Honda Amaze expected to produce record mileage of 26 kmpl

In the current Indian automotive market, Tata Indigo eCS, the entry level sedan from Tata Motors, boasts of the best mileage in the country, returning figures of 25.4 kmpl for the diesel variant. However, things may change once Honda Amaze, the Japanese manufacturer's first diesel vehicle is launched in India. If company sources are to be believed, the new Amaze will deliver a fuel efficiency of 26 kmpl. Apart from Tata Indigo eCS, Chevrolet Beat diesel also gives a mileage of 25.4 kmpl.

Honda has managed to stay away from the diesel market for a long time, even though competitors such as Volkswagen, Skoda and Hyundai have eaten into their sales. However, by the middle of 2012, Honda realised that it really needed a diesel vehicle to stay in the league. With this in mind, Honda decided to develop iDTEC engines for a series of diesel vehicles, the first of which would be the Amaze. The company hopes to regain some lost ground with its upcoming entry level sedan Amaze.

Automotive companies in India know the value of mileage for average Indian customers. Analysts are of a view that the high mileage can give a great boost to sales for any vehicle. Commenting on the same, Deepesh Rathore, Managing Director for research firm said, “Mileage is the most influencing denominator in the Indian market along with pricing. Maruti maintains its stronghold in India with its range of fuel efficient cars, which comes across as the first riding factor for any Indian customer who buys a new car.” Interestingly, the Honda Amaze preview website has generated in excess of 8000 enquiries without any substantial investment in campaigning. Honda would be targeting both rural and urban products with its brand new product in the Indian auto market.

As another segment first, 99 bhp of power in the Amaze will be the highest in its class. 300 Nm of torque for this vehicle surpasses 191 Nm produced by Maruti Swift DZire by a substantial margin. The 1.5 litre iDTEC engine would also make the Honda quickest in its segment. Senior Vice President (Marketing and Sales) Jnaneshwar Sen said, ” It's the first all-aluminium diesel engine in the country with some amazing class leading capabilities of fuel efficiency and power.”

To increase the engine's competitiveness, local sourcing and production is being done from Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. Both diesel and petrol variants of the Amaze will be launched on April 11, along with prices. It is expected to be available between Rs. 6 lakhs to Rs. 8.5 lakhs. As a comparison, market leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited has priced the Swift DZire from Rs. 5.9 lakhs to Rs. 7.5 lakhs. Both vehicles are below 4 metres in length, qualifying for the Government excise cut. Industry experts believe that the new Amaze has the potential to stir the market with sales of over 6,000 units a month.