The Honda Amaze sub-compact sedan has recently undergone crash tests by the Global NCAP, resulting in a downgrade from its previous four-star safety rating to just two stars. This significant drop in safety rating has raised concerns about the sedan’s overall safety standards, particularly in terms of child occupant protection.
Recent Test Results
In the latest Global NCAP crash tests, the Honda Amaze scored poorly in the child occupant protection category, leading to its diminished safety rating. This marks a stark contrast from five years ago when the model received a commendable four-star rating. The tests were conducted under the new protocols introduced by Global NCAP in the previous year.
Safety Concerns
The Honda Amaze displayed inadequacies in ensuring the safety of child occupants during frontal impact tests. Issues such as poor protection of the child’s head, chest, and neck were observed, particularly for children aged 1.5 years. The absence of essential safety features like three-point seat belts in all seats contributed to the sedan’s subpar performance in child occupant protection tests.
Manufacturer Response
Honda Cars responded to the latest safety rating of the Amaze sedan, citing the South Africa spec second-generation model’s previous four-star rating by GNCAP in 2019. The company highlighted that while the overall score remains at a five-star level, the absence of certain equipment such as Electronic Stability Control and Side Curtain Airbags resulted in the lower rating in the recent test.
Safety Features and Specifications
Despite the downgrade in safety rating, the Honda Amaze offers a range of standard safety features, including ABS with EBD, rear-view camera, child lock, anchor points for child seats, overspeed warning, and anti-theft engine immobilizer. However, the absence of additional safety features like ESC and side curtain airbags has impacted its overall safety assessment.
Future Outlook
The Honda Amaze remains a prominent offering in the Indian sedan market, alongside models like the City and City Hybrid. With the launch of the facelift version in 2021 and expectations of an updated version soon, Honda aims to address safety concerns and enhance the sedan’s overall appeal. The Amaze is available with two engine options – a 1.2-liter petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel – coupled with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.
Conclusion
While the Honda Amaze continues to be a popular choice among sedan enthusiasts in India, its recent safety rating downgrade underscores the importance of prioritizing safety features and standards in automotive design and manufacturing. As consumers increasingly prioritize safety in their purchasing decisions, manufacturers must strive to address safety concerns and deliver vehicles that meet the highest safety standards set by organizations like Global NCAP.
