Saar: Customers can get one booked with a minimum, refundable, amount of Rs 21,000.

Did you follow the 2018 Auto Expo closely? Were you impressed with what Honda had in store for the masses? Yes, we are talking about the next-generation Amaze sedan. Honda dealers have opened bookings for the sub-4 metre sedan from today at a minimum, refundable, amount of Rs 21,000. The car itself will launch in May, though the exact date isn’t known yet. Excited? We are!

The all-new Honda Amaze is a far cry from its predecessor and is underpinned by a new platform which will also do duty in the next-gen Brio. As far as styling is concerned, the Amaze comes in line with the Honda’s latest design language, with its upright chin and blunt front end. At the rear, the design is quite reminiscent of Honda cars that we have witnessed of late. It is a mix-bag of angular creases and in-your-face elements. Look at the number plate area and the elongated C-shaped split taillamp enclosures and you’d understand what we are on about.

Mechanically, the Amaze is unlikely to change. That means the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines will do duty. That said, they are likely to be a bit more refined to deliver better mileage. In the transmissions department, both engines will be offered a with a 5-speed manual transmission and a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Yes, even the diesel will get a CVT option and it will be the first time Honda will do that for its product in India.

As far as features are concerned, the Amaze is likely to boast a lot more than before. The list is likely to include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, push-button start, LED DRLs and paddle shifters for the CVT. In terms of colours, Honda is likely to keep the count around five. The red body paint will surely be the standout colour which really makes the Amaze look more premium.

Customers who book theirs right away can expect to get the delivery by May end. The Amaze is by far and away the most important new product for the Japanese carmaker this year. Once it goes on sale, it will launch a fight with the king of the segment – Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Other rivals include the Volkswagen Ameo, Tata Tigor, Ford Figo Aspire and the Hyundai Xcent.