Exclusive: New Maruti Dzire facelift to counter Honda Amaze

Maruti will be launching a facelifted Dzire compact sedan by Diwali next year in a bid to take on the Honda Amaze which should be in the market by April.

A senior official at Maruti confirmed that the company is working on a refresh for the Dzire, and that the company is trying to make it in time for the festive season next year. Also read: Upcoming all-new cars for 2013

This goes to show that even before the Honda Amaze has entered India (and bringing in Honda’s first diesel engine), it already has the competition worried. Maruti is making sure it can keep its leadership position in the entry level sedan segment with a refreshed Dzire.’

What changes are likely

The official did not confirm what the changes are in the new Dzire. There obviously won’t be any major structural changes because of the costs involved, given that the Dzire and the Swift are on the same platform, and with the Dzire coming in under 4-metres in length it qualifies for small car excise duty benefits. Also read: Honda Amaze sedan, fully revealed!

It is likely that Maruti will be fixing some of the things – interior space for one, by tinkering with the seats (scooping them out further and changing the angles) to address customers’ need for space. It may also feature a foldable rear seat that would make the Dzire more flexible in its luggage carrying capacity. Other changes are also likely to include some cosmetic upgrades to the front and tail-lamps, but there are not likely to be changes to the engine choices. The Dzire will still come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine putting out 86 bhp of power and a 1.3-litre diesel  engine putting out 74 bhp of power. Related: Honda Amaze gets positive initial reviews

Maruti is also reportedly working on a new sedan based on the A-Star platform that will slot in below the Dzire and there are also plans to develop an all-new sedan that will slot in between the Dzire and the SX4. Also read: Three upcoming sedans to watch for in 2013

Speaking of the SX4, there have been sightings of a facelifted SX4 which will most likely launch in 2013, with small changes to the grille and headlamps. Sales of the SX4 are down to 695 cars a month, while the Maruti Dzire sold 13,502 cars in November.

Will the Honda Amaze manage to take the wind out of the Dzire’s sales, or will Dzire craft a comeback strategy with a refreshed Maruti Dzire that can stun Honda? Watch this space.