My switchover from Swift VXI to Honda Amaze S-MT
I am returning to the forum after a long time. The time had come to part with my Swift VXI-2006 car. It was painful due to the excellent engine condition. But unfortunately body had started rusting. It was decided to stick to a petrol version considering low end use per year. Also it was decided to go for a sedan. A decent level of boot space was a priority. Shortlist Toyota Etios, Honda Amaze & Renault Scala. Dezire was ruled out due to the shape of the rear. Though in driving experience the shortlisted cars were o.k the taxi cab tag of Etios & the higher pricing of Scala made it an easy decision reg Honda Amaze. Also I liked the styling of Amaze. Opted for the S-MT model. The OTR was 7 lakhs with Honda fitted rear sensors and anti rust coating under the body. Delivery post registration took place on last day of November.
Driving Experience
The refined engine of Honda is a pleasure to drive. In city drive it is definitely far comfortable to drive than a Swift. Another good thing is that on long drives it curbs my inclination to overspeed a habit picked up in Swift

This one just doesnt take off like the Swift on a highway. Around 500 kms travelled till date. Tank was filled up till the dispenser auto-switch off point. In city drive consistently at displayed FE of 12.5 Kms. I try to keep it within ECO indicated range.
Yesterday took it for a spin to Pune. Kept the speed to a 90-100 Kmph. The FE went up to 19 at some points but generally settled to around 17. Did not try many overtaking maneuvers which otherwise I would have done in my Swift. This was mainly to avoid too much stress on the new engine. The beauty of the Amaze is one neednt downshift the gear, most of the time, when one has to suddenly reduce speed.
Was worried about the ground clearance while selecting the Amaze. But happy to see that it not at all an issue on most road humps. Only issue I faced was at few small mounded speed-breakers, the rear tires seems to slip on crossing over.
The 3-D mats were procured from outside shops. Also got the seat covers when I found that with kids the beige interiors wont remain clean for long. But am worried the rear seat removal for putting the cover has started a minor rattling sound while accelerating the vehicle. Need to get it checked out in first service.
On the flip side I am finding some body discomfort (lower back pain) after driving for long- need to experiment different seat combinations or revert back to an extra cushion (which I used in Swift). Presently the seat is vertically set to max height.
The feedback from family members using the rear seats is that not as good as Etios. They are rating the comfort just below the Swift experience.
The aim to complete 1000 kms before the month is over did not succeed before first service.
Service was done at 750 kms. The Service advisor gave me a complex by berating me on the shoddy wrinkled manner in which the seat covers were fitted from outside. I had also reported rattling sounds from front and back sides. They identified broken plastic sockets where the rear bench gets clipped into. I was charged 400 bucks for replacement. As regarding car wash etc. nothing exemplary. Hasty job. Overall Honda service nothing to write much about.
Attached Thumbnails
Honda service called up yesterday for feedback on service. When informed reg rattling sounds still persisting they have asked me for a date on which vehicle can be picked up and returned after checking.
One irritant is with the gaps of the ORVM cowling and actual mirror. Dust settles in and easily visible. Cleaning is a challenge. Never felt this bad with Swift cowlings.