The domestic sedan market is likely to witness new excitement with Japanese auto major Honda announcing the launch of its entry level sedan Honda Amaze. Honda ’s local distributor Syakar Trading Company (STC) announced the car’s roll-out amid a programme in the capital city on Monday.

Padma Jyoti, chairman of the Jyoti Group, the parent company of STC, STC chairman Saurabh Jyoti, STC vice-chairman Suhrid Jyoti and Shigeru Yamazaki, director and senior vice-president - sales and marketing at Honda Cars India Limited, took the wraps off the vehicle. The company has initially introduced the car in three variants, the Honda Amaze EMT, EXMT and SMT.

What makes the new car from Honda ’s stable a delight for sedan seekers is its price. Despite incorporating numerous class leading features, the EMT variant costs Rs 2.55 million, the EXMT Rs 2.65 million and the SMT Rs 2.85 million. The new Honda is likely to give stiff competition to the Ford Fiesta Classic and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, the popular entry level sedan variants available in the country currently.

“The Honda Amaze is powerful yet fuel efficient, comfortable yet spacious and stylish yet affordable. We are aiming to sell around 320 units of the car in the first year,” said STC chairman Jyoti. “We have been receiving many queries about the vehicle ever since its launch in the Indian market; and now since the vehicle has been launched here, we are expecting to see a very good sales volume.” Likewise, Yamazaki said that Honda was expecting a good market for the Amaze since it has been doing very well in the Indian market which shares close socio-economic and cultural ties with Nepal.