Specification Upgrades For Honda Amaze and CR-V

Amaze

The small sedan gains a new front grille, which replaces the previous ‘solid-wing’ version to give the updated Amaze a fresher and more modern appearance. The rear view is now dominated by a revised bumper with a new chrome accent and LED taillights.

All new models now come standard with full-black interior upholstery, doing away with the two-tone beige and black design of the previous model. 

Gloss piano black detailing on the dashboard remains unchanged as does the instrument binnacle with analogue dials for speed and rev count. The binnacle also houses a digital trip computer.

The power train is unchanged and the 1 199 cc petrol four-cylinder unit employs Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent valve timing management system.

Maximum power output of 66 kW is reached at 6 000 r/min, while the torque peak is 110 Nm at 4 800 r/min. The baseline Amaze Trend model is available with a five-speed manual gearbox only, while buyers of the Comfort model can also opt for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

All Honda Amaze models are fitted with dual front crash bags, inertia reel seatbelts front and rear, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. On the active safety front, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard.

Honda has continued with the same three-model line-up as the previous Amaze. The Amaze 1.2 Trend is available only with a manual gearbox, and offers a tilt-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, a four-speaker audio system featuring FM/AM and MP3 functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, central locking and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.

Both Comfort models still sport colour-coded exterior mirrors and door handles and low-mounted, recessed fog lamps as standard. However, now differentiating them from the Trend model are 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and LED fog lights at the front. 

These features are in addition to a roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and a high-mounted third brake light that have been carried over from the previous model.

Inside, the Comfort offers all the standard features of the Trend model, but automatic air-conditioning and automatic door locking once the vehicle starts moving are added to the package.

The infotainment system of the Comfort models has also been upgraded and now features a 7-inch touchscreen that incorporates a reverse parking camera and features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The range is supported by a full 5-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a 2-year/30 000 km service plan, and a three-year AA Roadside Assistance package. Scheduled services are at 15 000 km intervals.

CR-V

The most noticeable exterior styling change is to the front and rear bumpers, which have been redesigned to give the vehicle a bit more street cred.

Contrasting protective cladding on the lower sections of the body panels, together with pronounced wheel arch extensions, enhance the CR-V’s looks, as do new, larger 19-inch alloy wheels on the top-of-the-range 1.5T Exclusive model.

The range still consists of four models offering two different engine options and varying specification levels.

A realignment of the range sees changes to the drivetrain and specifications of the 1.5T Executive. Most notably, this model now offers front-wheel drive.

There are two drivetrain options for the upgraded CR-V.

The first is Honda’s familiar 2,0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine. This normally aspirated unit features variable valve timing and programmed fuel injection, and boasts a maximum power output of 113 kW at 6 500 r/min. Peak torque of 189 Nm is available at 4 300 r/min.

The 1 997 cc engine is linked to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Shift control logic and drive is to the front wheels.

The second engine option is a 1 498 cc turbo powerplant equipped with programmed, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. It delivers 140 kW of maximum power at 5 600 r/min, together with 240 Nm of maximum torque between 2 000 and 5 000 r/min. It too is mated to a CVT gearbox.

CR-V Pricing:

The range is backed by a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

Also included is a three-year AA Road Assist package. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km for the 2,0-litre models, and 10 000 km for the 1,5-litre turbo variants.