Honda Cars, the Japanese car brand on Tuesday introduced the 2017 ‘Privilege Edition’ of its successful compact sedan Honda Amaze in Asia’s third biggest economy to boost sales.

Prices for the Honda Amaze Privilege Edition start at Rs 6.49 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7.73 lakh for the diesel version at Delhi showroom. Honda Amaze competes with the likes of Ford Aspire, Hyundai Xcent, Volkswagen Ameo and Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

The limited edition model, which is Rs 10,000 more expensive than the standard version, adds a host of new features to the sedan and is based on the S (O) MT grade variant. The limited edition variant comes with same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options mated with the 5-speed transmission.

The new compact sedan features dual airbags, ABS (in diesel variant), power adjustable ORVMs, steering mounted controls, driver seat height adjuster, digital AC controls, and premium dual tone interiors.

Honda has not made exterior changes on the new Amaze Privilege Edition save for the new body graphics and a ‘Privilege Edition’ emblem on the boot. However, inside it has provided a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Honda likes to call – Digipad. The unit offers in-built satellite linked 3D navigation, 1.5 GB of internal storage, Mirror Link support for smartphone connectivity as well as internet access and live traffic via the optional WiFi receiver. The Digipad can also be accessed using voice commands and there’s Bluetooth telephony option as well, in addition to AUX and USB connectivity.

Moreover, the Honda Amaze Privilege Edition also gets beige seat covers with ‘Privilege Edition’ embossed on them, a driver-side centre armrest, and rear parking sensors.

“Our endeavor has always been to offer best in class features to our customers and we are happy to offer the Privilege Edition of the Honda Amaze with Digipad for advanced infotainment,” Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice president, marketing & sales at Honda Cars India, said.

Significantly, the Honda Amaze arrived as a game changer for the automaker back in 2013 and has been a popular seller ever since with over 2.4 lakh units sold in the country.

However, the subcompact sedan space is now flooded with options, and most of these rivals have seen extensive upgrades over the years.

The segment leading Maruti Suzuki Dzire moved to its third generation earlier this year and still owns the volumes, while there is new competition from the Tata Tigor and Volkswagen Ameo. The Hyundai Xcent and Ford Aspire also received updates this year.

The Honda Amaze is due for a comprehensive update which will happen when the model moves into its new generation next year.

michaelgonsalves@mydigitalfc.com