Concerns over the harmful effects of fuel consumption to the environment and to cut back our dependence on high-priced fuels and find alternative fuels that are not only less expensive but also more environment-friendly continue to grow. Compressed natural gas or CNG fits that description and could very well be the answer we are all looking for.
Understanding this opportunity and to feed the appetite of high mileage car lovers, Korean car maker Honda Cars has launched the CNG version of their popular notchback, Amaze. Yes, the Honda Amaze CNG edition is here to suit your pockets and the environment.
Mr. Jnaneswar Sen, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India, said – “At HCIL, we constantly work towards enhancing customer experience through our products and services. We are extremely happy to bring the Amaze with a CNG option for our customers, which will not only be cheaper to run and maintain but also eco-friendly.”
Why Purchase
Launched in 2013, Amaze sold like hot cakes. It has been the fastest Honda car to surpass the 1 lakh sales mark in India. The car was being offered in both petrol and diesel variants but company offered this new variant with bi-fuel option of Petrol/ CNG to meet the needs of customers who are looking for an alternate fuel vehicle with high performance and low running cost.
What’s New
The Honda approved CNG kit will be fitted to the new variant 1.2 S MT Plus (i-VTEC) at Honda Dealerships located in cities where CNG fuel is available in the country. Honda will be tuning this car with an optimized suspension, improved wiring and modified engine components so as to make it work congruently with CNG as the fuel.
Things That Stay
There won’t be any major changes to interior or exterior of the car. That means the same asymmetric, three-tone dashboard with its circular air-con vents and hooded instrument cluster. The space in the rear seat is quite astounding for a sub-four-metre car thanks to its extended longer wheelbase. The slim front seats from the Brio make a return with fixed headrests. The 400 litre boot is enough to support you with some heavy luggage.
Power Train
The petrol sipping 1.2 motor makes 88PS and 109Nm. The CNG variant is available only with the 5-speed manual transmission. Expect the CNG-equipped Amaze to deliver a fuel efficiency of 22-23km/kg.
Pricing
The CNG variant, the 1.2 S MT Plus is now in showrooms at the price point of Rs 6.53 lakh, ex-Delhi and it will be slotted exactly between both the earlier variants. This new variant will have the CNG kit fitted at the dealership and then delivered to the customer where Rs 5.99 lakh will be charged for the car and the Rs 54,315 for the CNG kit. Honda will also be levying extra charges for the CNG endorsement on the RC book.
Parting Words
Honda has always been known for its ride quality and comfort and we expect this car to continue the legacy. If you are some environmentalist or you need to travel a lot without much fuel expenses then this car is certainly for you.
By: Kartik Chaudhary
