Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Vs Tata Indigo e-CS Diesel–Which Sedan Is Better And Why?

At last Maruti Suzuki has launched the much awaited under 4 meters 2012 Maruti Swift Dzire and we are once again ready to compare it with other potent compact sedans so that it becomes easy for you to decide which one to go with.

Today in continuation to our car comparison series on Car Blog India we will be comparing the same with a car that may not look very sporty or inviting enough but is claimed to be India’s most fuel efficient compact sedan, the Tata Indigo eCS.

2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Exteriors Vs Tata Indigo e-CS Exteriors

First up we will talk about the appearance of both the models. The 2012 Dzire is a 2011 Maruti Swift with a small boot. The headlamps, alloys, body panels have been derived from the Swift 2011. It is definitely way better looking than the 2011 Dzire as everything including headlamps, tail lamps, alloys, fog lamp housing are new. So in a way it has the looks one would wish his or her sedan to sport.

image – 2012 Maruti Swift Dzire(left) and 2011 Tata Indigo eCS(right)

The Indigo eCS is the same old Indigo with a handful of cosmetic changes across its length which includes new alloys, headlamps etc. The overall design of the eCS sedan is very simple and is not very striking. Talking about the character of the two cars, the Dzire is very sporty whereas the Indigo reflects elegance.

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Dimensions

Length = 3995 mm
Width = 1695 mm
Height = 1555 mm
Wheelbase = 2430 mm
Ground clearance 170 mm

Tata Indigo eCS Dimensions

Length 3,988 mm
Width 1,620 mm
Height 1,540 mm
Wheelbase 2,450 mm
Ground clearance 165 mm

Coming to the dimensions of these two sedans, the Dzire is marginally longer, taller and significantly wider and has a ground clearance which is nearly equal to that of Indigo. The Indigo has a 20 cm longer wheelbase which is the only considerable thing.

2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Interiors Vs Tata Indigo e-CS Interiors

image – 2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Interiors

Moving towards the interiors of the two now, the Dzire is obviously new and offers plenty of interesting features like Inside door handles with chrome finishing, Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors , Wood inserts at the front door trims and dashboard , Large AC vents for effective air conditioning ,Integrated audio system with USB/CD/AM/FM Radio, USB and Aux-input ,Tilt adjustable steering ,Steering mounted audio controls ,ABS and EBD ,Automatic climate control ,3 spoke steering wheel with sporty black-silver finish ,Instrument cluster with large tachometer and speedometer dial ,Digital , multi-information display ,Beige and grey interiors ,More spacious interiors for improved comfort and ergonomics ,Dual SRS Airbags for safety ,Retractable cup holder ,Rear doors child locks ,Security alarm system ,Immobilizer ,Seat Belt Reminder ,Light On reminder ,Key-On Reminder ,Door Ajar ,warming Digital Clock ,Fuel consumption display ,Outside temperature display ,Driver Seat height adjustment ,Seat back pockets for front seats ,Armrest for ,ear seats ,Power Windows ,Central Locking ,Keyless Entry ,Remote back door opener ,Day and night inside rear view mirror ,Front and rear fog lamps etc..

Image – 2011 Tata Indigo e-CS

The Indigo e-CS isn’t lagging behind and offers power steering, power windows, height adjustable driver seat and head rests, rear seat centre armrest, auto drive assist, music system with four speakers and USB & auxiliary support, coco brown and beige interiors, wood inserts on dashboard,turn indicators on ORVM, electrically adjustable ORVM, front and rear fog lamps, ABS, central locking with key, keyless entry, collapsible steering, high mounted stop lamp etc.

Going over all the offered features and looks, the Swift Dzire definitely wins over the e-CS.

2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Diesel Engine Vs Tata Indigo e-CS Diesel Engine

2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Diesel Engine

1.3 Litre DDiS CRDI Diesel Engine
Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Peak Power of 74 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Peak Torque of 190 Nm @ 2000 RPM
ARAI Tested Mileage of 23.4 KMPL !
5 Speed Manual transmission
Kerb Weight between 1050 Kg and 1080 Kg
Power to weight ratio of 69.5 BHP / 1000 Kg
ARAI Mileage = 23.4 KMPL

2011 Tata Indigo e-CS Diesel Engine

Common Rail CR4, 16-valve, DOHC
Displacement : 1396cc
Maximum Power : 70 BHP @ 4000rpm
Maximum Torque: 140Nm @ 1800-3000rpm
ARAI certified mileage of 25 KMPL
5 Speed Manual Transmission
Kerb Weight between 1105 kg and 1110 kg
Power to weight ratio of 63.1 BHP / 1000 Kg

The Dzire gets a 1.3 litre engine delivering 74 BHP and 190 Nm which is more than e-CS’ 70 BHP and 140 Nm. There is a big difference between the torque outputs of the two making the Dzire a better and responsive choice. Also there is a very small difference between the mileage of the two. So once again the Dzire wins the race.

2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Diesel Performance & Handling Vs Tata Indigo e-CS Diesel Performance & Handling

Undoubtedly the Dzire is a better car to own if you love driving. It handles pretty well and has a more responsive engine than e-CS. Although e-CS is a good car but it does not stand a fair chance in front of Dzire.

2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Diesel Price Vs Tata Indigo e-CS Diesel Price

2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Price

Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel LDi With Manual Transmission has been priced at Rs. 5.80 Lakhs
Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel VDi With Manual Transmission has been priced at Rs. 6.31 Lakhs
Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel ZDi With Manual Transmission has been priced at Rs. 7.09 Lakhs

2011 Tata Indigo e-CS Price

Tata Indigo e-CS CR4 Diesel LS With Manual Transmission has been priced at Rs. 5.36 Lakhs
Tata Indigo e-CS CR4 Diesel LX With Manual Transmission has been priced at Rs. 5.59 Lakhs
Tata Indigo e-CS CR4 Diesel VX With Manual Transmission has been priced at Rs. 5.88 Lakhs

The pricing is where the e-CS takes the lead as the base model starts at Rs. 5.3 lakhs with the second variant falling close to Rs. 5.6 lakhs. Noticeably even these two models are significantly cheaper than the base Dzire LDI priced at RS. 5.8 lakhs. In fact the top end e-CS VX is just 8 thousand dearer to the base Dzire.

It is extremely difficult to compare variants which are close in pricing as there aren’t any. On a general note, if you consider the top end VX and base Dzire LDi, you will definitely get minimal features whereas for just Rs. 8,000 more you can take the top end e-CS VX, airbags still not available though. If you are more inclined towards looks and car spend a few thousands extra for a sportier look and more features, you can opt for the Swift Dzire.

Car Blog India Verdict – 2012 Maruti Swift Dzire Diesel Vs Tata Indigo e-CS Diesel

First of all I would say that if you considering these two cars, please go to your nearest dealership and take a test drive. Now coming to the verdict, both have their own attributes. On one hand the Dzire has got the looks, performance and features but is significantly expensive. On the other hand e-CS is much affordable but lacks on features and road presence but in spite of that it is a value for money car. So the decision is up to you whether you want to spend extra money for more feature and looks or you can sacrifice looks and a handful of features for price.

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