5 New Sedans Launching Soon: All New Maruti Dzire To Next-Gen Honda Amaze
The sedan segment has lately been doing not so well in sales, except for a few models. The slowdown could also be attributed to an oncoming model/ generational update for many popular cars. This also means that manufacturers haven’t decided to flee and are working on updates/ facelifts for stronger comebacks. Here are five such sedans that we know will launch soon in India.
Skoda Octavia
The Octavia is an extremely important model for Skoda in India. It played a key role in shaping the brand identity and driving volumes. It was respected for its performance and premium quotient till when it was finally discontinued. Skoda failed to get the Math right in terms of pricing, leading to a decline in sales.
The rumour has it that the Czech carmaker could soon relaunch the sedan here. A recent remark by Skoda India brand director Peter Janeba further strengthens suspicions. We are unsure of the exact launch timeline, but the new Octavia could have a price of around 30 lakh.
Upon its comeback, the Octavia will likely be powered by a 1.5-litre EA211 EVO2 turbocharged petrol engine that is good enough to produce 150 Bhp. It will also have advanced cylinder deactivation technology (ACT+) for improved fuel efficiency. This, if you see, is the same engine that powers the Slavia 1.5. Many global markets also have a mild-hybrid version of this system on sale. We have discussed more about this in a previous story.
New Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Maruti Suzuki India will launch the new-generation Dzire in on November 11, 2024. The new sedan will have a completely new design- a sharp departure from the previous model. It will have a large blacked-out horizontally slatted grille with Chrome touches, fresh-looking headlamps with black bezels, new bumpers, new alloy wheels, and stylish wraparound LED tail lamps. It will no longer be the ‘Swift with a boot’ sedan it used to be.
Since it is based on the new generation Swift, the cabin will have visual similarities with the hatchback. There will be more features and tech as well. It will also have a new theme. The new Dzire will get a single-pane sunroof- a first in its history. Other expected features are a 360-degree camera, a larger 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, a Head-Up Display, analogue instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch digital MID, and automatic climate control. It might also come with ADAS.
It will be powered by the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Z Series petrol engine as the hatchback. This is the first time that the sedan is getting a 3-cylinder engine. Both manual and AMT transmissions will be available. There will also be a CNG version paired with a manual gearbox. Sometime in the future, the compact sedan could also get a series hybrid version.
Next Generation Honda Amaze
The Amaze, rival to the Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Aura, is slated to get a major generational update soon. 91 Wheels had previously shared a few images of next-gen Amaze test mules. Both the exterior and interior will get major design revisions. The rear design will be different from the outgoing model. The side profile will get minimal design changes. The front fascia will be all-new as well.
The cabin will have major design reworks, and see the addition of multiple new features. There will be a larger touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, plush-looking interiors, a 360-degree camera, and a sunroof on offer. Honda will use the familiar 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine from the outgoing model. Transmission choices will include a manual and CVT. The next-generation Amaze will likely be priced competitively.
Slavia Facelift
Skoda is reportedly working on a facelift to the Slavia sedan. The launch is expected by September 2025. The mid-size sedan will have major cosmetic upgrades and tweaks. Revised headlamps, a larger front grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and revised tail lamps are all expected. It could even come with a connected LED bar. The interior will also feature minor tweaks. The engines and transmissions are expected to remain the same.
Virtus Facelift
Similar to the Slavia facelift, Volkswagen will also roll out a facelift to the Virtus. The sedan will also feature cosmetic upgrades and possibly even a slightly reworked cabin and feature array. In design, the lighting, bumpers, and wheels are expected to be revised. VW Virtus is currently a hot-selling sedan in the Indian market. It recently achieved a milestone of selling 50,000 units in India.