- Honda and Maruti Suzuki are ready to introduce new generations of their small sedans.
- The Honda Amaze and Suzuki Dzire were teased simultaneously, ahead of their debuts.
- Both models will adopt sleeker styling and more tech compared to their predecessors.
Small sedans might be a dying species in North America and Europe, but in India, they’re still thriving. Two stalwarts of the segment—the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Honda Amaze—are gearing up for their next-generation debuts, both primed with more upmarket styling and a touch of added sophistication to attract modern buyers.
Both Honda and Maruti Suzuki have started the tease campaign, each unveiling just enough of their new models to keep the anticipation building. Starting with the Honda Amaze, the third generation of the sedan looks more aggressive compared to the outgoing model. This is largely due to the hexagon grille and the elongated LED headlights, inspired by larger Honda offerings.
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The front bumper features sportier intakes, and the hood has sharper surfacing. Spy shots from India suggest that the small sedan will feature smoked taillights, in an effort to look more appealing to younger buyers.
Despite the important styling updates, the new Honda Amaze will likely ride on the same underpinnings. The current generation debuted in 2018, based on a platform derived from the larger Honda City. Powertrain options will likely comprise a carry-over 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 89 hp (66 kW / 90 PS), mated to either a manual gearbox or a CVT.
The Suzuki Dzire Won’t Look Like A Swift Sedan Anymore
Maruti Suzuki has also entered the teaser fray, but the cat’s already out of the bag with the Dzire—spied fully uncloaked in India before its official November 5 debut.
Unlike its predecessor, the new generation looks like a standalone model rather than a sedan version of the closely-related Suzuki Swift hatchback. The upmarket looks include a more serious face, a massive grille, sleeker headlights, and improved proportions.
Inside, the Dzire will inherit most of the Swift’s switchgear and features, albeit with different trim options and a bigger boot. The small sedan will ride on the Heartect platform, sharing its powertrain lineup with the Swift. The latter comprises a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 82 hp (61 kW / 83 PS), and a CNG-powered alternative. Power will be transmitted to the front axle via a five-speed manual or a CVT.
Besides the Honda Amaze and the Suzuki Dzire, the small sedan segment in India also includes the Hyundai Aura, and the Tata Tigor, both based on urban hatchbacks.