Tata recently launched the Aeris as the facelifted version of the Tigor, retaining the same mechanicals while adding more features. The Aeris goes up against the Dzire, a long-standing bestseller in the segment. Both sedans are available with CNG powertrains at similar price points. So, which of the two offers better value in CNG guise? We compare the highest-spec CNG trims of the Aeris (Accomplished) and Dzire (ZXi) to find out.
Tata Aeris vs Maruti Dzire: Specifications
The Dzire is wider but the Aeris CNG offers a much larger boot space
*227 litres is the Tigor iCNG’s boot space and is expected to be the same on the Aeris.
While both sedans have identical length and wheelbase and similar height and ground clearance, the Dzire is wider than the Aeris. As for boot capacity, the dual-cylinder CNG tank setup leaves usable space in the Aeris, while the Dzire’s single CNG tank eats up all the space.
Tata Aeris CNG vs Maruti Dzire CNG: Powertrain
Both sedans get similar engine and gearbox options
CNG versions of the Aeris and Dzire are available with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with similar outputs and an option between a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
What could change the drive experience is how the two compact sedans produce power and torque. The Dzire’s engine develops peak torque at a lower rpm than the Aeris, so theoretically, it should be a bit peppier on everyday city roads. The Aeris’s peak power at a higher rpm means it will be slightly better at highway cruising. However, to pass judgement, we will need to drive CNG versions of both the Aeris and Dzire.
Tata has yet to reveal claimed fuel efficiency figures for the Aeris, but the Dzire CNG’s mileage is up to 36.47km/kg, which is expected to be better in real-world conditions in this comparison.
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Tata Aeris CNG vs Maruti Dzire CNG: Exterior
The Dzire ZXi CNG misses out on fog lamps, but other features are the same
The only feature the Dzire ZXi CNG misses out on is a pair of front fog lamps. Other amenities such as LED headlights, LED tail-lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and powered outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) are the same. Another difference is that the top-spec CNG trim of the Aeris has a black roof, while the Dzire’s top-spec CNG trim gets a body-coloured roof.
Tata Aeris CNG vs Maruti Dzire CNG: Interior
The Aeris gets a larger screen, leatherette seat upholstery and cruise control
The Tata Aeris Accomplished CNG gets a larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen compared to the Dzire ZXi CNG’s 7-inch unit. The Aeris also offers cruise control (only with manual variants) and has full-leatherette upholstery, both of which are missing on the Dzire. Other features are the same for both compact sedans.
Tata Aeris CNG vs Maruti Dzire CNG: Safety
The Aeris gets a 360-degree camera, while the Dzire gets a rear camera only
Features like 6 airbags, rear parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear defogger and a day-night adjustable inside rearview mirror (IRVM) are the same for both sedans. What’s different is that the Aeris offers a 360-degree camera, while the Dzire ZXi makes do with only a rear parking camera.
Tata Aeris CNG vs Maruti Dzire CNG: Prices and verdict
The Aeris Accomplished CNG makes more sense at its price point
The CNG-MT variants of both sedans are priced identically, while the Aeris Accomplished CNG-AMT commands a modest Rs 20,000 premium over the Dzire ZXi CNG-AMT. At these price points, the Aeris offers a more comprehensive feature set in both manual and AMT forms, making it a better value-for-money proposition in this comparison.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
