Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Comparison

Two fresh compact sedans, which go head to head against each other. The Hyundai XCent 2017 vs New Maruti DZire 2017 is a tough fight. These are two compact sedans that have been doing well. The new generation Maruti DZire is an all new car, while Hyundai has just got the updated version of the XCent. What do the two offer? Which is a better choice? Read further to know more about the Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Comparison and to understand which one is a clear winner.

Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Design

In terms of design, both the cars have matured. Let us first consider the Hyundai XCent. The Korean automaker has upped the game of the XCent 2017 as it now looks more like the Hyundai Verna than the Grand i10. The front grille now has horizontal chrome slats that add to the oomph factor. This is what makes it different from the Grand i10. The fascia isn’t anyway similar to the hatchback and hence this helps to differentiate it. There are projector headlamp and even daytime running LEDs, which will be near the fog lamps. The side profile remains the same like the outgoing version of the XCent. At the rear, there is a clear resemblance to other Hyundai sedans. The tail lamp design has been changed and the XCent now seems more like a baby Elantra. This is what makes it stand out in the crowd and makes it look premium.

On the other hand, the new DZire does have several new elements added to it. For instance, it gets difference dimensions. The boot now looks much better integrated and the design is proportionate. Where the DZire stands out is its a new platform, which is lighter than the outgoing sedan. A new front that will be the design language for the upcoming new Maruti cars. The DZire has a hexagonal front grille, which also gets horizontal chrome slats. The headlamps look sharp and have daytime running LEDs and projector headlamps too. The fog lamps have chrome surrounds too. The side profile looks like a compact sedan, with a shorter rear, but still much better than the outgoing DZire. What is more, the DZire now has a longer wheelbase. The rear is similar to the DZire family. The rear design looks more of an evolution to the outgoing compact sedan and the car looks much wider than before. 

Also Read: New Hyundai XCent 2017 | New Maruti DZire 2017 | Ford Aspire Sports

Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Interiors

Interiors of the Hyundai XCent 2017 haven’t changed much. It still retains styling similar to the outgoing XCent. As the new Hyundai XCent is primarily a facelift not many changes can be made. The instrument panel layout is neat and convenient to use. The black and beige dash looks premium and there are minimal buttons, knobs or controls. A new 7-inch touchscreen system is on offer. This gets Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, reverse camera and even a mobile docking unit too. Then there is climate control, dual airbags and ABS with EBD on offer too.

The front row seats on the XCent has comfortable, however the fixed headrest is a bit small for tall passengers. The rear seats have a good recline and this makes it comfortable for longer journeys. What is more, there is even rear AC vents that makes the cabin cooler much faster, especially on a hot Indian summer day. The boot space at 400+ litres is massive and sufficient to carry luggage for an entire weekend for five people.

The Maruti DZire 2017 has a spacious cabin and this is similar in quality to the current DZire. The instrument panel layout hasn’t changed much on the new DZire. It has an all new steering wheel and instrument cluster. That’s about it. Else, everything else looks the same. In this way, A new touchscreen system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and reverse camera is on offer. Dual airbags and ABS with EBD will be offered as a standard feature.

The new seats on the DZire should be more supportive and comfortable than the outgoing DZire. This time around, the rear seats have more knee room and even should have better head room. From what we understand, there won’t be rear AC vents on offer even this time. The boot space will see an increase and it should be about 350 litres. In the interiors, the XCent gets a clear advantage in space as both have similar features.

Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Engine and Transmission

Hyundai XCent 2017 has a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.2-litre diesel engine on offer. Both come with a five-speed manual and the petrol has a four-speed automatic too. The petrol engine is highly refined and it has very low NVH (noise vibration and harshness). The power delivery is fairly linear and driving in city and even on the highway is comfortable. The diesel engine is a new one and the 1.1-litre is discontinued from the new XCent. What it now offers is good torque, making driveability even better. The need to change gears in the city or on the highway is minimal. This is what makes the engine easy to drive, with no stress to overtake either. Where the XCent excels is the low NVH even on the diesel engine. What is somewhat prominent is the engine vibrations at idle engine speeds, but that too are well controlled for a 3-cylinder engine.

The Maruti DZire 2017 continues to be powered with the same set of powertrains. A 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel. Both the engines shall continue with the same engine power and torque too. These will be coming along with a five-speed manual and an option of AMT (automated manual transmission) too. The petrol motor on the DZire is a gem. This is high on refinement, offers amazing power and the ease of driving is its biggest USP. Where the diesel shines is the torque it offers. Maruti has worked on the engine to reduce the turbo lag and the power is linear like a petrol engine. But the engine noise is evident, when compared to the XCent. Else, it is just fine when compared to the rest in this segment.

Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Mileage

The Hyundai XCent petrol engine has a fuel-efficiency of close to 12-13km/l in the city and this goes up to 17km/l on the highway. On the other hand, the diesel engine will return about 17km/l in the city and about 20km/l on the highway.

As the new DZire is lighter in weight, it has better mileage. The petrol in city should return close to 14km/l and 18km/l on the highway. The diesel will have about 18km/l in the city and this number is higher on an open road. We reckon, it should be about 23km/l. This way, the DZire has an edge on the XCent. Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 comparison is very close and it is difficult to have one winner.

Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Ride and Handling 

Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Features

Hyundai XCent 2017 Features

Maruti DZire 2017 Features

Hyundai XCent 2017 vs Maruti DZire 2017 Price

Hyundai Xcent prices start from INR 5.85 lakhs and go upto INR 8.6 lakhs (on-road, Delhi). Maruti Dzire cost between INR 5.8 lakhs to INR 10.5 lakhs (on-road, Delhi). Pat from the base variant, there is a difference of approximately INR 20,000 to INR 50,000, variant to variant between the two cars, the Dzire being on the higher side. The Maruti Dzire has a higher price walk as there is an AMT variant in diesel too.

Verdict

Which one is better car? This is a tough decision to make.  Both cars have their inherent strengths. The Dzire is stylish and attractive, is more spacious and comfortable than before and is also feature loaded. The Hyundai Xcent is subtle and sophisticated, offers a better ride and handling package and is more comfortable amongst the two. It also has a better build quality and an aura of plushness in it. In terms of features and performance, both are more or less evenly matched. Both these cars are extremely competent, so whichever one you choose to buy between the two, you can never go wrong.