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</p><p>SAFETY&nbsp;</p><p>1) Maruti Suzuki Dzire is based on an all new platform which is lighter yet stronger than before. Dual airbags, ABS+EBD and ISOFIX anchors on rear seat are standard. While that part is impressive, we wish Maruti had offered option of side airbags on the higher trims. Braking is at par for the segment. Crash test results aren't available yet. Rear parking sensors and rear defogger are reserved for the top two trims, while bi-LED projector lights and reverse camera are exclusive to the top trim.</p><p>2) Ford Aspire has standard dual airbags, but ABS+EBD is optional on base trim, standard thereon. Automatic variant gets Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control System and Hill Launch Assist. Segment best 6 airbags on top trim make Aspire own this round. Aspire has good brakes which shed speed fast, it's required with that diesel capable of pushing the car to high speeds in no time. Aspire gets rear defogger for top two trims while reverse camera isn't available on any variant. </p><p>3) Hyundai Xcent has slightly weird safety feature spec. Dual airbags are standard, but ABS is available only on top two trims out of five. Automatic Transmission variant misses out on ABS! Brakes on non-ABS variants could do with better pedal feel, though brakes do their job adequately. The top three variants get rear defogger and latter two get reverse camera. </p><p>4) Tata Tigor is second car from Tata in compact sedan segment. ABS+EBD with corner stability control is standard except base trim; top two trims get rear defogger and dual airbags. Only the topmost variant gets rear camera. We feel Tata could have spread the features on lower trims too, at least as an option. Braking is at par for the course does what's instructed. &nbsp;</p><p>5) Overall build quality seems good with Aspire. Dzire improved and robustness of Tata makes place for itself. Xcent feels mix of Korean and Japanese build. Crash test results for Aspire are available, not for other three. LED projector lights of Dzire are best in class. Aspire simply walks away to claim this round.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>PERFORMANCE</p><p>1) Dzire engines are carried forward from last generation, which means the class leading 1.2 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine putting out 83 BHP and 113 NM torque retains its position under the hood. Efficient, quick, rev happy, this little Japanese motor has it all The diesel engine is 1.3 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel putting out 75 BHP and 190 NM torque. Diesel motor shows its age, is a bit noisy while getting the job done very efficiently. The best part: 5-speed AMT is available on petrol and diesel engine in top three trims each apart from the 5-speed manual transmission.</p><p>2) Widest range of engine options are present in Ford Aspire. A 1.2 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 88 BHP and 112 Nm torque, 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine rated at 110 BHP and 136 Nm torque, 1.5 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel that's putting out 100 BHP and 215 NM torque. 1.5 litre petrol is mated to Ford's excellent DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) 6-speed AT. The other two engines are available with 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.5 diesel is our pick, changes the driving experience altogether. It's quite efficient too. On the flip side, the 1.2 petrol feels mediocre despite having high output. &nbsp;</p><p>3) Hyundai Xcent gets a pair of 1.2 litre engines. Petrol is a 4-cylinder engine rated at 83 BHP and 114 Nm torque. Diesel is a 3-cylinder turbocharged unit puts out 75 BHP and 190 Nm torque. Diesel has the best refinement here even though it's a 3-cylinder unit. Open road performance of both engines, though adequate, feels lackluster. Rivals have better performance with efficiency to match. Petrol engine is most refined at idle, though Maruti takes it further as its more refined once revs pick up. Both the engines get 5-speed manual transmission and petrol can be ordered with a 4-speed AT (torque converter). &nbsp;</p><p>4) This is one section where Tigor feels handicapped vis-à-vis rivals here. The engines are carried forward from Tiago hatchback. The 1.1 litre petrol and diesel are 3-cylinder units. Petrol is rated at 85 BHP and 114 Nm torque with diesel dishes out 70 BHP and 140 Nm torque. Rather than power, its refinement that feels lacking here. The 5-manual transmission for both engines is standard fare. This is only car here that doesn’t have an autobox. The engines are capable in isolation for day to day motoring needs of average joe, but given the aesthetics, more go would gel well with overall characteristics. &nbsp;</p><p>5) If we consider 1.2 litre petrols, Dzire take the crown away closely followed by Aspire and Xcent. Tigor can do with improvement. Practical implementation of AT in Dzire increases its appeal to wider audience. Ford's DCT is a class apart, but costs higher. Xcent AT feels outdated. However, if it's diesel, Aspire again emerges with flying colors, followed by Xcent thanks to incredible refinement. Dzire diesel offers terrific efficiency with some enthusiasm. Somehow, shows the age in turbo lag and noise. </p><p>COMFORT</p><p>1) Maruti Dzire takes a huge step forward addressing older car's drawback. Spacious cabin, good seats all round help its cause. Shoulder room also improved; rear Legroom significantly better. Maruti has managed to carve out such space from small footprint stamping its authority and experience in compact segment. Rear AC vents and adjustable headrests have trickled down to compact sedans and Dzire adopts to it. &nbsp;</p><p>2) Engineering efforts in Aspire are to be experienced for gauging how hard the American brand has worked to make the most out of limited exterior proportions. The swooping dash does take some space away but it never feels short of it. Cabin is airy helped by light interiors. Rear AC vents are missed out. Shoulder room is good enough.</p><p>3) Hyundai Xcent clearly has the least width here reflected in limited shoulder room. Front seats have fixed headrests and aren't comfortable! The rear seats are better though. Rear AC vents have limited airflow. Noise insulation is class leading, gives impression of a car from higher segment. Fit and finish is the best here.</p><p>4) The best urban ride quality is offered by Xcent while Aspire is confident at high speeds. Dzire shows Maruti’s experience of Indian roads, absorbent ride at highways speeds without affecting stability. Tigor suspension is well tuned too. Xcent feels unsettled on highway undulations. Best compromise by Dzire, Aspire and Tigor. Xcent suspension travel feels short, rest feel mature. Dzire impresses with it both abilities, be it ambling in city or cruising on highway, followed closely by Aspire. Dzire wins this crown while Aspire misses it by just a whisker. &nbsp;</p><p>INTERIOR</p><p>1) This is where Maruti Dzire could have done better. While entire cabin sees a step forward, we did expect a leap in quality for interiors, but that's not the case. However, the lower dashboard increases front visibility in noticeable manner. Ergonomics are typical Maruti means spot on. Rear seat isn't claustrophobic anymore. Airy ambience in cabin is a plus. Flat bottom steering wheels looks and feels good although it loses some feedback than its predecessor.</p><p>2) With advent of newer designs, somehow Aspire feels slightly dated in terms of dashboard design. Quality, fit and finish is amongst the best, loses the victory to Xcent by slightest of margins. Look and touch points don't seem out of place in this comparo and overall proportions feel good. Headlight switchgear is the best amongst contemporaries here. Rear seat cushion and support impressive. </p><p>3) Xcent still offers best fit and finish with well-built interiors. Cabin is airy but not as much as Dzire or Aspire. Power window switchgear is best here, so is the steering wheel quality. Instrumentation is simple, easy to read. Not exciting yet gels well with the characteristics of Xcent. Plastic and rubber quality is noticeably impressive. </p><p>4) Tigor's dashboard feel high quality with Tata showing resiliency in improving quality. Instrument cluster, steering wheel feel sporty. It's well designed, engineered and executed. Nothing really to find a deal breaker here. Logically placed headlight level adjustment on light stalk. Tigor's cabin is airy, rear headroom isn't the best as form over function philosophy implemented. </p><p>5) Xcent has best quality, but is let down by seats. Dzire quality can be improved but it more than makes up for it by offering smartly executed spacious interiors and best front seats. Aspire is again, a close second with a well-designed rear seat. Tigor well-engineered for its size depicting huge leap forward by Tata. Xcent somehow feels outclassed here due to lack of shoulder room and seats. Should we call it a tie between Dzire and Aspire?</p><p>EXTERIOR</p><p>1) Again, Maruti Dzire undergoes massive transformation. From a not-so-proportionate to one of the best in segment, it doesn't feel like a boot strapped on. C-pillar integration is smooth while short boot doesn't feel like an unwanted attachment. Design tilts towards sedan and not an extended hatchback. Front end is equally impressive, though some might feel that chrome bordered grille is overdone. The combo of LED projectors+DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), on top-end variant, lifts the aesthetics noticeably. &nbsp;</p><p>2) Aspire front stands out here, excellent design in spite of having limited dimensions to play around, certainly looks more expensive than what it is. Side profile is well proportioned too, doesn't feel like boot was an afterthought. Rear end gels well with the overall design. Eye catching front end, pleasing proportions and boot integration, gracefully thought out! &nbsp;</p><p>3) Xcent front end while being good, has a grille that’s more suited to wider footprint. Nevertheless, feels at home in