The front of the new Honda Amaze economy car shows off its fancy LED lights

The new model will feature a sleeker exterior design, shedding some of its predecessor’s awkward proportions

12/3 Update: Honda has shared more teasers of the new Amaze, this time showing parts of the actual car rather than sketches.

Honda shared a video teaser a day ahead of the new Amaze’s debut, giving us a good idea of ​​what’s to come. The third-generation economy sedan is expected to be a heavily redesigned version of its predecessor, with more upscale styling and more refinement.

Small sedans may be an endangered species in North America and Europe, but in India, they’re still thriving. Soon after the debut of its rival Maruti Suzuki Dzire, the Honda Amaze is all set to return with sharper styling and more equipment.

More: New Suzuki Dzire, an $8,000 small sedan, earns 5-star Global NCAP rating

Sketches always show an ideal version of a vehicle, which is why Honda used them for the first teaser. Predictably, without the stretched proportions and exaggerated features of the original illustrations, the actual car looks less inspiring. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the new model looks more attractive than its predecessor.

The front end features a large hexagonal grille and slim LED headlights inspired by larger Honda models. These also include sportier bumper air intakes and sharper surfaces on the bonnet. The rear is also inspired by the Honda City model of the same model, and its taillights use smoked light clusters, which are very aggressive.

The interior looks like a miniature version of the Civic, with horizontal air conditioning vents and a freestanding infotainment display. The latter could be the 10.25-inch touchscreen from the Honda Elevate SUV, along with climate controls and steering wheel.

We expect Honda to upgrade the safety credentials of its smallest sedan, adding a host of standard airbags and some ADAS.

Despite significant styling updates, the new Amaze is expected to ride on the same underpinnings. The current generation, which debuted in 2018, is based on a platform derived from the larger City, which is also shared with the Elevate.

Powertrain options are likely to include an 89 hp (66 kW/90 hp) 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. There are also reports of a CNG version, which is already an option in rival products.

The Honda Amaze will compete with the new Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura and Tata Tigor, all of which are based on urban hatchbacks.

Honda India