Honda adds two new variants to Amaze and Brio

Honda has launched two new variants to the Amaze compact sedan and the Brio hatchback. This is the VX (O) variant that comes with the manual transmission top-end models, and is equipped with an audio-video navigation system. It has also revamped and added a few more features to the SX model of the Amaze. 

The prices of the new variants of the Honda Amaze in New Delhi are:

Honda Amaze VX (O) petrol: Rs. 7.32 lakh

Honda Amaze VX (O) diesel: Rs. 8.20 lakh

The prices of the new variants of the Honda Brio in New Delhi are:

Honda Brio VX BL (manual transmission): Rs. 5.99 lakh

Honda Brio VX BL (automatic transmission): Rs. 6.78 lakh

New features of Brio and Amaze

The Honda Amaze VX (O) variant gets an audio-video navigation system that has a 15.7 centimetre touch-screen display and is pre-loaded with maps from MapmyIndia, has satellite-based voice guided navigation, and takes care of complete in-car entertainment through a host of connectivity features including DVD, CD, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in, iPod, MP3, and FM/AM radio. It has a built-in Bluetooth communication function that can pair with any mobile phone to provide functions such as making and receiving calls, voice dialling, storing contacts and streaming music.

In addition, the Amaze also features a new speedometer console that has white illumination and blue-gradation backlighting. Power-folding outside rear-view mirrors have been redesigned and are now available from the SX variant onwards in the Amaze. The SX variant also gets a rear defogger now.

Also read: Honda Amaze road test and review

The Honda Brio VX too gets the new speedometer console and redesigned power-folding outside rear-view mirrors. The interiors of the VX variant of the Brio now come in all black instead of the earlier beige interiors. Two airbags and ABS are standard on these variants.

The Honda Brio and Honda Amaze continue to be powered by 1.2 litre four cylinder petrol engines that put out about 88PS of power with five-speed manual and automatic transmission options. In addition the Honda Amaze also comes with a 1.5 litre diesel engine that puts out 100PS of power and 200 Nm of torque, with a five-speed manual transmission. This engine is incredibly fuel efficient, with a claimed efficiency of over 25 kmpl, which has been one of the car’s main selling points.

With the addition of these features, the Honda Amaze and Honda Brio become slightly better value for money, although they are still priced at a slight price premium to competition such as the Maruti Dzire and Maruti Swift. However, Honda’s reputation for reliability and performance, as well as reasonably low cost of maintenance in the long run have helped it claw back significant market share in the past year. The Amaze especially has seen increased competition from the Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest, both of which have managed to outsell it in the past two months.

Also read: Honda Amaze Anniversary Edition