New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Tigor – What To Buy?

The newly launched Marut Dzire bears drastic exterior changes along with a new powertrain and a 5-star safety rating

In this post, I am comparing the refreshed new Maruti Dzire and the Tata Tigor on the basis of specs, features, design, safety, dimension and price. Both these belong to the compact sedan segment in our country. This is a mega-popular category among mass-market car buyers. The Dzire has been ruling this space since its inception back in 2008. Now in its 4th-generation, the sedan is more appealing than ever. This is particularly true after it bagged a full 5-star rating at the Global NCAP. On the other hand, the Tata Tigor has also been a volume churner for the Indian automotive giant. However, it has not received any major updates for a long time. For now, let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Tigor – Price

In a price-conscious market like India, the retail sticker of a car is the most important factor for a whole bunch of potential car buyers to go for a particular model. The new Dzire sells between Rs 6.79 lakh for the base LXi manual and Rs 10.14 lakh for the ZXi AGS, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Tata Tigor is available from Rs 6 lakh and Rs 9.40 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Tigor certainly has an advantage. However, it is also the older of the two.

New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Tigor – Design and Dimensions

Let us commence with the new Maruti Dzire. This time around, the Indo-Japanese carmaker has done an extensive job of distinguishing it completely from either the current-gen Swift or the outgoing Dzire. Hence, we see a sleek rectangular LED headlamp cluster with integrated LED DRLs, a piano black panel between them, a massive black grille, and a sporty bumper with fog lamps on the extreme edges. Moving down the sides acquaints us with dual-tone 15-inch stylish alloy wheels and a chrome belt underneath the window frames. Finally, the tail section contains a shark fin antenna, and arrow-shaped LED taillamps which are connected via a thick chrome slab and a rugged bumper. All in all, the new Dzire bears a completely unique identity.

On the other hand, the Tata Tigor certainly can’t escape its age. Everyone can see that it is in dire need of a facelift. In any case, the existing model bears a familiar front fascia which has been inspired by the Tiago hatchback. This includes a sleek front grille with tri-arrow insignia and a black strip running at the end of the bonnet. The prominent headlamps are neatly merged into the sides of the grille and the large fog lamp housing is located on the sporty bumper down below. Apart from that, the side section showcases elegant alloy wheels, a thick chrome belt under the window frames and a slightly sloping roofline. At the rear, we are able to see a shark fin antenna, a boot lid-mounted spoiler, a sleek panel connecting the taillamps and a rugged bumper. Both these vehicles possess individual identities and a firm road presence.

New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Tigor – Specs and Mileage

Next, we move on to the specifications and mileage figures of these compelling compact sedans. The new Maruti Dzire shares its powertrain with the latest Swift. This confirms that there is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild hybrid technology under the hood of the new Dzire. It is capable of producing a healthy 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. There are two transmission options to choose from – a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The mileage figures stand at a jaw-dropping 24.8 km/l with the manual and 25.75 km/l with the AMT. In the CNG guise, the power and torque outputs stand at 70 PS and 102 Nm, respectively with a mileage of 33.73 km/kg. Clearly, the buyers get access to two fuel-efficient engines.

On the other hand, even the Tata Tigor offers two options to potential buyers when it comes to engine and transmissions. It carries a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill which churns out 86 PS and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. One can choose between either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. In this case, the mileage is substantially lower 19.28 km/l with MT and 19.6 km/l with AMT. Again, with the CNG variant the power and torque figures are 73 PS and 95 Nm, respectively. The mileage is a healthy 26.49 km/kg. In this regard, Maruti Suzuki is a clear winner. In fact, this is the major reason for the mad popularity of Maruti cars in India.

Interior, Features and Safety

New-age car customers want their vehicles to offer the latest tech, connectivity, convenience and safety amenities. That is imperative in this day and age where vehicles have, essentially, become gadgets on wheels. Recognizing this trend, large car marques offer the absolute latest functionalities in their products to pamper the consumers. Note that the new Maruti Dzire bears the tag of being the first Maruti Suzuki car in India ever to boast a full 5-star safety rating. Its top highlights include:

• Large Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Electric Sunroof (first-in-segment)
• Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel with Multimedia Controls
• Physical Toggle Switches for HVAC
• Push Button Start/Stop
• Lane Keep Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Cruise Control
• Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
• Connected Car Tech
• Wireless Charging
• Multiple USB Charging Ports for Front and Rear
• Brushed Metal Inserts on Door Panels
• Rear AC Vents
• Textured Dashboard
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• 360-degree Camera (first-in-segment)

On the other hand, even the Tata Tigor boasts a healthy 4-star safety rating at the Global NCAP. However, I must mention here that this was based on the old testing protocols. It has not been tested based on the updated NCAP rules. In any case, its main features are:

• 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System by Harman
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Push-button Start/stop
• Automatic AC
• Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Driver Seat Height Adjustment
• Rain-sensing Wipers
• Cooled Glove Box
• Cruise Contro
• Steering-mounted Audio Controls
• Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
• Premium Leatherette Seats
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• 8-speaker Audio System
• Rear Defogger
• ConnectNext App Suite
• Digital Controls for Automatic Climate Control
• 2 Airbags
• ABS with EBD & Corner Stability Control
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages
• Seat Belt Reminder (All Seats
• Seat Belt with Pretensioners & Load Limiters
• 3-Point ELR Seat Belts (All Seats)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Rear Parking Assist Camera

My View

Both these vehicles are might compelling in their own right. Hence, going for either will be a great idea. It just depends on which brand you want to associate with. Apart from that, the fact that the Dzire is brand new and the Tigor has been due for a thorough update can’t be overlooked. But that also results in a lower price bracket for the Tigor. If looks are not your concern and you want the best value for your money, going for the Tigor might not be a bad idea. On the other hand, if you want the latest tech and convenience, the new Maruti Dzire emerges victorious.

Also Read: Black-colored New Maruti Dzire Detailed in Walkthrough Video