Later this year, two new entrants will join the Indian market for compact sedans. First up is the brand-new Dzire sedan will go on sale around this festive season. The modified Honda Amaze will then be introduced and is anticipated to go on sale in the latter half of 2024.
Sources told Autocar India that the next-generation Honda Amaze would be based on the City and Elevate platform, albeit with a significantly shorter wheelbase. The styling will most likely be inspired by larger Honda sedans sold abroad, and the cabin will be completely redesigned to compete. The next-generation Amaze is expected to include a bigger, free-standing touchscreen derived from the Elevate, while other interior components will most likely be shared with other Honda India vehicles.
Meanwhile, the new Dzire’s exterior design will be similar to the recently released fourth-generation Swift. The compact sedan will have an updated modern interior with a 9-inch, free-standing touchscreen, a first-in-segment sunroof, updated HVAC controls and a new yet familiar dashboard. The Maruti sedan will include six airbags as standard across the range.
It is expected that the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, 90hp, 110 Nm petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed manual or a CVT, will remain in the next Amaze. It’s not yet known if Honda plans to offer a CNG powertrain for the new Amaze.
The Maruti Dzire will be powered by the Swift’s 82hp, 112Nm 1.2-litre Z series three-cylinder petrol engine, which will be paired to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The next-generation Dzire will be available with only a petrol engine at launch, with a CNG option anticipated to arrive later.
