The domain of sedan segment in India is quite broad and undoubtedly there are two sedans in car market which were ruling in this segment till now. These two trendy sedans are Honda’s Amaze and Maruti’s Dzire. Well, we said they were ruling coz an all-new model has entered in this segment to give a tough fight to not only these both cars but every other same segment model as well. Yes, this new surprise has given by India’s another reliable car maker Hyundai which has made its debut in sedan segment with the Grand i10 based sedan model namely Xcent. Since then Dzire and Xcent have become the preferred sedans in their segment. Based on Grand i10, it was built on a longer wheelbase, same European built quality and numbers of features.
Despite it didn’t really fulfill the expectations thanks to underpowered diesel engine, stiffer suspension and quirky design. Hyundai has tried to change it with newer version equipping it with bigger 1.2l engine, refresh design and added features. On the contrary, Maruti Suzuki Dzire has made name for itself with outrageous numbers. To further strengthen that Maruti has rolled out 2017 version of the compact sedan with attractive design and new range of features. When we come to know about this exciting news, we can’t stop ourselves to compare this trendy car with its rivals and thus, here we are…with the detailed comparison of Xcent and new Dzire. Let’s have a look.
Price
At the time of comparing two models, normally we focus on their price ranges at the very first place and then proceed further. By looking at first, both the sedans seem to carry almost equal price range but Xcent more pocket friendly over Dzire.
While the Xcent carries the price tag of Rs. 5.38-7.52 lakhs of its petrol trim, the Dzire petrol is available in the price range of Rs. 5.45-8.41 lakhs. On the contrary, the Xcent diesel’s cost is Rs. 6.28-8.42 lakhs while Dzire diesel is available in the range of Rs. 6.45-9.41 lakhs.
Engine details
Coming to their mechanical powers, both sedan shares both fuel systems i.e. petrol as well as diesel. The Xcent gets its Ground i10 based petrol unit which is 1.2 liter Kappa Dual VTVT petrol producing the max power of 81.86bhp and peak torque of 114Nm while the Dzire also gets same size of petrol engine with family line-up technology which is 1.2 liter K-series VVT and good to develop better power of 83.2bhp and torque of 115Nm.
Meanwhile, diesel engine under the Xcent hood is a new 1.2 liter U2 CRDi churning out the max output of 74bhp and 190Nm while under the Dzire hood is a 1.3 liter DDis diesel unit good to produce 74bhp & 190Nm of max power and torque respectively. Well, it is a neck to neck fight here.
Transmission wise, both sedans are geared-up with 5-speed manual in their diesel trims while 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic both in the petrol.
As far as their fuel economy is concerned, the petrol MT variants of both the cars are equally fuel efficient and offers mileage of 20.14 km/l in Xcent and 22.00 Km/l in Dzire but petrol AT variants offers 17.36 km/l in Xcent while 22.0 km/l in Dzire. However, Maruti has improved the technology of its diesel trim and thus it becomes the most fuel efficient compact sedan in its segment. The Dzire diesel’s mileage is 28.40 km/l over the 25.40 km/l mileage of Xcent.
The mileage figures are ARAI certified.
Performance
It’s true that the expectations are so high with this new sedan but still we can’t ignore the on-road success of Maruti’s ongoing Dzire. It offers awesome drivability and well balanced handling on road which is being loved by its customers since its launch. The Dzire is Maruti’s one of the most selling model in India which automatically explains everything. Despite new changes, Xcent has a long road ahead to outshine India’s most reliable compact sedan.
The bigger 1.2l engine is an advantage for Xcent as it now offers better performance with more flexibility and NVH levels are well controlled. Still, Hyundai Xcent doesn’t out blow Dzire due to minimal steering feedback and it also doesn’t have the punch of Dzire. You will find Xcent most responsive and good in the mid range but near the redline U2 does feels nervous and nowhere close to 1.3L Dzire.
Space & Dimension
Again Maruti’s sedan scores more by having more width and height which is making this sedan more spacious than new Xcent. The Dzire is 3995mm long, 1715mm wide and 1515mm tall while the Xcent is 3995 in length, 1660mm in width and 1520mm in height.
Not only in dimension but Maruti Dzire also beats Xcent in other measurements like of wheelbase, clear height etc. The new Dzire carries the wheelbase of 2450mm over the 2425mm of new Xcent, ground clearance of 170 mm over the 165mm of Xcent. But Dzire lacks down in its luggage capacity. The Hyundai’s sedan has much better boot space of 407 liters over the small 378 liters of Dzire.
Interior
This is a section in which is really hard to choose a clear winner as both sedans come equipped with plush interiors accompanied by availability of many new features. Both come with 7-inch touchscreen control with Apple car play, Android auto, Mirror link and voice recognition support, push start button, electric foldable rear view mirrors, automatic climate control with rear ac vents and leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel. These comfort devices are automatically hike the level of both sedans.
Exterior
The outside glimpse of both the sedans is freshening, cool and classy. Among these two, we can’t give anyone more score. Both the companies have designed it with new exterior glimpse, sharp finishing and brilliant curves. In recent update, the Xcent is dominated by new cascading front chrome grille, slim black area on the front bumper making it a typical Hyundai offering. Side profile remains same while rear is dominated by two piece tail lights, dual tone bumper and shark fin antenna.
2017 Maruti Dzire is based on new gen Swift and flaunts new hexagonal grille, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, LED tail lights with signature light making it look more elegant and proportionate than ever. Both have their own uniqueness so choosing a winner among them is hard.
Verdict
Hyundai Xcent Pros
- Best in class interior fit and quality
- 407 of big and practical boot
- Loaded with tons of features
Hyundai Xcent Cons
- Could have done with better steering feel
- Squeezed rear bench space for 5.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Pros
- Outstanding on-road performance, Maruti’s best selling model.
- Maruti is most reliable and trustworthy brand of India.
- Excellent after-sale services.
- Neutral road manners
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Cons
- Diesel is engine loud at high revs
- Quality of materials could have been better
