Spec Comparison: Tata Tigor Vs Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

Tata Motors will launch their new compact sedan on March 28. Called the Tigor, the new sub-four metre sedan is based on the Tata Tiago and has been showcased last year at the Auto Expo as the Kite 5 concept. Now, the Tiago sits a segment below all the other hatchbacks that have had compact sedans spawning off them which makes us believe the Tigor will follow suit. Knowing how sensitive this segment is to pricing, we find out if the Tigor has the firepower to punch over its weight and take on the uncrowned king of the compact sedans, the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. 

Exterior and Dimensions

Looks are subjective but dimensions can be compared objectively. The Tata Tigor measures 3992 x 1677 x 1537mm (L x W x H). The Tigor has a wheelbase of 2450mm and the boot space measure 419 litres. Tata is also known for carving out large amounts of interior space. The Tigor gets conventional headlamps with follow-me-home function and fog lamps mounted on the bumper. It gets 15-inch alloy wheels for the petrol and 14-inch alloys for the diesel along with body-coloured mirrors.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire measures 3995 x 1695 x 1555mm and has a wheelbase of 2430mm. The boot space measure 320 litres. The Dzire also gets conventional headlamps with bumper mounted fog lamps, body-coloured mirrors and 15-inch alloy wheels for both the petrol and the diesel cars. 

Interior and Equipment

Higher-spec trims sales dominate amongst lower segment and hence we compare the fully loaded versions of the Tigor and the Dzire. The Tigor comes with all-black interiors with body-coloured highlights exactly like the Tiago. It gets an electric power steering with all-four power windows and electrically operated wing mirrors. It gets steering mounted controls and a twin-pod instrument cluster that reads speed and engine revs. The digital multi-function display between the two dials reads out other vital information. The driver seat is height adjustable while the air-conditioning is manual. 

The Swift Dzire comes with dual-tone black and beige interior with wooden inserts for the top-spec car. It gets automatic climate control and the electrically operated wing mirrors are foldable as well. It also gets an electric power steering, all-four power windows steering mounted controls. The twin-pod instrument cluster has a multi-function display between the two dials. The Dzire gets a foldable rear armrest and adjustable headrests in the back.

Both the Tigor and the Dzire get 2-DIN audio systems with USB and AUX connectivity along with the Bluetooth telephony and music. ABS and dual front airbags are offered on the both the cars to factor in safety.

Engine and Gearbox

The Tata Tigor is offered with two engine options – the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.05-litre turbocharged 3 cylinder diesel engine. The 1.2-litre engine develops 84bhp of power at 6000rpm and 114Nm of torque at 3500rpm and comes mated to five-speed manual gearbox. The diesel engine develops 70bhp of power at 4000rpm and 140Nm of torque from 1800rpm mated to a five-speed manual transmission as well.

The Swift Dzire comes with a similar 1.2-litre engine developing 83bhp of power at 6000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 4000rpm and is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel engine of the Swift Dzire is a 1.3-litre 4 cylinder turbocharged mill that develops 74bhp of power at 4000rpm and 190Nm of torque from 2000rpm. The diesel engine comes mated to a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT gearbox.