Tata Motors’ new compact sedan Aeris CNG and Maruti Suzuki’s popular Dzire CNG both are strong options for family use with affordable running costs. Ex-showroom price of Tata Aeris iCNG starts from ₹6.29 lakh (Smart MT) to ₹9.19 lakh (Complete MT) and goes up to ₹9.74 lakh for the AMT variant. Dezire CNG VXI MT is available at around ₹ 8.18 Lakh, AMT at ₹ 8.53 Lakh and ZXI MT at around ₹ 9.19 Lakh, AMT at around ₹ 9.54 Lakh.
Both cars come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual/AMT option. The Eris is equipped with twin-cylinder ICNG technology and more features, while the Dzire is known for its excellent mileage and reliable service network. Which of the two is right to buy based on budget, space and efficiency? Let us know.
Design and interior
Both cars are 3995 mm long. The Eris measures 1684 mm in width and 1532 mm in height, while the Dezire is slightly wider (1735 mm) and 1525 mm in height. The wheelbase of both is 2450 mm. Modern look, LED lights and dual-tone option are available in Eris. On the interior, the Eris’s OpenView dashboard, 10.25-inch touchscreen and 12.7 cm digital cluster feel more premium. The Dzire also has a clean cabin and comfortable seats, but the leatherette and ventilated seats of the Eris (higher trims) provide a better experience.
Features and safety
The Eris comes with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 360-degree camera (Creative and above), wireless charger, rear AC vents, cruise control (MT) and more connected features. Wireless mirroring, auto climate control and rear camera are also available in Dzire, but there is no 360 camera and ventilated seats on the top CNG trims.
Both have 6 airbags, ESP, hill hold, ABS with EBD, TPMS and ISOFIX as standard. Dezire has received a 5-star global NCAP rating. Eris also has a strong safety structure along with CNG-specific safety features like 360 camera and leak detection.
Engine, Performance and Mileage
The 1.2L Revotron engine of Eris ICNG produces approximately 75.5 PS of power and 96.5 Nm of torque in CNG mode. Dezire’s 1.2L Z-series engine gives 69.75 PS power and 101.8 Nm torque in CNG. 5-speed MT/AMT are available in both. The claimed mileage of Dezire is 33.73 km/kg in MT and 36.47 km/kg in AMT, which is best in the segment.
The mileage of the Eris has not been officially revealed yet, but is estimated to be around 26-28 km/kg with the twin-cylinder setup (70 liter water capacity). The boot space in Eris is better usable in CNG (about 227 litres), whereas in Dzire the space gets reduced due to the single tank.
Overall, Eris is ahead in features, space and value, while Dezire is stronger in mileage and reliability. You can choose any one of these as per your need.
