The compact sedan segment in India has just witnessed a seismic shift. With the launch of the New Honda Amaze 2026, Honda has not just updated a car; they have reimagined what a budget-friendly sedan can offer. Positioned to take on the likes of the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura, the 3rd-generation Amaze arrives with a “Big Sedan” philosophy, borrowing styling cues and tech from its elder siblings, the City and the Elevate.
Whether you are a first-time car buyer or looking for a premium secondary vehicle for the city, the 2026 Amaze promises a blend of sophistication, segment-first safety, and the legendary reliability of the i-VTEC engine.
1. Exterior Design: Sophistication in Every Curve
The first thing you’ll notice about the Honda Amaze 2026 is its mature stance. Moving away from the “boxy” look of its predecessors, the new model adopts a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette.
- Front Fascia: A larger, hexagonal grille with a bold chrome slat (reminiscent of the Honda Accord) dominates the front. It is flanked by sleek LED Projector Headlamps and integrated DRLs.
- Side Profile: The 2026 model features a prominent shoulder line and newly designed 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that give it a planted look.
- Rear Aesthetics: The rear is perhaps the most improved section, featuring C-shaped LED tail lamps that wrap around the boot, providing a premium night-time signature.
2. Interior & Cabin Comfort: A Mini-Honda City
Step inside, and the “premium” tag starts making sense. Honda has ditched the hard plastics for a more layered dashboard design featuring soft-touch materials in top trims.
- Infotainment: A new 8-inch touchscreen system takes center stage, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Seating: The Amaze has always been known for its space, and the 2026 version continues this legacy with class-leading rear legroom and a massive 416-litre boot space.
- Key Amenities: You now get a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and—for the first time—rear AC vents as standard in higher variants.
3. Performance & Engine Specifications
Under the hood, Honda sticks to its “tried and tested” heart. The 2026 Amaze is powered by the refined 1.2L i-VTEC 4-cylinder petrol engine. Unlike its rivals who are moving to 3-cylinder setups, Honda’s 4-cylinder engine offers superior refinement and vibration-free idling.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol (4-Cylinder) |
| Displacement | 1199 cc |
| Max Power | 90 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 7-Step CVT |
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) remains the gold standard in this segment, offering a “rubber-band” free experience thanks to Honda’s Step-Shift logic.
4. Safety Revolution: 5-Star BNCAP Rating
Honda has made safety its primary USP for 2026. The new Amaze has officially secured a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) crash tests.
Honda Sensing (Level 2 ADAS)
In a segment first, the Amaze 2026 features Honda Sensing, a camera-based ADAS suite including:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Auto High-Beam
Standard Safety Features:
- 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- 3-point seatbelts for all 5 occupants
5. Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Despite the added weight of new features and safety tech, Honda has optimized the 1.2L engine for better efficiency.
- Manual Transmission: 18.65 kmpl (ARAI)
- CVT Automatic: 19.46 kmpl (ARAI)
In real-world city conditions, users can expect roughly 14–15 kmpl, while highway cruising easily pushes the numbers past 18 kmpl.
6. Pricing and Variants
The Honda Amaze 2026 is available in three primary trims: V, VX, and ZX.
| Variant | Estimated Ex-Showroom Price |
| Amaze V (Base) | ₹7.99 Lakh |
| Amaze VX (Mid) | ₹9.10 Lakh |
| Amaze ZX (Top) | ₹9.70 Lakh |
| Amaze ZX CVT (Automatic) | ₹10.89 Lakh |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Refinement: The 4-cylinder engine is significantly smoother than the 3-cylinder rivals.
- Safety: 5-star BNCAP rating and ADAS in a compact sedan.
- Transmission: The CVT is the best automatic in its class.
- Space: Massive boot and comfortable rear seating.
Cons:
- No Diesel/CNG: Currently only available in a petrol avatar.
- Price Premium: Slightly more expensive than the Maruti Dzire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does the 2026 Honda Amaze have a sunroof?
No, Honda has focused on safety (ADAS) and interior quality over a sunroof for the 2026 Amaze model.
Q2. Is the Honda Amaze 2026 safe?
Yes, it is one of the safest cars in its segment with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and 6 airbags as standard.
Q3. How does it compare to the Maruti Dzire?
While the Dzire offers better mileage (especially in CNG), the Amaze wins in terms of engine refinement (4-cylinder vs 3-cylinder), safety tech (ADAS), and ride quality.
Q4. What is the service interval for the new Amaze?
The standard service interval is 10,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, with an average service cost ranging between ₹5,000 to ₹7,000.
Conclusion
The New Honda Amaze 2026 is no longer just a “budget sedan.” It has evolved into a sophisticated, tech-laden, and incredibly safe family car that punches well above its weight. If you value engine smoothness and want the peace of mind that comes with a 5-star safety rating and ADAS, the Amaze 2026 is arguably the best compact sedan on the market today.
