Tata has launched the Aeris at a starting price of Rs 5.29 lakh, going up to Rs 9.19 lakh, ex-showroom. This sedan is based on the Tigor and replaces it. Its direct rivals are the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze. In this comparison of the Tata Aeris iCNG and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG, we find out which sedan is ahead in the CNG race.
Price and Variants
Model | Variant | CNG MT | CNG AMT |
|---|---|---|---|
Tata Aeris iCNG | Smart | Rs 6.29 lakh | – |
Tata Aeris iCNG | Pure | Rs 7.14 lakh | Rs 7.69 lakh |
Tata Aeris iCNG | Pure Plus | Rs 7.74 lakh | Rs 8.29 lakh |
Tata Aeris iCNG | Creative | Rs 8.49 lakh | Rs 9.04 lakh |
Tata Aeris iCNG | Accomplished | Rs 9.19 lakh | Rs 9.74 lakh |
Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG | VXi | Rs 8.18 lakh | Rs 8.53 lakh |
Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG | ZXi | Rs 9.19 lakh | Rs 9.54 lakh |
Both Tata and Maruti Suzuki offer CNG with an AMT option for buyers who want a hassle-free drive. The Aeris undercuts the Dzire by Rs 1.89 lakh at the entry level. The Aeris has five variants, giving buyers more choice, whereas the Dzire has only two.
At the top end, the Aeris is slightly more expensive with the AMT gearbox: the Accomplished CNG AMT costs Rs 20,000 more than the Dzire ZXi CNG AMT.
Engine and Performance
Spec | Tata Aeris iCNG | Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 1.2L Revotron, 3-cyl | 1.2L Z-Series/DualJet, 3-cyl |
Displacement | 1,199cc | 1,197cc |
Power (CNG mode) | 75.5 PS | 70 PS |
Torque (CNG mode) | 96.5 Nm | 101 Nm |
Transmission | 5-speed MT or 5-speed AMT | 5-speed MT or 5-speed AMT |
CNG tank capacity | 70 litres (water capacity) | 55 litres (water capacity) |
The two sedans differ only marginally in power and torque. The Aeris has the power edge, while the Dzire has the torque edge. On paper, the Aeris also carries the bigger CNG tank. Both offer identical transmission options. Mileage figures are yet to be tested.
Interior and Boot
Both sedans come with a beige interior and seats, and both look a bit premium at this price point. However, the Aeris feels more open inside, thanks to its minimalist dashboard.
Tata has taken a different approach with the Aeris, using twin CNG cylinders tucked neatly beneath the boot floor. This technology is tried and tested, as the same setup is used in the Altroz, Tiago and Nexon. It also lets owners make full use of the boot.
The Dzire sticks to an old-school single-cylinder setup mounted inside the boot, which eats up a lot of boot space. On practicality, the Dzire loses out to the Aeris.
Features
Feature | Tata Aeris iCNG | Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG |
|---|---|---|
Touchscreen | 26.03 cm (10.25-inch) HD, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | 7-inch to 9-inch (varies by VXi/ZXi trim), Android Auto/Apple CarPlay |
Instrument cluster | 12.7 cm digital | Semi-digital or digital, depending on trim |
Cameras | 360° HD camera with 2D/3D views (Creative and above) | Rear parking camera only (no 360° view on CNG trims) |
Blind View Monitor | Higher trims | Not offered |
Ventilated front seats | AeroLux ventilated seats (higher trims) | Not offered |
Rear AC vents | Yes | Select trims |
Cooled glove box | Yes | Not offered |
Automatic climate control | Yes | ZXi trim only |
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Yes | Yes |
Wireless charger | Yes | ZXi trim only |
Airbags | Six, standard across the range | Six (confirmed on higher trims; base variant may differ) |
CNG starting | Direct CNG start (starts straight in CNG mode) | Starts on petrol, then switches to CNG via a manual toggle |
Leak protection | Automatic leak detection; switches to petrol on leak | Standard CNG leak safety protocols (not separately highlighted) |
Fire extinguisher | Under co-driver's seat | Not specified |
Thermal incident protection | Cuts CNG supply and vents gas safely | Not specified as a distinct named feature |
Tata has played its cards well on features, making the Aeris more feature-loaded across a wide range of trims. Maruti loses out here again, offering CNG and CNG AMT in only two trims. Buyers on a tighter budget are likely to pick the Aeris over the Dzire for this reason.
Verdict
The Aeris iCNG comes out ahead on almost every count that matters to a CNG buyer: a lower entry price, five variants instead of two, a bigger CNG tank, twin-cylinder technology that preserves boot space, and a longer features list, including direct CNG start and dedicated thermal safety systems.
The one place the Dzire claws back ground is at the very top, where the Dzire ZXi CNG AMT undercuts the Aeris Accomplished CNG AMT by Rs 20,000. Maruti's decade-long CNG track record and wider service network also carry real weight for buyers who prioritise reliability and resale value over outright specifications.
For most buyers shopping on a budget or wanting the most practical CNG sedan for daily use, the Aeris iCNG makes the stronger case. For those who would rather stick with a tried-and-tested name and don't mind a smaller features list, the Dzire CNG remains a dependable, if less exciting, choice.
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