We have seen some of the oddest looking cars in the compact sedan category, but that’s not the reason for the manufacturers to give up, at least not till the time they can fetch sales numbers. And neither would it disinterest buyers (of certain kind) despite manufacturers’ failed attempts to conjure up a decent car of better proportions. It’s a segment which now garners more interest from cab owners than the general public.
It remains relevant however as an option for buyers looking for an alternative. So does the updated Xcent and the all new Dzire change any of that, and how do they compare? We take a look.
Design and Exterior
You would notice that Dzire has grown in every respect. The new ‘Heartect’ platform is lighter and yet rigid still. You get 15 inch alloys on the outside. An all new exterior is a result of fluidic design language.
Other additions include projector headlamps with LED DRLs. The boot also seems better integrated this time and carries taillights that use LED elements.
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| Design & Exterior | Maruti Dzire | Hyundai Xcent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3995 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1735 mm | 1660 mm |
| Height | 1515 mm | 1520 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 163 mm | 165 mm |
| Bootspace | 378 litres | 407 litres |
The Xcent on the other hand is extensively modified version of the old car. It gets a wide gaping grille that resembles the Elantra. It gets all new taillight cluster and modified bumpers at the front at back. Xcent was never a beautiful car and it still isn’t, however it does look better in person than in the pictures. Extensively redesigned front that now incorporates LED DRLs and reworked rear does manage to jazz up overall appearance of the Xcent.
Interior and Features
Dzire gets all new interior with many more features. You get a large touch screen infotainment unit that integrates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and doubles up as a screen for rear-view camera. The rear seat not only has more space due to longer wheelbase, you also get rear ac vents like the Xcent.
| Features | Maruti Dzire | Hyundai Xcent |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| ABS | ✔ | ✔ |
| EBD | ✔ | ✘ |
| Infotainment System | Touchscreen + Bluetooth + USB + Navigation | Touchscreen + Bluetooth + USB + Navigation + 1 GB internal memory |
| Projector lamps and LED taillamps | ✔ | ✘ |
| Rear-AC vents | ✔ | ✔ |
Xcent now offers a well-integrated infotainment system that offers all the benefits that you get in case of the Dzire. It always had ac vents for rear seat passengers, but it now offers driver and front passenger frontal airbag as standard making it one of the better cars in terms of safety. However, it still does not offer ABS as standard and you would need to go with the SX variant or higher for that.
Engine and Transmission
Dzire gets the same tried and tested motors from the old car. Put in the lighter platform, it offers a performance benefit now. Along with a manual, there’s an automatic transmission on offer with the petrol as well as the diesel motor. Also, AMT is available with all variants except base and, LXi and LDi variants.
| Engine and Transmission | Maruti Dzire | Hyundai Xcent |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement (cc) | 1197 (P) / 1248 (D) | 1197 (P) / 1186 (D) |
| Gearbox | 5 MT & AMT / 5 MT & AMT | 5 MT & 4 AT / 5 MT |
| Cylinders | 4 / 4 | 4 / 3 |
| Power (Bhp) | 83 / 75 | 83 / 75 |
| Torque (Nm) | 113 / 190 | 114 / 190 |
Hyundai Xcent now offers a larger 1.2 litre diesel motor that develops better power figures. However still, you don’t get an option of automatic transmission with the diesel. Petrol motor offers automatic transmission, unlike Dzire, this is a conventional unit and offers smoother shifts as a result.
Verdict
To say that one is better than the other would be a grossly wrong statement. Both cars have their own set of strong features. Maruti Dzire offers diesel automatic which the Xcent does not, while Dzire offers an AMT unit which is not as smooth as the Xcent’s.
While competition between both cars is neck and neck, the Dzire has an advantage in terms of efficiency and that’s what makes it a slightly better car than the Hyundai Xcent in that sense. Since the new platform on which it’s based is also lighter, you also get better acceleration figures. No matter which car you pick, you cannot go wrong with either.
Read how Hyundai Xcent compares with other Tata Tigor and other cars!