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Converted my Amaze EX variant to the V variant: Here's how

18th May 2024, 14:09 by Ananth Iyer

The additional features that the SMT variant offered seemed gimmicky to me, but over the period, the car started feeling dated and I started missing those features.

BHPian Daewoo1995 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

In 2019, I decided to buy a car that was pocket-friendly, reliable, had the basic features, and looked good. Initially, I was more inclined to buy a used vehicle which would help me improve my driving skills without giving me mini heart attacks in case of minor crashes and also help me save some cash.

However, I found that the second-hand market was not a sensible option since most popular hatchback vehicles were sold for a very high price. For example, I found a dealer selling a used Swift in decent condition for a price of over 4.5 Lacs, whereas I could buy a new Swift LXI at that time for about 6 Lacs. So, I decided to spend a bit more and get a new vehicle instead.

After visiting multiple showrooms, reading all the brochures, and going through hundreds of YouTube videos, I decided to go for the Honda Amaze. At the time, the new Amaze had been launched just a few months back. This was India's first compact sedan which was not a poorly designed hatchback with a boot (IYKYK). The design of the car is proportionate and the front of the car is very aggressive.

While choosing the variant, I decided to go for the EMT variant as I had already increased my budget when I moved away from used vehicles and hatchbacks. At the time, the additional features that the SMT variant offered seemed gimmicky to me, but over the period, the car started feeling dated and I started missing those features.

Fast forwarding 4 years - I decided to make a list of all the major features that were lacking in the car and add those features one by one, preferably through Honda Genuine Parts if possible, or some good quality alternatives.

1. Infotainment System

When I bought the car, I asked the dealer to provide me with the Honda Genuine 2 DIN Infotainment System which was preinstalled in the Amaze SMT Variant. He told me that he would try to get this for some other customer who would opt to get the stock system removed for a touchscreen. He did arrange the system and the fitment looked good too since it was built for this dashboard. However, since it was paired with Sony speakers and not the stock speakers, the sound output wasn't really great. Moreover, I also wanted a reverse parking camera and Apple Carplay (mainly for Navigation, Calls, and Siri).

So, I did some research and shortlisted two Infotainment Systems - Blaupunkt San Andreas 970 and Honda Digipad 2.0. The Honda Digipad was my first choice, but I had a major problem with it. The Amaze EMT Variant did not have a built-in stereo, so it also didn't have a USB port on the center console. The solution was to pull out the USB cable into the glove box. Since the Digipad 2.0 only supported Wired Carplay, it would have been very inconvenient to plug the USB Cable from the Glove Box and keep the phone in the same at all times while driving.

Therefore, I resorted to Blaupunkt San Andreas 970. This is a 9-inch touchscreen system which is a non-Android system. I wanted a non-android system to ensure that it does not slow down over time. Since it had Apple Carplay for my Music and Navigation, I won't require the Android system anyway. The system is fast, Apple Carplay runs smooth and the audio output is good too. It even has a USB C port on the front of the player, so I didn't have to pull out cables in the glove box. Bonus feature - The Apple Carplay runs on both wired and wireless connectivity! I also installed a Blaupunkt rear camera which was mounted above the number plate for the OEM look.

The accessories shop also installed the B Pillar Black Tape, which was also missing in the EMT Variant. (I got this one removed later on for Honda's Genuine Black Tape due to poor adhesion in the case of local tape). He also installed an aftermarket Shark Fin antenna in the same shade as that of the car.

2. Body Coloured Door Handles and ORVMs

The Amaze EMT had a black plastic finish on the outside door handles and ORVMs. Honda did this to make the variant look ugly so that no one would buy this variant. Honda launched this variant just for the advertisements where they could display the lower price of the car.

I negotiated the price of this paint job in the Honda Workshop and got it done from there to ensure that the color matches and the paint lasts for a long time.

3. Wheel Covers

The EMT variant, just like all manufacturer's base variants had steel rims which were painted in silver color to look ugly. I decided to get the rims painted in black and got the original Honda Wheel Covers installed.

4. Steering Wheel Audio Controls

This was the most hectic step. I didn't require these buttons earlier when I had the Honda Infotainment system since it had buttons for every function. The buttons were large and I didn't have to look at the system to change the volume or change the song track while driving.

However, after installing the Blaupunkt touch screen, I started facing issues while driving as even changing the volume was a task as even the buttons on the side were touch screen based. So, I procured Honda's genuine Audio control button assembly along with the cable only to find that the clock spring in the steering wheel does not support this (none of the Amaze steering button installation videos on YouTube explain this)! With a heavy heart, I had to buy a new Clock Spring as well from Honda. Once this was done and installed, I connected the infotainment system with the clock spring - but surprisingly, the buttons did not work! The infotainment system was not receiving any signal. After a lot of RCA, it was concluded that the infotainment system was faulty. I went to the Blaupunkt service center and they tried repairing the system but it didn't work. They had to eventually replace the entire motherboard after which the buttons started working. While setting up the buttons, I set the function of the mode button as speech - This activates Siri very conveniently.

5. Auto Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs

One last major upgrade that was left was the Auto Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs. These didn't just look good but were also quite useful while parking or taking sharp cuts as I could adjust them according to the view.

I found someone who had all the original parts and was ready to install these without cutting or splicing any wires.

He installed the mirrors and mounted the Maruti Suzuki ORVM control switch next to the Power Window controls on the driver-side door.

Additionally, I also installed Honda Fog Lamps, Honda Floor LED Lights, and Honda Front Armrest.

All the above modifications did not just enhance the car's look and feel but also made the car's driving experience better. If I had an option to go back in time, I would have chosen the SMT Variant for sure. But at the time, the EMT Variant felt more VFM.

Final Look: