Tata Zest vs Hyundai Xcent vs Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire: Spec Comparison

The demand for sub 4-metre sedans has constantly been on the rise and every manufacturer wants a piece of the pie by ensuring they have a product here. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire has been the segment leader for the longest time but its gradually losing its stronghold to the likes of the Honda Amaze. Not too long ago, Hyundai also brought in the Xcent into the market. Like all other products from the Korean manufacturer this one too comes loaded with features. And now, Tata Motors has launched its compact sedan challenger – the Zest. 

ENGINE:

The Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that pumps 87PS of power and 114Nm of torque. The Xcent too gets a 1.2-litre petrol powerplant but churns 4PS less than the Swift Dzire. The torque rating for both the cars remains the same. The Tata Zest is the only car in this class to be powered by a turbocharged engine. At 90PS and 140Nm the 1.2-litre engine of the Zest, produces the most power and torque among all the three cars. Thanks to the water-cooled turbocharger that spins with minimum delay, the peak performance of the Zest even comes lower down the rev range than its rivals in discussion.   

On paper the Tata Zest seems to have an upper hand over both its rivals but a real world test will give a better perspective about how well the engine rides. 

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Size and Space

The entry-level sedan segment is all about space. Priced in close comparison to most premium hatchbacks, buyers prefer to purchase a sedan simply for the kind of space it has on offer. Keeping that in mind, the Xcent and the Zest both are pretty impressive. While the length of all the three cars is 3995mm, at 2,470mm the Zest has the longest wheelbase which allows it to make more space on the inside. In fact, it is wider and taller too, thanks to which three adults can comfortably be seated at the back. Meanwhile the Xcent, despite having the shortest wheelbase, makes a lot of room on the inside thanks to its smartly designed interiors. When pitched against the Zest and the Xcent, the Dzire feel claustrophobic and cramped. Three adults at the back will have to struggle for shoulder space. Knee room isn’t great either. 

At 407 litres, the Xcent has the largest boot. The smallest of the lot is that of the Swift DZire with just 320litres of space. The Zest meanwhile slots between the two with a 390 litre boot. 

FEATURES: 

As far as features are concerned, Tata Motors has made a tremendous progress with the Zest and it ranks right up there with the Xcent. In this class of cars, the Xcent has the longest list of features right from keyless entry, button start, rear AC vents, rear parking sensors with camera, electronically adjustable and retractable ORVMs and Bluetooth connectivity. 

The Zest comes with the standard remote unlock feature, parking sensors and Bluetooth connectivity. It makes up for the absence of reverse camera with a Daytime running projector headlamps and LED tail lamps. All three cars get 15-inch alloys in the top end trim. The Swift DZire is the least equipped of the lot and has nothing to write home about. All three cars get airbags for the driver and the front passenger as well as Anti-lock Braking system. The DZire is the only car to get Brake Assist.  

Price 

The Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire is priced between Rs 4.85 lakh Rs 7.32 lakh. The Xcent on the other hand starts at Rs 4.67 lakh for the base petrol variant and costs Rs 7.39 lakh for the top-of-the-line diesel. All prices ex-showroom Delhi. While Tata has done well with the Zest, the pricing is going to play a crucial role in how it performs in the segment. Tata Motors has priced the Zest pretty aggressively starting at Rs 4.64 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).