current crop of cars. Rear end is overdone clearly with side profile having please-everyone cues. Wheels feel a touch smaller overall. Doesn’t pretend sporty or anything else and feels rather honest, straight forward affair. &nbsp;</p><p>4) One can easily associated Tigor's front end with Tiago which is a good start. Somehow, that’s simply overshadowed by stunning rear end design. Tata calls Tigor "Styleback" and we couldn't agree more. Has an European air, one that's beautifully executed. Only if it had the grunt to match its show, Tigor would win hearts over. End-to-end LED HMSL (High Mounted Stop Light), on the top of the rear windscreen, is an outstanding touch! &nbsp;</p><p>5) Aspire's front end has appeal, Dzire's LED headlamps look futuristic, Tigor's rear end terrific. Xcent doesn't stand out. Best proportions are of Dzire, Aspire comes in second. Xcent’s alloys are best, Tigor a close second. To each his own, looks are subjective. Tigor will definitely appeal to the younger hearts.</p><p>PRACTICALITY & VERDICT</p><p>1) There is no doubt that Dzire has taken a massive leap in almost all the parameters specially comfort and space. Boot space is now 378 litre, ingress and egress at rear is effortless as compared to last generation. In-cabin storage also witnesses a few positive changes. Power window switches and dashboard plastic quality could do with improvement. A newer diesel would only strengthen its position. If we factor in resale value, Dzire trumps rivals with ease. In case of petrol powered showdown, Dzire easily takes victory; best petrol engine, 3 automatic variants for petrol and diesel each, comfortable cabin, mature ride and handling. It rightfully takes the crown. Automatic headlamps is an exclusive feature in this comparo. Navigation, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Mirrorlink and SD-Card based navigation means Dzire is loaded upto to the brim to defend its numero uno status in compact sedan segment. Diesel powered Dzire is India’s most fuel efficient car!</p><p>2) Ford Aspire has best safety features, best diesel engine and best AT albeit it’s available only with a larger petrol engine. Offends no one, but rear parking camera, rear AC vents, lack of touchscreen infotainment system may hamper the product to live up to full potential. Some attention from Ford and Aspire could be finding more homes comfortably. Boot space at 359 litres is least here, but enough to carry a family’s weekend getaway luggage.</p><p>3) Xcent has its limitations mainly in cabin width, seats and highway dynamics but it offers best in class refinement and quality here. Diesel's refinement will make cars a segment above sound noisy! Has its strengths but rivals have moved on, its Xcent playing catch-up here. Large boot at 407 litres. &nbsp;</p><p>4) Tigor looks stand out, turns heads (we never thought we would be saying this for Tata). &nbsp;Largest boot at 419 litres despite smallest size, Tata has displayed space management efficiency since Indica days. Tigor not only deserves, it needs larger engines to compete with rivals. Probably to avoid overlap with Zest larger engines aren't yet available in Tigor. An extremely bold, impressive product by Tata. Bonus point: Tigor has best audio system in its class, it's Harman with 8 speakers including 4 tweeters! </p><p>FUEL EFFICIENCY (ARAI rated): </p><p>Dzire: Petrol MT/AT - 22.0 kmpl; Diesel MT/AT - 28.4 kmpl (most fuel efficient car in India)</p><p>Aspire: &nbsp;Petrol MT - 18.16 kmpl; Diesel MT - 25.83 kmpl</p><p>Xcent: Petrol MT/AT - 19.1/16.1 kmpl; &nbsp;Diesel MT - 24.4 kmpl</p><p>Tigor: Petrol MT - 20.3 kmpl; &nbsp;Diesel MT - 24.7 kmpl</p><p>CarHunt WINNER</p><p>Petrol MT: Maruti Suzuki Dzire</p><p>Petrol AT: Ford Aspire </p><p>Diesel MT: Ford Aspire</p><p>Diesel AT: Maruti Suzuki Dzire (only because Volkswagen Ameo isn't included in this comparison)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>SUMMARY</p><p>Maruti Dzire: Practical, spacious, efficient, improved a lot. Lot of AT variants, priced well, wide service network. Needs larger/better diesel engine, enthusiasts might miss last gen's steering feedback.</p><p>Ford Aspire: An impressive all-rounder with best safety features. Addition of features to enhance comfort and appeal shall result into better overall product. Dynamics at high speeds stand out. &nbsp;</p><p>Hyundai Xcent: Newer rivals are a notch above; Xcent bounces back with interior quality and refinement that befit a segment above. Highway manners can be improved. </p><p>Tata Tigor: What a step ahead by Tata! The bold design shows new found confidence. Only deal breaker could be smaller 3-cylinder engines and apprehensions towards brand. Can we have AT, pleasE?</p><p>PRICE RANGE</p><p>Maruti Dzire: Petrol Rs. 5.42-8.36 lakhs, Diesel Rs. 6.43-9.39 lakhs</p><p>Ford Aspire: Petrol Rs. 5.48-8.34 lakhs, Diesel Rs. 6.59-8.12 lakhs</p><p>Hyundai Xcent: Petrol Rs. 5.38-7.08 lakhs, Diesel Rs. 6.30-8.42 lakhs</p><p>Tata Tigor: Rs. 4.64-5.81 lakhs, Diesel Rs. 5.49-6.95 lakhs</p><p>(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)</p><p></p>