White goods
noun
Definition: large electrical goods used domestically such as refrigerators and washing machines, typically white in colour.
The Honda Amaze was not ironically named, rather designed, appliance-like with a purpose in mind. It’s a compact sedan made to do compact sedan things – but when my test unit arrived (in literal white) it was impossible to ignore the connection. Despite being an all-new design, it won’t make you glance back as you park or make your neighbours whisper. No, the Amaze is the car equivalent of a really good refrigerator — the kind you forget about until you realise it’s been quietly keeping your life running smoothly for years.
And that’s exactly why it’s perfect for fleets, Uber drivers, and small families. Like a dependable white good, the Amaze’s appeal lies in its function, not its flair. The 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine hums along efficiently, sipping fuel instead of guzzling it. The cabin’s roomy enough for a family of four or a couple of chatty ride-hail passengers, with boot space that swallows groceries, suitcases, or a weekend’s worth of luggage with equal ease.
Maintenance? Barely a thought. Reliability? Honda-level bulletproof – despite being built in India, and not Japan, where Honda’s reputation was originally cultivated. It’s built to start every morning, take whatever roads (or riders) you throw at it, and do it all without complaint.
SO IT WON’T SET YOUR WORLD ON FIRE
In a world obsessed with crossovers that promise adventure but spend their lives in parking lots, the Amaze stands out by not standing out. It’s the sensible appliance of the automotive world — practical, affordable, and quietly great at its job. That is, move modestly thanks to a naturally-aspirated (non-turbocharged) 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. It produces peak outputs of 66 kW and 110 Nm of torque, and is paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic. My test unit had the latter which sadly resulted in the sort of drone that could drive you nuts on a long highway trip. But that’s where the Apple Carplay and Android Auto comes in, the Amaze featuring enough connectivity and multimedia options to keep you sane and amused. Acceleration therefore is steady but hardly exciting, but handling and steering is competent. This is not an unpleasant sedan to twist through busy city and suburban streets.
One positive outcome from the unholy union of asthmatic engine and whining transmission is a super frugal fuel consumption of just 5.5 L/100 km. Which is arguably what the Amaze is all about. Because sometimes, the ideal car isn’t the one that excites you. It’s the one that never lets you down.
Pricing
Amaze 1.2 Trend MT R254 900
Amaze 1.2 Comfort MT R274 900
Amaze 1.2 Comfort CVT R294 900