New Tata Tigor vs Dzire, Xcent, Aspire, Ameo and Amaze!

About 8 years ago, Tata Motors were the first to create this segment with the introduction of Indigo CS-  a sub 4 meter sedan that qualifies for small car tax benefits while still giving a sedan like ownership feel. Other car makers, beginning with Maruti soon caught on this idea and the segment is now overcrowded with half a dozen players having their compact sedans, which are largely boot variants of their small cars. Not to forget Tata also has Zest in this segment, with more powerful engine options, not considered in below comparison, mainly due to space constraint (horizontal columns) and because focus is to compare Tigor with competition, not its own sibling Zest.

A quick tabular view below helps you compare the new Tata Tigo with its immediate rivals. Tigor's pricing, variant-wise specifications and fuel economy will only be known on 29th March. Slightly detailed comparison follows

#	Feature	Tata Tigor	Hyundai Xcent	Maruti Dzire	VW Ameo	Ford Aspire	Honda Amaze
1	Engine (Petrol)	1.2 L Revotrol 85 PS,	1.2L 81 PS	1.2L 83PS	1.2L 74 PS	1.2L 88 PS and 1.5 L 112 PS	12L 87 PS
2	Engine (Diesel)	1.05 L, 70 PS	1.2 L 71 PS	1.3 L 75 PS	1.5 L 109 PS	1.5 L 100 PS	1.5 L, 100 PS
3	Transmission	5 speed MT AMT expected later	MT, AT (petrol)	MT AMT (petrol)	MT, AT (DSG, Diesel only)	MT	MT, AT
4	Unique features-Exterior	Chrome, stylish rear and boot, LED stop lamps in rear, 15" diamond cut alloys, wrap-around tail lamp	15" diamond cut alloys, wrap around headlamp and tail lamp		Heat insulating windshield, Rain sensing vipers, electronic folding ERVM	Bold Aston martin look
5	Unique features-Interior	Juke App 24 utility spaces 8 speakers, Climate control	Push button start		Cooled glove box, Cruise control, Climate control, touch screen	SYNC system,	Honda Connect App
6	Safety	ABS, ESP, Airbag, mid variant onwards	ABS, driver airbag standard acroos variants	ABS, Airbag optional in lower trims	ABS and Dual airbag standard in all variants ESP for Diesel AT	up to 6 airbags, Driver+ passenger airbag standard	ABS, Airbag only in mid and top variants
7	Bootspace	390 L	407 L	320	330 litres	359	400 l
8	Avg Fuel Economy	?	19.1 (P) 25 (D)	18.5 (P) 26 (D)	17.8 (P) 22 (D)	18.1 (P) 26 (D)	17.8 (P) 26 (D)
9	Ground Clearance	170 mm	165 mm	170 mm	165 mm	174 mm	165 mm
10	Tyres	15"	14"	14"	14"	14"	14"
11	Exterior looks	Stylish rear with seamless boot	Slightly better than peers	Now too common	Similar to Polo and Vento	Front is nice, rear avg	Normal
12	Corresponding Hatchback	Tiago	Grand i10	Swift	Polo	Figo	Brio
13	Drive Experience	4/5	Not driven	4/5	Not driven	4.5/5	4/5
14	Key strengths	Looks, feature loaded interior, cheaper price tag ,		Proven car with high resale value n after sales	Only car Diesel with + automatic	Powerful diesel, two petrol engine options, high GC	Honda brand name, resale value, connect app
15	Main limitations	No ABS in cheaper variants , less powerful diesel		No ABS, Airbag in cheaper variants, Facelift due soon, no major features	Pricy, relatively less dealers network		Relatively less dealer network, Pricy spares
16	Price Range (Ex-showroom Delhi)	4.7 to 7.1 lakh	5.55 to 8.25	5.5 to 8.24 (ZDI MT)	5.5 to 9.7	5.5 to 8.44	5.7 to 8.65

Disclaimer: All information as available in public domain at the time of composing this post. Features and price are subject to change over time. Please cross check with official sources before final decision.

Summary:
Tigor has got good looks, lots of interior features- 8 speakers, touchscreen, climate control, Juke App, 24 utility spaces and more such features. With attractive pricing, Tigor should be able to win some customers who might have otherwise opted for Dzire or Xcent- two main competitors selling in high volume. Winning back event 15-20% or Maruti/Hyundai customers will give big boost to Tata's numbers. Only Tata has got the dealership and service network to match that of Hyundai and Maruti and over the years lots of emphasis has been made on customer experience at the dealerships. You should experience the same by visiting a showroom.

Many rivals- Ameo, Aspire and Xcent have airbag and ABS standard across all variants, making bold decision that they will not compromise with safety for price. Aspire offers two petrol engine options while Ameo has most powerful diesel in the batch and even an automatic. Dzire and Xcent are available in AMT in petrol mid variants. Tigor AMT is expected on a later date. But then, these features also make these cars relatively expensive, helping Tata win customers who are keen on cheaper cars.

Decision Points made easy:

• I need an affordable, yet stylish petrol car, with lots of features: Tigor
• I need an affordable, yet stylish diesel car, with lots of features, I am fine with decent power: Tigor
• I need very powerful car, mostly for high speed highway driving: Ford Aspire/VW Ameo
• I am totally risk averse- need a proven car that is low on maintenance and high on resale value, I don't mind outdated looks: Dzire/Xcent
• I need an automatic: Wait for few months for Tigor AMT or buy Dzire/Xcent or Ameo (Diesel DSG, will cost 10 lakh +
• I don't like Indian brands/mass market models- I want to buy a premium brand for status: Honda/VW
• I can afford to spend 9 lakh +: Baleno RS or Elite i20 Active or Vitara Brezza or wait for Tata Nexon

Also needs to be seen if Tigor can win customers looking for premium hatchbacks like Baleno, Elite i20, Polo cross etc. Again, Tigor has lots of space and features on offer plus the temptation of cost savings. Customers will be able to save up to 3 lakhs. Do not miss to read my detailed review of Tata Tigor  *

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