Honda Amaze 2024 Aims for 5-star Bharat & Global NCAP Ratings

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) has officially unveiled the new-generation Amaze sedan for the Asian subcontinent. Positioned in the highly competitive sub-4-meter sedan segment, the Amaze aims to challenge rivals such as the Hyundai Aura, Tata Tigor, and the recently updated Maruti Suzuki Dzire. With the Indian automotive market increasingly prioritizing safety, Honda’s latest offering seeks to set a new standard in crash performance and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Raising the Safety Bar

At the launch event, HCIL emphasized the Amaze’s revolutionary safety features and structural improvements, marking a significant departure from its predecessor. “The all-new Amaze is engineered to conquer even tougher tests than those specified by current standards,” a Honda spokesperson stated. The declaration comes at a time when competitors are raising the bar, with Maruti Suzuki Dzire earning a landmark 5-star Global NCAP rating, the first for the manufacturer under updated crash-test protocols.

The previous-generation Amaze, crash-tested by Global NCAP in April 2024, earned just 2 stars for adult occupant safety and a disappointing 0 stars for child occupant protection. Honda attributed these results to the absence of critical safety elements like curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The new Amaze addresses these gaps with a comprehensive suite of 28 advanced safety features, aiming to achieve a coveted 5-star rating in future crash tests conducted by Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.

Safety Features

The Amaze’s standout safety additions include:

•  Six Airbags as standard.
•  Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for enhanced vehicle control.
•  Blind-spot Assistance with a Lane-Watch camera.
• Emergency Stop Signal, alerting other drivers during sudden braking.
• 3-point Seatbelts for all five occupants, along with seatbelt reminders.

Notably, the Amaze introduces a first-in-segment ADAS suite, making it the most affordable car in India equipped with advanced driver assistance technology. Features such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance promise to redefine safety in the subcompact sedan category.

Engineering Excellence

Honda has reworked the Amaze’s body structure to achieve superior crashworthiness. The new sedan boasts a construction made of 46% high-tensile steel, enhancing its structural rigidity and energy absorption during collisions. These advancements, combined with in-house crash testing, aim to deliver what Honda describes as “top-level collision safety performance.”

Tough Competition in a Dynamic Segment

The Amaze enters a segment where safety and innovation are becoming key differentiators. While Tata Tigor already flaunts a commendable 4-star Global NCAP rating, the Hyundai Aura remains untested. The Dzire, however, has set a new benchmark with its 5-star rating, showcasing Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to safety.
Honda’s renewed focus on safety aligns with the evolving expectations of Indian consumers, who are increasingly valuing vehicles with robust crash-test results and advanced technology. The new Amaze, with its upgraded safety features and ADAS, appears well-equipped to compete head-to-head with its rivals.

Conclusion

The launch of the new Amaze signifies Honda’s ambitious stride toward redefining safety standards in the subcompact sedan market. With its cutting-edge ADAS technology, reinforced structural design, and a robust suite of safety features, the Amaze is poised to make a significant impact. As safety regulations become more stringent and consumer awareness grows, Honda’s latest offering could set a precedent for what subcompact sedans can deliver in India. The coming months will reveal whether the Amaze can translate its promise into crash-test success and market dominance.

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