FiestaST
Honorary Master
Suzuki Dzire vs Honda Amaze comparison - MotorMatters
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
TechnoBok review of the new Amaze
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Honorary Master
Juliet drives the new Amaze
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Kumbi-M On Cars road trip in the new Amaze
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Honorary Master
Paywall:
DRIVEN | 2025 Honda Amaze shows that back to basics is the best way to get around town
DRIVEN | 2025 Honda Amaze shows that back to basics is the best way to get around town
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort Auto review: the practical sedan for city driving in an SUV world
Verdict
The Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort auto is a practical and reliable option in the segment with a neat appearance, a practical and solid interior that does everything it says on the box.
For most, the CVT wouldn’t be an issue, but if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, I would opt for the manual version, which is R20 000 less than the R294 900 listed price for the auto.
Verdict
The Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort auto is a practical and reliable option in the segment with a neat appearance, a practical and solid interior that does everything it says on the box.
For most, the CVT wouldn’t be an issue, but if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, I would opt for the manual version, which is R20 000 less than the R294 900 listed price for the auto.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Honda Amaze (2018-2025) Buyer’s Guide
Is the Honda Amaze a smart used purchase?
The 2nd-gen Honda Amaze launched in South Africa soon after local production of the popular Volkswagen Polo Vivo Sedan ended. Though the VW’s exit opened a clear gap in the market, the little Honda nevertheless had to fend off competition from several rivals, with the likewise then-new Suzuki Dzire chief among them.
Other (slightly larger) options in the small-sedan segment around that time included the Toyota Etios Sedan and the Ford Figo Sedan, which were both sourced from India. Buyers might also have considered the seldom-spotted BAIC D20 Sedan, while the Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan joined the fray only in August 2023.
Ultimately, the DF5-series Honda Amaze carved out a useful sales niche, proving there was still space in South Africa’s private-buyer market for a small, sensible sedan. And it continues to offer strong value as a used buy today, although it’s worth noting the improved, 3rd-gen model isn’t all that much more expensive than its predecessor.
So, should your budget allow, we’d highly recommend also viewing a used version of the latest Amaze, which features arguably more resolved exterior styling and comes standard with stability control as well as more kit (including 6 airbags in the case of the Comfort grade).
Is the Honda Amaze a smart used purchase?
The 2nd-gen Honda Amaze launched in South Africa soon after local production of the popular Volkswagen Polo Vivo Sedan ended. Though the VW’s exit opened a clear gap in the market, the little Honda nevertheless had to fend off competition from several rivals, with the likewise then-new Suzuki Dzire chief among them.
Other (slightly larger) options in the small-sedan segment around that time included the Toyota Etios Sedan and the Ford Figo Sedan, which were both sourced from India. Buyers might also have considered the seldom-spotted BAIC D20 Sedan, while the Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan joined the fray only in August 2023.
Ultimately, the DF5-series Honda Amaze carved out a useful sales niche, proving there was still space in South Africa’s private-buyer market for a small, sensible sedan. And it continues to offer strong value as a used buy today, although it’s worth noting the improved, 3rd-gen model isn’t all that much more expensive than its predecessor.
So, should your budget allow, we’d highly recommend also viewing a used version of the latest Amaze, which features arguably more resolved exterior styling and comes standard with stability control as well as more kit (including 6 airbags in the case of the Comfort grade).
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Paywall:
DRIVEN | Honda’s Amaze is affordable, stylish, and way too good to be just an Uber ride
DRIVEN | Honda’s Amaze is affordable, stylish, and way too good to be just an Uber ride
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Suzuki Dzire vs Honda Amaze: small sedans compared
What are the main differences between the Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze? Let’s see exactly what separates these Indian-built small sedans on paper.
The Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze are both small sedans built in India. They’re both popular with ride-hailing services and both entered a new generation here in South Africa towards the middle of 2025. So, what are the main differences between these diminutive sedans?
Below, we’ll compare the key attributes of the Dzire and Amaze, including overall dimensions, luggage space, powertrains, safety features and, of course, warranty and pricing details. What we won’t do here is a deep dive on standard equipment – we’d encourage you to head over to our handy comparison tool should you wish to explore that topic further.
What are the main differences between the Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze? Let’s see exactly what separates these Indian-built small sedans on paper.
The Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze are both small sedans built in India. They’re both popular with ride-hailing services and both entered a new generation here in South Africa towards the middle of 2025. So, what are the main differences between these diminutive sedans?
Below, we’ll compare the key attributes of the Dzire and Amaze, including overall dimensions, luggage space, powertrains, safety features and, of course, warranty and pricing details. What we won’t do here is a deep dive on standard equipment – we’d encourage you to head over to our handy comparison tool should you wish to explore that topic further.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
5 Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles CAR Magazine Tested in 2025
At CAR magazine, we take each vehicle we road test on a standardised mixed-use (urban and motorway) 100 km fuel run to gauge its ‘real-world’ fuel economy. We’ve rounded up the five most fuel-efficient vehicles we tested in 2025.
5. Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT: 5.43 L/100 km (5.5 L/100 km claimed)
4. Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Style DSG: 5.20 L/100 km (5.6 L/100 km claimed)
3. Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH HEV Elite: 4.90 L/100 km (5.4 L/100 km claimed)
2. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT: 4.87 L/100 km (4.4 L/100 km claimed)
1. Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV: 4.60 L/100 km (4.7 L/100 km claimed)
www.carmag.co.za
At CAR magazine, we take each vehicle we road test on a standardised mixed-use (urban and motorway) 100 km fuel run to gauge its ‘real-world’ fuel economy. We’ve rounded up the five most fuel-efficient vehicles we tested in 2025.
5. Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT: 5.43 L/100 km (5.5 L/100 km claimed)
4. Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Style DSG: 5.20 L/100 km (5.6 L/100 km claimed)
3. Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH HEV Elite: 4.90 L/100 km (5.4 L/100 km claimed)
2. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT: 4.87 L/100 km (4.4 L/100 km claimed)
1. Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV: 4.60 L/100 km (4.7 L/100 km claimed)
5 Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles CAR Magazine Tested in 2025
We have rounded up the five most fuel-efficient vehicles tested by CAR magazine in 2025. See the list below...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
5 Slowest-Accelerating Vehicles CAR Magazine Tested in 2025
We have rounded up the five slowest-accelerating vehicles, based on their 0-100 km/h sprint times, tested by CAR magazine in 2025. See the list below.
5. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT: 12.05 seconds
4. Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT: 12.22 seconds
3. Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Diesel Executive: 12.54 seconds
2. MG ZS 1.5 Luxury AT: 12.78 seconds
1. Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0 SiT Trend LWB: 15.56 seconds
www.carmag.co.za
We have rounded up the five slowest-accelerating vehicles, based on their 0-100 km/h sprint times, tested by CAR magazine in 2025. See the list below.
5. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT: 12.05 seconds
4. Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT: 12.22 seconds
3. Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Diesel Executive: 12.54 seconds
2. MG ZS 1.5 Luxury AT: 12.78 seconds
1. Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0 SiT Trend LWB: 15.56 seconds
5 Slowest-Accelerating Vehicles CAR Magazine Tested in 2025
We have rounded up the five slowest-accelerating vehicles, based on their 0-100 km/h sprint times, tested by CAR magazine in 2025...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
2025 Brah, not 2023/2024.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
CAR Mag did not test one for 2025 hence it did not make the list?
FiestaST
Honorary Master
5 Slowest-Braking Vehicles CAR Magazine Tested in 2025
We’ve rounded up the five slowest-braking vehicles, based on their 100-0 km/h times, CAR magazine tested in 2025.
As part of CAR’s stringent road test regimen, we evaluate each vehicle’s braking performance based on their 100-0 km/h braking times – the latter recorded by our trusty RaceLogic Vbox. Here’s the five vehicles that recorded the slowest braking times in 2025.
5. Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT: 3.29 seconds
4. Jeep Wrangler Limited 2.0T Rubicon: 3.30 seconds
3. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT: 3.31 seconds
2. BAIC B40 Plus 2.0T Champion: 3.37 seconds
1. GWM Tank 300 2.4T 4WD Ultra Luxury: 3.63 seconds
www.carmag.co.za
We’ve rounded up the five slowest-braking vehicles, based on their 100-0 km/h times, CAR magazine tested in 2025.
As part of CAR’s stringent road test regimen, we evaluate each vehicle’s braking performance based on their 100-0 km/h braking times – the latter recorded by our trusty RaceLogic Vbox. Here’s the five vehicles that recorded the slowest braking times in 2025.
5. Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT: 3.29 seconds
4. Jeep Wrangler Limited 2.0T Rubicon: 3.30 seconds
3. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT: 3.31 seconds
2. BAIC B40 Plus 2.0T Champion: 3.37 seconds
1. GWM Tank 300 2.4T 4WD Ultra Luxury: 3.63 seconds
5 Slowest-Braking Vehicles CAR Magazine Tested in 2025
We’ve rounded up the five slowest-braking vehicles, based on their 100-0 km/h times, CAR magazine tested in 2025...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Review: 2025 Honda Amaze compared to my 2013 Honda Brio
Over the festive season, I drove the third-generation Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend manual, and I found many differences and similarities between it and the car that started this model, my 2013 Honda Brio hatchback.
Launched in 2013, the first-generation Honda Amaze was actually known as the Brio Amaze. Following the popularity of the Brio hatchback, the Amaze was the sedan version of the latter. It was not much more than a boot placed onto the Brio. In the past 13 years, there was a second-generation Amaze (dropping the Brio nameplate to become its own model), and now we have the third iteration. Introduced in late 2024, it is an evolution, but still has some similarities to the hatchback that started its life.
