Hyundai Xcent vs. Honda Amaze vs. Maruti Dzire
Hyundai’s Xcent is the newest entrant in the hatchback segment. Let’s take a look whether it is potent enough to give Honda’s Amaze and Maruti’s Dzire stiff competition. Especially, when Dzire and Amaze together sell close to 25000 units a month.
Exterior and Interior
Of the three, the Amaze is the most proportionate car to look at. The Dzire has a long bonnet but a shorter boot making the proportions go haywire. The Hyundai is comparatively smaller than the other two as it is based on the small Grand i10. Also, it is more boxy and bland compared to its namesake the Accent, which had more fluid lines.
The inside is another story again. The Amaze has interiors which are a notch inferior to the Dzire and the Xcent. The design is just average and does not partake a plush feeling. The Dzire’s cabin is the best of the lot and gives a pricey feeling.
Honda Amaze Cabin Maruti Dzire Cabin
However, Amaze has the best space with the highest kneeroom in the segment. The Dzire does not feel as spacious. The Xcent offers the best boot space followed by Amaze and then the Dzire.
Hyundai Xcent's Boot
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Best Exterior
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Amaze
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Best Interior
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Dzire
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Best Boot Space
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Xcent
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Best Legroom
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Amaze
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Under the Hood
Here again, the Xcent lags behind the other two in terms of engine size. It sports the 1.1 litre U2 diesel engine (same as the Grand i10) whereas the Amaze and the Dzire have 1.5 litre and 1.3 litre diesel engine respectively. The Amaze has the most powerful engine and also sports the quickest diesel car in this segment. The Dzire is a bit less powerful on paper but on roads the difference is not much evident. However, the Xcent is the slowest of the three.
The Xcent however has the smoothest gear shifts among the three. Though it is a dream to drive in the city traffic, the car feels less powerful while cruising on the highways. The Amaze and the Dzire are much more of an interesting drive after crossing the three digit speed. When it comes to fuel efficiency, Amaze once again takes the lead with the overall figure being 17.89 kmpl. It is followed by the Dzire at 17.5 kmpl and Xcent at 16.8 kmpl.
Hyundai Xcent Engine
On the Road
Inspite of having the same suspension set-up the actual ride is very different in all the three. The Dzire continues to be the best of the lot when it comes to steering. Honda has better ride and handling than the Xcent. Cabin insulation from outside noise is best in the Hyundai.
Safety features are offered in a meager few variants inspite of there being many options to choose from. Xcent is available in 3 variants. The SX, which is the highest variant offers standard airbags, ABS is optional. Additionally, it offers chrome handles, leather wrapped steering and gear knob, climate control etc.
The Dzire is also available in three variants. ZDi which is the highest variant offers airbags and ABS and surprisingly, the lower variants do not even have an option for the same. The LDi offers a very basic package and standard multi information display, the VDi comes with standard security alarm system, stereo with USB, AUX and CD input, front and rear fog lamps, electric mirrors and keyless entry. The ZDi in addition offers 15 inch alloy wheels and thicker rubber, climate control AC, driver seat height adjust, steering mounted controls, rear defogger and outside temperature display.
Honda offers the most with 5 trims and in a commendable move offers ABS in all its diesel variants with airbags in the top two models. In terms of comfort features, the E offers front and rear power windows, central locking, tilt steering and an immobiliser as standard. The EX adds a single DIN stereo with front speakers, the S and SX trim get a 2-DIN stereo with AUX and USB support, steering mounted audio controls, driver seat height adjust, rear armrest with cup holders like in the Xcent, keyless entry and electric mirrors. The top end VX in addition gets alloy wheels, power foldable mirrors, dual-tone interiors, fog lamps, rear defogger and a heat absorbing windshield.
Summing it up
If you are strictly looking at an entry level sedan at a super value price and don’t mind compromising on performance, efficiency and dynamics the Xcent is the car for you. The entry level Amaze suddenly feels overpriced but the car is a better overall package and scores over the rest in terms of design, space, performance and fuel efficiency. The Amaze SX that isn’t the top end variant even features ABS and airbags as standard and is almost Rs 45000 cheaper than the Xcent SX Option that is similarly specced in terms of safety features. So there you have it, the Amaze is still the car that finishes on top in this highly competitive segment.