Tata Zest vs Hyundai Xcent: Which Compact Sedan Offers Better Value?

Tata Zest vs Hyundai Xcent : A detailed comparison of the Tata Zest and Hyundai Xcent across performance, features, comfort, and long-term ownership to help you make the right choice.

Tata Zest vs Hyundai Xcent: Which Compact Sedan Offers Better Value? Here’s a detailed comparison between the Tata Zest and Hyundai Xcent, focusing on their key features, performance, comfort, and value-for-money, particularly as compact sedans in the Indian market:

1. Design & Build Quality

Tata Zest:

• Bold and muscular design with a prominent grille and smoked projector headlamps.

• Better road presence due to its slightly bulkier profile.

• Built on Tata’s X1 platform with decent structural strength.

Hyundai Xcent:

• More refined and elegant design with Hyundai’s fluidic design language.

• Compact and urban-friendly, with sleeker curves.

• Overall build is solid but slightly lighter than the Zest.

✅ Winner (Design): Subjective — Zest for bold looks, Xcent for sophistication.

2. Engine & Performance

Tata Zest:

• Petrol: 1.2L Revotron Turbocharged – 89 bhp, 140 Nm

• Diesel: 1.3L Quadrajet – 89 bhp, 200 Nm

• Available with both manual and AMT in diesel.

• Good torque in diesel and city-friendly turbo petrol.

Hyundai Xcent:

• Petrol: 1.2L Kappa – 82 bhp, 114 Nm

• Diesel: 1.1L U2 CRDi – 71 bhp, 180 Nm

• Smooth, refined engine with strong low-end responsiveness.

• Manual and 4-speed automatic (petrol only).

✅ Winner (Performance): Tata Zest diesel for torque and AMT option; Xcent petrol for refinement.

3. Ride & Handling

Tata Zest:

• Excellent suspension setup tuned for Indian roads.

• Stable at high speeds, handles potholes well.

• Slightly heavier steering.

Hyundai Xcent:

• Lighter steering, easier to maneuver in traffic.

• Softer suspension, good for city but slightly floaty on highways.

✅ Winner (Ride Comfort): Tata Zest for highway comfort, Xcent for city use.

4. Interior & Features

Tata Zest:

• Dual-tone dashboard, Harman infotainment system (8 speakers in top variants).

• Touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice commands, steering controls.

• Spacious rear seats and cabin feel airy.

Hyundai Xcent:

• Premium interiors with quality materials.

• Touchscreen, reverse camera, rear AC vents (segment-first at the time).

• Slightly tighter rear seat space compared to Zest.

✅ Winner (Features): Hyundai Xcent slightly edges out for interior quality and fit-finish.

5. Mileage (ARAI Figures)

• Tata Zest Petrol: ~17.6 kmpl

• Tata Zest Diesel: ~22.9 kmpl

• Hyundai Xcent Petrol: ~19.1 kmpl

• Hyundai Xcent Diesel: ~24.4 kmpl

✅ Winner (Fuel Efficiency): Hyundai Xcent

6. Safety

Tata Zest:

• Dual airbags, ABS+EBD standard in higher variants.

• Stronger build with better crash protection in diesel variants.

Hyundai Xcent:

• Dual airbags standard across variants (in newer versions), ABS available in higher trims.

• Decent crash safety and Hyundai reliability.

✅ Winner (Safety): Tata Zest for build, Xcent for consistent features across trims.

7. After-Sales & Resale

• Hyundai has a wider service network and higher resale value.

• Tata has improved drastically in service quality, but resale still lags behind Hyundai.

✅ Winner (Service & Resale): Hyundai Xcent

Final Verdict

Tata Zest vs Hyundai Xcent: Choose Tata Zest if you want a robust diesel performer with great ride comfort and a value-packed cabin.

Tata Zest vs Hyundai Xcent: Choose Hyundai Xcent if you prefer refined petrol engines, better city drivability, superior interior quality, and more reliable after-sales support.

Last Updated on 17 June 2025.

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