The Honda Amaze finds its place in South Africa’s budget sedan landscape much like that dependable friend who is always punctual, never flashy, but somehow always indispensable.
It is not here to grab headlines or spark envy in the office parking lot; instead, it quietly delivers on the basics with a kind of understated confidence. If you imagine the automotive world as a band, the Amaze is not the show-stealing frontman but the backup vocalist who nails every note and keeps the performance on track.
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For buyers who are drawn to sedans for their genuine practicality—think real boot space and a traditional three-box shape, not just a hatchback masquerading as something more mature—the logic behind choosing the Amaze becomes compelling.
Focusing on the Comfort trim, it is immediately clear why this is the version most people gravitate toward. It is the sweet spot in the range: all the essentials you need, without any unnecessary frills that drive up the price or complicate ownership.
Honda’s reputation for reliability underpins the entire package and the feature list covers all the basics—air-conditioning, power windows, remote central locking and a straightforward infotainment system. There is nothing extravagant here, but everything you touch and use works as expected which, over time, can matter far more than a few flashy extras.
When it comes to styling, the Amaze plays it safe, but that is not necessarily a criticism. Its clean, conservative lines are designed to age gracefully rather than chase trends that fade in a season or two.
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A subtle application of chrome keeps it from being anonymous, so while it will not turn heads or inspire double-takes, it also avoids the design missteps that can make some budget cars look awkward.
For buyers who value a car that blends in and does not call attention to itself, this approach is a plus. In a practical sense, the biggest visual statement it makes is the sheer size of its boot—an area where it easily outshines most hatchbacks.
Whether you are packing for a family holiday or just taking on a week’s worth of grocery shopping, the Amaze’s cavernous boot means you seldom must compromise on what you bring along.
However, its opposition on the price ladder comes in the form of the Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GL and Kia Pegas .14 LX, both of which do offer more boot space – 480 litres and 475 litres respectively versus 416 litres on the Honda.
Inside, the cabin continues the theme of sensible design. Yes, there is a fair amount of hard plastic, but the materials feel robust and everything is assembled with Honda’s typical precision. The dashboard layout is refreshingly simple, so there is no hunting for controls or deciphering cryptic icons—everything is where you expect it to be.
The front seats are comfortable enough for long commutes, and rear passengers get a decent amount of legroom. While fitting three adults across the back seat is a squeeze, it is at least possible for short trips, making it practical for families or the occasional lift club.
Small touches like power mirrors and a remote boot release add convenience to daily life, and the inclusion of a touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity means you can still stream music or take calls—just do not expect the latest in infotainment wizardry. It is functional rather than futuristic, but sometimes that is exactly what you want.
Driving the Amaze, you get a sense of its purpose-driven engineering. The 1,2-litre engine is not going to thrill, but it is admirably suited to the stop-start rhythm of city driving and handles highways with calm composure.
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I am not a fan of CVT gearboxes and, sadly, this one can be irritating unless you opt for manual mode.
What really stands out is the fuel economy—averaging around 5,7 l/100 km means the Amaze is easy on the wallet, letting you stretch those fill-ups a little further than rivals might.
Handling is clearly tuned for comfort. The suspension does a solid job ironing out the bumps and scars that typify South African city streets, making it a relaxing companion for daily drives.
There is a bit of body roll if you throw it into corners with enthusiasm, but the Amaze never pretends to be a hot hatch or sporty saloon. Steering is light, which is great for tight parking manoeuvres and urban driving, but it does not really communicate much road feel—something that is unlikely to bother most buyers in this segment.
Safety is another area where the Amaze holds its own. With dual front crash bags, anti-lock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, ISOFIX child seat anchors and a respectable four-star Global NCAP rating, it offers peace of mind that some competitors still lack.
In a market where safety features can sometimes be pared back to cut costs, Honda’s decision to include these basics is a welcome one, especially for family buyers who value security on the road.
Stacked against its competitors in the local market, the Amaze Comfort makes a compelling argument for itself. It is not trying to be the most exciting or technologically advanced option but instead focuses on what really matters to most buyers: low running costs, generous space, honest reliability and a hassle-free ownership experience.
Sometimes, being sensible is not just the safe choice; it is the most rewarding one in the long run. The Amaze may never be the star of the show, but it is the car you will be glad to have in your corner when real life happens.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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