The Amaze is a very smooth and comfortable car to drive. As someone who drives an automatic, getting reacquainted with a manual took a little getting used to. Fortunately, the Amaze’s clutch action is fairly forgiving. The standard inclusion of hill start assist (HSA) was a huge help.
Travelling at the national speed limit in top (fifth) gear, the Amaze’s rev counter was close to 4 000 r/min. Compared to my automatic Brio, which sports the same number of cogs, travelling at the national limit the hatchback sits closer to 3 000 r/min. That said, the Amaze’s cabin is generally quieter than my Brio in this environment.
The Amaze’s 66 kW and 110 N.m are available from 6 000 and 4 800 r/min, respectively. Though not particularly fast off the line, it does get you away from a green light without inconveniencing drivers behind you. The Brio is generally quicker off the line thanks to the combination of its automatic gearbox and lower mass. However, it struggles to pick up speed from 80 km/h onwards; mainly due to the gearbox’s willingness to seek out taller gears. The differences are interesting, considering both Hondas have a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine and similar performance figures.
Initially averaging 8.0 L/100 km, I managed to lower the Amaze’s average fuel consumption to 7.0 L/100 km as I got used to the intricacies of its drivetrain. With a full 35-litre fuel tank – which feels a bit small for this car – the trip computer displayed a range of up to 450 km. That proved fairly accurate. Being an automatic and, admittedly, me having a heavy right foot, the average range in my Brio is more varied, between 300 and 400 km. This translates to an average of 7.3 L/100km.
The interior of the Amaze is comfortable and intuitive, including a comprehensive trip computer, functionality and convenience items. Including full black cloth upholstery, with a black dashboard, the cabin can feel quite dark. While supportive, I found the seats on the firm side.
www.carmag.co.za
Over the festive season, I drove the third-generation Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend manual, and I found many differences and similarities between it and the car that started this model, my 2013 Honda Brio hatchback.
Launched in 2013, the first-generation Honda Amaze was actually known as the Brio Amaze. Following the popularity of the Brio hatchback, the Amaze was the sedan version of the latter. It was not much more than a boot placed onto the Brio. In the past 13 years, there was a second-generation Amaze (dropping the Brio nameplate to become its own model), and now we have the third iteration. Introduced in late 2024, it is an evolution, but still has some similarities to the hatchback that started its life.
The Amaze is a very smooth and comfortable car to drive. As someone who drives an automatic, getting reacquainted with a manual took a little getting used to. Fortunately, the Amaze’s clutch action is fairly forgiving. The standard inclusion of hill start assist (HSA) was a huge help.
Travelling at the national speed limit in top (fifth) gear, the Amaze’s rev counter was close to 4 000 r/min. Compared to my automatic Brio, which sports the same number of cogs, travelling at the national limit the hatchback sits closer to 3 000 r/min. That said, the Amaze’s cabin is generally quieter than my Brio in this environment.
The Amaze’s 66 kW and 110 N.m are available from 6 000 and 4 800 r/min, respectively. Though not particularly fast off the line, it does get you away from a green light without inconveniencing drivers behind you. The Brio is generally quicker off the line thanks to the combination of its automatic gearbox and lower mass. However, it struggles to pick up speed from 80 km/h onwards; mainly due to the gearbox’s willingness to seek out taller gears. The differences are interesting, considering both Hondas have a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine and similar performance figures.
Initially averaging 8.0 L/100 km, I managed to lower the Amaze’s average fuel consumption to 7.0 L/100 km as I got used to the intricacies of its drivetrain. With a full 35-litre fuel tank – which feels a bit small for this car – the trip computer displayed a range of up to 450 km. That proved fairly accurate. Being an automatic and, admittedly, me having a heavy right foot, the average range in my Brio is more varied, between 300 and 400 km. This translates to an average of 7.3 L/100km.
The interior of the Amaze is comfortable and intuitive, including a comprehensive trip computer, functionality and convenience items. Including full black cloth upholstery, with a black dashboard, the cabin can feel quite dark. While supportive, I found the seats on the firm side.
Review: 2025 Honda Amaze compared to my 2013 Honda Brio
I drove the new Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT and found many differences and similarities between it and the 2013 Honda Brio hatchback...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Honda Amaze review: A small sedan that feels a cut above, but engine lets it down
VERDICT
The Honda Amaze stands out among its rivals with its solid build and impressive all-round quality. It feels more expensive than its price tag might suggest, and could be just the sedan you’ve been looking for, as long as you’re willing to accept sluggish performance.
VERDICT
The Honda Amaze stands out among its rivals with its solid build and impressive all-round quality. It feels more expensive than its price tag might suggest, and could be just the sedan you’ve been looking for, as long as you’re willing to accept sluggish performance.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Honda Amaze vs Honda NC750X - Ignition GT
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Paywall:
DRIVEN | 2026 Honda Amaze CVT is a no-nonsense sedan that quietly nails it
DRIVEN | 2026 Honda Amaze CVT is a no-nonsense sedan that quietly nails it
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
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