At Thee Sneak Preview, we don’t just glance at a car and quote its spec sheet we live with it, we drive it into the city, onto highways, through the buzz of events, and even to the calm of a family picnic. That’s exactly what we did with the Honda Amaze MT, a compact sedan with a big heart and a knack for surprising you.
For seven days, the Amaze was more than just our transport it was our trusted plus-one. It carried us to the Lay’s Exclusive Dinner, where new flavours were launched in style, dropped us off at the FNB Art Gallery Opening, surrounded by fine art and premium rides, and rounded out our week with a family picnic, where its practicality and comfort really shone.
This is a car built for life’s blend of everyday errands and those special moments and it knows how to deliver both with ease.
Small Car, Big Presence
The Honda Amaze MT immediately stands out with its sleek silhouette, sharp front grille, and clean design lines. While compact, it carries itself with presence a reminder that a car doesn’t need to be oversized to make an impression. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels far more spacious than you’d expect in this segment. With a generous 416L boot, it handled our picnic baskets, blankets, and bags without breaking a sweat.
Light on Its Feet, Easy on the Pocket
Under the bonnet lies Honda’s 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 66 kW of power and 110 Nm of torque. Pair that with its 5-speed manual transmission, and you’ve got a drive that feels nimble in the city and calm on longer stretches. The clutch is light, gearshifts are smooth, and handling is responsive enough to make darting through traffic a breeze.
The Amaze MT is also a wallet’s best friend. At a claimed 5.6L/100 km, it’s a responsible juice sipper, which meant fewer visits to the petrol station during our week with it. For first-time buyers or small families, that’s a major win.
Tech That Punches Above Its Weight
This is where the Amaze surprises most. For an entry-level sedan, it’s kitted out with features you’d expect from pricier models:
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
A keyless start/stop button that adds convenience and a premium touch.
A beautifully designed smart key fob, which doesn’t just look stylish but lets you pop the boot with the press of a button.
And here’s a party trick, even when the car is switched off, you can still open or close the windows using the key. Small, thoughtful touches like these make everyday driving feel smarter.
Fun Facts & History
The Amaze was first launched in 2013 as Honda’s answer to the demand for affordable, compact sedans in emerging markets.
The current generation (second-gen, introduced in 2018) is sharper, more modern, and more spacious than its predecessor.
It’s one of Honda’s best-selling models globally, thanks to its reputation for reliability, efficiency, and practicality.
The Amaze is known in many markets as the car that introduces young drivers and families to the Honda brand often their first step into Honda ownership.
How Does the Amaze Stack Up?
The entry-level sedan market in South Africa is a crowded one, and the Amaze holds its own against some tough rivals:
Suzuki Dzire – A close competitor in terms of price and efficiency, the Dzire is slightly cheaper but doesn’t feel as refined inside as the Amaze.
Toyota Starlet – Offers hatchback practicality with Toyota’s reputation for reliability. It’s slightly pricier, but its wide dealer network gives it an edge.
Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan – Compact, practical, and affordable, but lacks some of the Amaze’s tech flair.
Renault Triber – More of a crossover/MPV option in this price band, but offers a different proposition with seven seats.
The Honda Amaze distinguishes itself with its premium feel, clever tech, and Honda’s strong reliability record.
Pricing
In South Africa, the Honda Amaze MT 1.2 Trend starts at around R254,900, making it one of the most affordable sedans with such a strong balance of features, space, and efficiency. For young professionals, students upgrading to their first “real” car, or small families looking for affordable comfort, the Amaze ticks all the right boxes.
A Sedan That Lives Up to Its Name
After a week together, the Honda Amaze MT won us over. It’s compact yet spacious, budget-friendly yet feature-rich, and simple yet smart. From gliding into exclusive dinners to handling a relaxed family picnic, it never felt out of place.
The Amaze MT isn’t trying to be flashy, it’s aiming to be dependable, efficient, and enjoyable. And it succeeds. For those entering the car market for the first time or families needing a trustworthy daily driver, this is a sedan that truly amazes without overpromising.
It’s proof that sometimes, the most rewarding cars aren’t the loudest, they’re the ones that simply get everything right.
