Tata Zest vs Hyundai Xcent
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:
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Bold and muscular design with a prominent grille and smoked projector headlamps.
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Better road presence due to its slightly bulkier profile.
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Built on Tata’s X1 platform with decent structural strength.
Hyundai Xcent:
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More refined and elegant design with Hyundai’s fluidic design language.
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Compact and urban-friendly, with sleeker curves.
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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:
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Petrol: 1.2L Revotron Turbocharged – 89 bhp, 140 Nm
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Diesel: 1.3L Quadrajet – 89 bhp, 200 Nm
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Available with both manual and AMT in diesel.
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Good torque in diesel and city-friendly turbo petrol.
Hyundai Xcent:
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Petrol: 1.2L Kappa – 82 bhp, 114 Nm
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Diesel: 1.1L U2 CRDi – 71 bhp, 180 Nm
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Smooth, refined engine with strong low-end responsiveness.
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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:
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Excellent suspension setup tuned for Indian roads.
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Stable at high speeds, handles potholes well.
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Slightly heavier steering.
Hyundai Xcent:
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Lighter steering, easier to maneuver in traffic.
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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:
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Dual-tone dashboard, Harman infotainment system (8 speakers in top variants).
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Touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice commands, steering controls.
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Spacious rear seats and cabin feel airy.
Hyundai Xcent:
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Premium interiors with quality materials.
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Touchscreen, reverse camera, rear AC vents (segment-first at the time).
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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)
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Tata Zest Petrol: ~17.6 kmpl
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Tata Zest Diesel: ~22.9 kmpl
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Hyundai Xcent Petrol: ~19.1 kmpl
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Hyundai Xcent Diesel: ~24.4 kmpl
✅ Winner (Fuel Efficiency): Hyundai Xcent
6. Safety
Tata Zest:
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Dual airbags, ABS+EBD standard in higher variants.
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Stronger build with better crash protection in diesel variants.
Hyundai Xcent:
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Dual airbags standard across variants (in newer versions), ABS available in higher trims.
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Decent crash safety and Hyundai reliability.
✅ Winner (Safety): Tata Zest for build, Xcent for consistent features across trims.
7. After-Sales & Resale
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Hyundai has a wider service network and higher resale value.
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Tata has improved drastically in service quality, but resale still lags behind Hyundai.
✅ Winner (Service & Resale): Hyundai Xcent
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Tie |
| Performance | Tata Zest (Diesel) |
| City Driveability | Hyundai Xcent |
| Ride Comfort | Tata Zest |
| Features | Hyundai Xcent |
| Mileage | Hyundai Xcent |
| Safety | Tata Zest |
| After-Sales/Resale | Hyundai Xcent |
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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