The Honda Amaze is half the price of America’s cheapest car

After Skoda’s $9,300 ventilated-seat crossover and Suzuki’s safe $8,000 sedan, now meet Honda’s impressively affordable Amaze. Similar to these two, it applies to India where affordable cars are still very much alive. How cheap? The new small sedan starts at the equivalent of $9,440. It’s the white car with 14 inch steelies. Even the flagship trim, seen in the gallery with dark brown paint and 15-inch alloy wheels, costs just $12,860.

The entry-level Amaze costs half the price of America’s cheapest car, the $18,330 Nissan Versa, the last vehicle sold in the U.S. for under $20,000. As you can see, styling isn’t exactly the car’s strong point. This is how the cookie crumbles when you have the silhouette of a sedan in such a small car. It is 157.2 inches (3,995 millimeters) long, 26.8 inches (68 centimeters) shorter than the Civic sedan sold in the United States.

Despite being a third-generation model, the new Amaze is essentially a redesigned version of the old model. It looks more modern than its predecessor and has some features that you wouldn’t necessarily expect in such a small car. The extras range from LED lights at the front and rear to automatic climate control. Honda sells this car in India with a wireless charging pad and even an air purification filter (PM 2.5).

Despite the affordable price, the Amaze doesn’t skimp on security. From side cameras and lane departure warnings to adaptive cruise control and hill start assist, Honda has packed a lot of technology into its small sedan. We’re told there are over 28 active and passive safety features. It even features remote engine start, power folding mirrors and rear air conditioning vents.

With the new Amaze you won’t be chasing the Nürburgring limousine records. Under the hood, a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine delivers a whopping 89 horsepower and just 110 Newton meters of torque. The four-pot mill can hold 20% ethanol and sends power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Honda installs paddle shifters; Not many drivers will use them.

At 2,173 pounds (986 kilograms) in its heaviest configuration, the Amaze is still lighter than most versions of the Mazda Miata ND. Although it is a small sedan, the trunk holds 416 liters. Six airbags are standard, and a rear armrest between the seats is also available. At the front there is an eight-inch touchscreen and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.

The world could certainly use more cheap cars outside of India. Something similar exists in Europe, where Renault’s cheap Dacia brand is very popular. James May’s favorite car, the Sandero, is likely to be named the best-selling vehicle in 2024. However, compared to the Amaze, the subcompact hatchback is expensive, starting at around $14,000 in its home market of Romania.

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