Honda Amaze to Launch in India with Three Engine Options
Honda confirms the Amaze saloon will arrive in India offering buyers a choice of three powertrains, including a new diesel developed for the market.
Honda will introduce the Amaze saloon in India with three engine options, including a new 1.5-litre diesel developed specifically for the market. The company confirmed the details ahead of the model’s launch, scheduled for later in 2013.
Three powertrain choices for Indian buyers
The headline engine is a 1,498cc four-cylinder diesel from Honda’s Earth Dreams range, producing 100 PS at 3,600 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm. This marks Honda’s first diesel for the Indian market, aiming to meet local demand for fuel-efficient saloons. The diesel is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Alongside the diesel, the Amaze will be offered with a 1,198cc petrol engine. This 16-valve unit delivers 88 PS at 6,000 rpm and 109 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission with the petrol engine, widening the appeal to both urban and family users.
Positioning and market strategy
Honda positions the Amaze as a compact saloon aimed at buyers upgrading from hatchbacks. The company highlights improved safety and practicality compared to smaller models. The Amaze is being developed at Honda’s R&D facility in Thailand, but the Indian version is tailored for local preferences and regulations.
The three-engine line-up is intended to attract a broad spectrum of buyers in India’s competitive compact saloon segment, where rivals have long offered both petrol and diesel options. Honda’s move comes as demand for diesel saloons rises, driven by fuel price differences and running cost concerns.
Transmission and specification details
The diesel Amaze will be available exclusively with a five-speed manual gearbox. In contrast, the 1.2-litre petrol can be specified with either a manual or a five-speed automatic, giving buyers more flexibility. Full equipment and trim details have not yet been confirmed, but Honda is expected to announce these closer to the launch date.
| 1.5-litre diesel | 100 PS, 200 Nm, 5-speed manual |
|---|---|
| 1.2-litre petrol (manual) | 88 PS, 109 Nm, 5-speed manual |
| 1.2-litre petrol (automatic) | 88 PS, 109 Nm, 5-speed automatic |
Local development and production
Honda has engineered the Amaze for India at its Thailand R&D centre, with local adaptation for Indian buyers. The introduction of a diesel engine is a notable shift for Honda in India, where the brand has previously relied on petrol-only models. Production and further localisation details are expected ahead of the official launch.
