Tata Aeris CNG trim outshines Maruti Dzire in features and value at similar price

At a price of Rs 9.19 lakh for the manual and just Rs 20,000 more for the automatic, Tata’s new Aeris Accomplished CNG trim packs more features than Maruti’s Dzire ZXi CNG, making it the better‑value choice. Both cars share the same 1.2‑litre three‑cylinder naturally aspirated CNG engine. The Aeris produces 76 hp at 6,000 rpm, while the Dzire makes 70 hp at 5,700 rpm. Torque peaks at 97 Nm on the Aeris and 102 Nm on the Dzire. Both offer a 5‑speed manual or a 5‑speed automated manual gearbox. The Dzire’s torque arrives earlier, which should feel peppier in city traffic. The Aeris’s higher peak power favours highway cruising. Tata has not disclosed official fuel‑efficiency numbers for the Aeris. Maruti claims up to 36.47 km per kg on the AMT version and 33.73 km per kg on the manual. In size, the two sedans are identical in length at 3,995 mm and wheelbase at 2,450 mm. The Dzire is 51 mm wider, giving a slightly broader cabin. Ground clearance differs by seven millimetres, Aeris at 170 mm and Dzire at 163 mm. Boot space is a key difference: the Aeris retains the Tigor’s 227 litre capacity, while the Dzire’s single CNG tank leaves almost no usable trunk space. Exterior lighting is similar with auto‑LED headlamps and LED tail‑lamps on both. Only the Aeris carries front fog lamps. Both sit on 15‑inch alloy wheels. The Aeris adds a black roof, whereas the Dzire’s roof matches the body colour. Inside, the Aeris sports a 10.25‑inch touchscreen, the Dzire a 7‑inch unit. Aeris buyers also get leatherette upholstery and cruise control on manual models. The Dzire lacks these two items. Air‑conditioning, automatic climate control, four‑speaker audio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are common. Safety equipment mirrors each other with six airbags, TPMS, rear defogger, hill‑start assist, ESC and traction control. The Aeris includes a 360‑degree camera; the Dzire provides only a rear parking camera. Ex‑showroom, the Aeris MT matches the Dzire MT at Rs 9.19 lakh. The Aeris AMT costs Rs 9.74 lakh versus Rs 9.54 lakh for the Dzire, a Rs 20 000 premium for the richer feature list. Overall, the Aeris delivers a more complete package for a marginal price gap.

Context

CNG cars are popular in India for lower running costs. Compact sedans like the Aeris and Dzire are key choices for city buyers. Feature differences often tip value decisions when prices are close.