All-new Dzire vs Figo Aspire, Amaze, Ameo and Xcent

Maruti has introduced the latest version of its compact sedan, the 2017 Dzire. We just drove the car this week and has given us enough feedback to do a proper comparison between the Dzire and the other compact sedans in this segment – the Figo Aspire, the Honda Amaze, the Volkswagen Ameo and the Hyundai Xcent. So here goes:

Space and comfort

Maruti Dzire

This is a close fought battle here but the Dzire is the one with the most space. It has a wheelbase of 2450 mm. While this isn’t the largest in the segment, it still continues to offer massive cabin space on the inside. Maruti has also boosted shoulder room by 30 mm on the new Dzire. Its suspension has also been setup to cater to comfort.

How do the others fare?

The Xcent is a close second here again with a wheelbase of 2425 mm. This too has been setup on the softer side to aid ride comfort. The Ameo, Amaze and Aspire are setup a little more stiff to help with the driving dynamics. In terms of ride and handling, they may come up on top, but while the Aspire is the biggest, it still isn’t the most roomy at the back.

Features

Maruti Dzire

The newly launched Dzire tops this list too. It comes equipped with all features you would expect on a car that is this segment. It gets keyless go, touch screen infotainment system with Apple car play and Android auto. In addition to this, the vehicle gets LED projector headlamps, rear AC vents and LED tail lamps. This is certainly the pick when it comes to features on offer. The best part is that the dual airbags and ABS are standard across the range on the Dzire.

How do the others fare?

The Xcent is a very close second here. It too gets a touch screen infotainment system with Apple Car play and Android Auto. It too gets rear AC vents and  LED DRLs. The Aspire on the other hand gets 6 airbags on the top of the line while the Ameo gets rain sensing wipers and auto dimming mirrors. The Amaze isn’t as well loaded as the other vehicles.

Performance

VW Ameo

The Ameo has to be the pick of the lot in terms of performance. The little VW is the most powerful compact sedan powered by a 1.5 liter engine making 108 Bhp and 250 Nm. The engine comes with the option of either a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. The DSG particularly shines when it comes to performance.

How do the others fare?

The Aspire is a close second here in this case. Power comes from a 1.5 liter engine making 99 Bhp and 215 Nm. The Amaze is powered by a 1.5 liter 99 Bhp and 200 Nm.  The Dzire is powered by a 1.3 engine where as the Xcent is powered by a 1.2 liter engine. Both of them make the same 74 Bhp and 190 Nm though.

Driving pleasure

Ford Aspire

This is a close one between the Ameo and the Aspire, however we think the suspension setup on the Aspire is better suited for dynamic driving than the others. Ford has even introduced a Sport variant of the Aspire which gets a retuned suspension to help improve handing.

How do the others fare?

The Ameo is a close second here. The Amaze is also a decent handling vehicle. The steering is on the heavy side and feedback is adequate. The Dzire and the Xcent are more suited to comfort and hence it is no surprise that they come lower on the driving pleasure list.

Mileage

Maruti Dzire

The Dzire is the hands down winner here. The claimed figure for the diesel is a class leading 28.4 kmpl where as that for the petrol is 22 kmpl.

How do the others fare?

The Aspire diesel is second with 25.83 kmpl and the petrol is 18.16 kmpl. The Amaze is third here with 25.8 kmpl and he petrol is 17.8kmpl. The Xcent is forth with 24.4 kmpl in diesel but has a better petrol figure at 19.1 kmpl. The Ameo is the last here with a diesel figure of 21.66 kmpl and a petrol figure of 17.83 kmpl.

Value for money

Figo Aspire

Which one offers the best bang for buck? This is tough one but the Aspire just manages to edge out the Xcent as its top end variant priced at 7.99 lakhs offers 6 airbags compared to the Xcent. While the Xcent SX(O), priced at 8.42 lakhs, offers a touchscreen infotainment system, the Aspire noses ahead due to the fact that airbags can’t be fitted after market.

How do the others fare?

The Dzire offers the largest number of engine and transmission options, but the top end is priced on the higher side. The Ameo has the advantage of the more powerful diesel engine and the DSG but is priced significantly higher. The Amaze doesn’t really offer good value in comparison to competition.

PS: We haven’t considered the Tata Zest since we haven’t driven the vehicle.