Honda Amaze 2026 Review: ADAS at ₹10 Lakh? The Real Truth About Mileage & Safety!

The real truth is, in an India obsessed with “Micro-SUVs” that are just hatchbacks on stilts, the Honda Amaze is a breath of fresh air for those who value sophistication over “road presence” hype. In 2026, the third-generation Amaze has evolved from being just a “practical choice” to a tech-loaded powerhouse.

Starting at an aggressive ₹7.48 Lakh (ex-showroom), it now brings something to the table that was once reserved for ₹20 Lakh luxury cars: Level 2 ADAS (Honda Sensing). But before you rush to the showroom, you need to know if this 1.2L engine can actually handle a family of five with the AC blasting on a 45°C Delhi afternoon.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (2026 Edition)

Forget the brochure fluff; here is exactly what you are paying for.

DESIGN & BUILD: From “Cute” to “Classy”

The 2026 Amaze has moved away from its rounded, bubbly past. It now looks like a “Mini Honda City,” and that’s a massive compliment.

• Build Quality: Honda has used 46% High-Tensile Steel in the frame. While it’s light (under 1000 kg), the “thud” when you close the door feels more reassuring than its competitors.
• The Face: The upright hexagonal grille and the sleek LED projector lamps give it a wide, planted look. It no longer looks like a compromised “sub-4-meter” car.
• In-Hand Feel: The door handles are sturdy, and the 15-inch diamond-cut alloys on the ZX trim fill the wheel arches perfectly. At 172mm, the ground clearance is enough to clear those unscientific “pothole-breakers” without scraping its belly.

INTERIOR & DASHBOARD: The Elevate Influence

Step inside, and you’ll notice that Honda has practically “copy-pasted” the interior of the Honda Elevate SUV into the Amaze.

• Display Quality: You get a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen. It’s bright, responsive, and—praise the gods—comes with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In direct sunlight, the visibility is excellent with minimal glare.
• Visuals: The instrument cluster is a “Semi-Digital” unit with a 7-inch MID. It shows everything from your tire pressure to ADAS alerts in high-definition.
• The Vibe: The dual-tone Black & Beige theme makes the cabin feel much larger than it actually is. However, the real truth is that there is still a lot of hard plastic on the door pads.

PERFORMANCE: Smooth, Not “Sporty”

Don’t waste your money if you are looking for a “thrilling” drive. The Amaze is built for comfort and reliability.

• The Engine: The 1.2L i-VTEC is a gem of refinement. At idle, you’ll barely hear it running. It’s smooth up to 3500 rpm.
• The CVT Advantage: If you drive in heavy traffic (Mumbai/Bangalore), the CVT is a lifesaver. It is infinitely smoother than the “jerky” AMTs found in the Dzire or Aura. It simulates “7 steps” and even gives you Paddle Shifters for when you feel fancy on a highway.
• Stress Test: With 4 adults and 100% AC, the engine feels “adequate” in the city. However, on the highway, overtakes at 100 kmph require planning. You’ll have to “floor it,” and that’s when the i-VTEC engine starts getting noisy.

SAFETY & ADAS: The Game Changer

The 2026 Amaze is officially the most affordable ADAS-equipped car in India.

• Honda Sensing: The Level 2 ADAS uses a camera-based system. It includes:
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Paces the car ahead on highways automatically.
  • Lane Keep Assist: Gently nudges the steering to keep you in the lane.
  • Collision Mitigation Braking: It will literally stop the car for you if you’re distracted and someone jumps in front.
• BNCAP Rating: It scored a 5-Star Adult Rating. This makes it one of the safest family cars you can buy under ₹10 Lakh.

FUEL ECONOMY & ENDURANCE

Let’s talk about the “Kitna Deti Hai” factor.

• City Mileage: In heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic, the CVT delivers 12-14 kmpl, while the Manual stays around 14-15 kmpl.
• Highway Mileage: If you cruise at 80-90 kmph, the Amaze can easily deliver 19-21 kmpl.
• The Savings: Honda’s service intervals are 10,000 km, and a standard service costs roughly ₹4,500 to ₹6,000. It is one of the cheapest cars to maintain in the long run.

THE COMPETITION: Battle of the Sedans

In 2026, the Amaze fights the Maruti Dzire and the Hyundai Aura.

The Verdict on Rivals:

• Winner for Tech & Safety: Honda Amaze. The ADAS and 5-star rating are unbeatable.
• Winner for Mileage: Maruti Dzire. Maruti’s new 3-cylinder engine is a fuel-sipping monster.
• Winner for Features: Hyundai Aura. Best-in-class interior fit and finish, but poor safety.

Read More : Toyota Hyryder

FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

1. You want the safest car: 5-star rating and ADAS for under ₹10 Lakh is a steal.
2. You hate gear shifts: The CVT is the smoothest automatic in this segment, period.
3. You have a family: The 416L boot and rear-seat legroom are better than many compact SUVs.

Skip it if:

1. You want “Punchy” performance: It lacks the mid-range “kick” of a Turbo-engine.
2. You are a tech-geek for Sunroofs: Shockingly, the 2026 Amaze still doesn’t offer a sunroof.
3. You want CNG: There is no factory-fitted CNG option yet (unlike Dzire/Aura).

RATING: 4.5/5 Stars (The Best No-Nonsense Family Car)

FAQs (People Also Ask)