Things New Honda Amaze Needs To Take On 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire

The sub four-metre sedan segment has been making the headlines as two major cars, the Honda Amaze and Maruti Suzuki Dzire have been announced for the new generation. This update has brought significant changes to the new Dzire, including segment-first features. On the other hand, Honda’s new-generation Amaze shows off its exterior and interior in design sketches with a hint to introduce first-in-segment ADAS. In this article, we jot down what we think the new Amaze will need to give the new-gen Dzire a proper rivalry.

Completely New Design

The new-gen Maruti Dzire introduces a fresh design. While the Dzire had been in the shadow of the Swift, the new exterior styling has created a distinction between the two models. It has larger dimensions with the design dominated by a large grille, distinct LED headlamps and taillamps, and new set of alloy wheels.

Now going by the recently revealed design sketches of the new Amaze, it seems like Honda too is going for a brand new look. Sure, it’s still early days and the production-spec version may not look exactly like the model in the sketches, but we expect it to retain a similar design to preserve the fresh look, which takes some styling cues from the City and Elevate. In fact, this could serve as a significant draw for the prospective buyers or give an edge to the Amaze, especially those considering the new Maruti Dzire.

Irrespective of what Honda does with the final product, we definitely think a fresh design will give the Amaze a better chance against the Dzire and its fresh outlook.

Modern & Tech-Laden Interior

While Maruti has successfully created a distinction between the Dzire and Swift in terms of exterior, the new Dzire gets an interior layout very similar to that of the Swift. Although there is similarity, the Dzire brings a dual-tone theme with a distinct dashboard trim and several new as well as first-in-segment features to take on the Amaze.

Speaking of which, the dual-tone cabin of the new Amaze – which somewhat resembles the interior of the Elevate – looks upmarket and modern at least in the design sketches. Additionally, there is a new free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a part-analogue instrument cluster, a new wireless charging pad, and a steering wheel borrowed from its elder siblings. But will that be enough to compete against the Dzire? Well, in order to make it more appealing, it is expected Honda will provide leatherette seat covers, auto-dimming IRVM, rear air-con vents, adjustable headrests, and a USB port in the rear. That being said, interior space is often a decisive factor for buyers, and the sketch suggests the new Amaze will offer more room than the outgoing model.

Brimmed With Features

For the first time in the sub-four metre sedan segment, Maruti has introduced an electric sunroof and 360-degree camera with the new Dzire, making it more appealing than ever. Moreover, it gets a healthy list of features, including a wireless charging pad, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, and a suite of connected car tech.

To give the Dzire a proper rivalry, the Amaze too will have to step it up in terms of the creature comforts and safety tech on offer. We can already spot a lane keep assist graphic on its driver’s display, suggesting the presence of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which would be a first for the segment if the Amaze actually gets it. What will further help the Amaze is if Honda can at least match, if not surpass, the features list of the new Dzire, and equip it with all the usual stuff, a sunroof and maybe even a 360-degree camera.

A new infotainment system (likely an 8-inch unit) and a new automatic AC control panel can already be spotted in the cabin of the upcoming Amaze, courtesy of the revealed sketches and we also expect other additions in the form of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech with smartwatch connectivity, six speakers, auto headlamps, powered ORVMs with auto-fold function.

Safer Than Ever

Safety is an important factor where the new Maruti Dzire has surprised everyone with its five-star GNCAP rating, making it the first model in the brand’s portfolio to bring the five-star rating. The sedan now gets six airbags, electronic stability programme, and ABS with EBD as standard.

With the new Dzire raised buyers expectations to offer, we think the Amaze could also impress the potential buyers. The outgoing model had received a disappointing GNCAP score and moderate safety features. However, the new Amaze may surprise us and perform better in GNCAP safety tests, possibly securing a higher safety rating thanks to the updated safety features. In addition to ADAS, the new Amaze is expected to come fitted with six airbags, electronic stability programme, three-point seat belts and seat-belt reminders for all passengers, hill hold assist, and ABS with EBD.

New Efficient Powertrain

To improve mileage and reduce tailpipe emissions, the new Maruti Dzire gets a downsized 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the new Swift. Maruti claims that it gives out a better fuel efficiency than the previous powertrain.

Despite the Dzire’s new engine, Honda is unlikely to ditch the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual and CVT automatic transmission. The new Amaze may carry over the same figures and transmissions. Given that the Amaze has entered a new generation, it is possible that the engine may receive a different tune for improved mileage and performance. If not, the Amaze will still have a small advantage with its more sophisticated CVT transmission over the Dzire’s old school cost efficient AMT option.

All in all, the new Honda Amaze, with its updated design, features, and safety, is expected to be a compelling offering in its segment. The introduction of ADAS and other tech upgrades should help it stand out from the new Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Aura. However, expect the Amaze to attract a higher premium than the current model, which has been priced between Rs 7.19 lakh and Rs 9.95 lakh (ex-showroom).