detailed insights into which variant suits your lifestyle and budget.
Honda Amaze Variants Explained
Pros and Cons of the Honda Amaze
Pros:
- Segment-Leading Safety: With 6 airbags as standard from the base trim and advanced ADAS features in the top trim, the Amaze offers superior protection.
- Smooth CVT Transmission: Honda’s CVT is one of the smoothest in the segment, ensuring a seamless driving experience, especially in city traffic.
- Feature Progression: Each trim adds valuable features over the previous one, offering something for everyone without redundancy.
- Compact Yet Spacious: The Amaze balances compact dimensions for city use with spacious interiors and a 420-liter boot for practicality.
- Refined Petrol Engine: The 1.2L engine offers a smooth and responsive performance, complemented by Honda’s reputation for reliability.
Cons:
- Limited Engine Options: The lack of a diesel engine or a turbocharged petrol option might dissuade performance-focused buyers.
- Rear Passenger Features in Base Variant: The absence of rear AC vents and center armrest in the base V trim may feel lacking for passengers.
- Top-End Variant Pricing: The ZX CVT trim approaches the pricing of larger sedans like the Honda City, which offers more space and a bigger engine, making it a tough sell for budget-conscious buyers.
Pricing Overview
| Variant | Manual Price (₹) | CVT Price (₹) | Price Difference (MT vs CVT) |
| V | 7,99,900 | 9,19,900 | 1,20,000 |
| VX | 9,09,900 | 9,99,900 | 90,000 |
| ZX | 9,69,900 | 10,89,900 | 1,20,000 |
Honda has kept the pricing competitive, ensuring that each upgrade adds significant value without an excessive price jump. The most notable difference is the smaller ₹90,000 gap between the VX CVT and V CVT, making the VX CVT stand out as a value-packed option.
Variant Breakdown: Features, Price Differences, and VFM Quotient
V Variant (Base Variant): A Feature-Rich Entry Point
The V variant offers a strong foundation for buyers seeking a reliable compact sedan. Despite being the base model, it packs a host of features usually found in higher trims in other brands.
Key Features:
- Safety: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).
- Convenience: Power-adjustable ORVMs, automatic door locking, and front/rear power windows.
- Lighting: LED DRLs, LED projector headlamps, and LED tail lamps.
- Infotainment: 8-inch HD touchscreen with wired/wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
What’s Missing?
- Rear AC Vents: Competitors like the Hyundai Aura and Maruti Suzuki Dzire offer this in their base or mid trims.
- Alloy Wheels: The V variant features steel wheels with covers, which lack the premium aesthetic of alloy wheels.
- Parking Camera: Although the V trim comes with parking sensors, the absence of a rearview camera might inconvenience drivers in tight spaces.
Notable Features:
- 6 Airbags: Exceptional for a base variant, ensuring occupant safety.
- 8-Inch Touchscreen: A premium infotainment system with wireless connectivity, rare in entry-level trims.
- LED Projector Headlamps: Enhances nighttime visibility and adds a touch of modernity to the exterior.
Price-to-Feature VFM Quotient: The V MT is priced at ₹7,99,900 and offers all essential features. While the CVT variant at ₹9,19,900 adds driving convenience, its pricing might feel stretched compared to the VX CVT, which offers much more for just ₹80,000 more.
VX Variant (Mid Variant): The Balanced Choice
The VX variant is arguably the most balanced option, offering a host of convenience, comfort, and safety features over the V variant. It’s designed for buyers who want more than just the basics without venturing into premium pricing.
Price Comparison (V vs. VX):
| Transmission | V Price (₹) | VX Price (₹) | Difference (₹) |
| Manual | 7,99,900 | 9,09,900 | 1,10,000 |
| CVT | 9,19,900 | 9,99,900 | 80,000 |
Additional Features Over V:
- Safety: LaneWatch™ camera, multi-angle rearview camera, and automatic headlight control.
- Comfort: Rear AC vents, fully automatic climate control, and power-folding ORVMs.
- Infotainment: Wireless smartphone connectivity, Alexa and smartwatch integration.
Notable Features:
- LaneWatch™ Camera: Eliminates blind spots on the passenger side, improving safety during lane changes.
- Wireless Smartphone Connectivity: Reduces cable clutter and enhances convenience.
- Rear AC Vents: A practical feature for improving rear passenger comfort, especially in Indian summers.
VFM Analysis: The VX MT costs ₹1.10 lakh more than the V MT, while the VX CVT costs just ₹80,000 more than the V CVT. The features added in the VX, especially wireless smartphone connectivity, rear AC vents, and parking aids, make this variant the most logical choice for most buyers.
ZX Variant (Top Variant): Safety and Luxury Combined
The ZX trim represents Honda’s commitment to safety and luxury, with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and premium design elements.
Price Comparison (VX vs. ZX):
| Transmission | VX Price (₹) | ZX Price (₹) | Difference (₹) |
| Manual | 9,09,900 | 9,69,900 | 60,000 |
| CVT | 9,99,900 | 10,89,900 | 90,000 |
Additional Features Over VX:
- Safety: Honda SENSING with Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation, and Lane Keeping Assist.
- Convenience: Smart keyless access with walk-away auto-lock, and wireless charger.
- Design Upgrades: Dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels, chrome accents, and premium interior materials.
Notable Features:
- Honda SENSING (ADAS): Includes advanced safety features like Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation, rare in this segment.
- Walk-Away Auto Lock: Automatically locks the car when the key is out of range.
- Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels: Enhance the car’s aesthetics, giving it a sporty look.
VFM Analysis: The ZX MT is priced ₹60,000 above the VX MT, while the ZX CVT is ₹90,000 costlier than the VX CVT. While the ZX trim offers segment-first features like Honda SENSING, the price jump places it close to larger sedans like the Honda City, which offer a bigger engine and more space. For those prioritizing safety and luxury, the ZX is a strong contender but not the most value-centric option.
Which Variant Should You Buy?
Manual Transmission:
- Best Option: VX MT
The VX MT provides significant upgrades over the V MT at ₹1.10 lakh more, making it the most logical choice for buyers who value comfort, tech, and safety. - Consider ZX MT:
The ZX MT is worth the additional ₹60,000 for buyers prioritizing Honda SENSING and premium features.
CVT Automatic Transmission:
- Best Option: VX CVT
At ₹9,99,900, the VX CVT is the perfect balance of price and features, offering advanced connectivity, convenience, and safety upgrades. - Avoid ZX CVT Unless Necessary:
While the ZX CVT offers Honda SENSING, the ₹90,000 premium might feel steep compared to the benefits offered in the VX CVT.
Additional Insights
Resale Value:
Honda vehicles are known for their strong resale value. The VX trim, being the most balanced variant, will likely retain its value better over time.
Fuel Efficiency:
Both manual and CVT versions of the Amaze offer impressive mileage, with real-world figures of 17–18 km/l, making it a cost-effective choice for daily use.
Urban Buyers:
The CVT variants are highly recommended for city dwellers due to their smooth driving experience in traffic.
Conclusion
The Honda Amaze lineup is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse buyer needs:
- V Variant: Best for budget-conscious buyers seeking safety and essential features.
- VX Variant: The most value-for-money choice, balancing comfort, convenience, and safety.
- ZX Variant: Ideal for buyers prioritizing advanced safety features and premium aesthetics.
For most buyers, the VX CVT is the clear winner, offering excellent features without crossing budget constraints. However, buyers seeking absolute safety can consider the ZX CVT, provided their budget allows.