SUVs are enjoying tremendous popularity in the Indian market, while sales of hatchbacks and sedans have been decreasing with each passing month. In the sedan segment, this four-wheeler category now holds less than 10 percent of the market share. Compact sedans are still performing better than midsize sedans, and in an effort to revive their markets, Maruti Suzuki and Honda Cars India are preparing to give a generation upgrade to the Dzire and Amaze, respectively. While the all-new Maruti Dzire will go on sale during this year’s festive season, the third-generation Honda Amaze will debut in December, with its market launch likely to happen in early 2025.
New Maruti Dzire
The 2024 Maruti Dzire will feature significantly improved styling, an upmarket interior, and an all-new Z-Series petrol engine. The compact sedan will sport a newly designed front grille, projector headlamps, and a revised bumper. The taillamp clusters will also be updated. Similar to the Swift, the new Dzire will have a light-colored interior theme along with features such as a 9-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a revised dashboard, new HVAC controls, and an analog instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch digital MID. Interestingly, the 2024 Maruti Dzire will be the first car in its segment to come with an electric sunroof.
New Honda Amaze
The new Honda Amaze will derive some of its design inspiration from the brand’s global sedans. The compact sedan will be based on a modified version of the Elevate’s platform but will have a shorter wheelbase. Its interior is expected to be more upmarket than the current generation. The new Amaze could be equipped with a larger, free-standing touchscreen infotainment system similar to the one in the Elevate. A few interior features might also be sourced from its midsize SUV sibling. Powering the all-new Honda Amaze will be the same 1.2L, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, offering a maximum power of 90bhp and 110Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
