Comparison: Hyundai Exter vs Tata Tiago

The Indian automotive fraternity recently welcomed the Hyundai Exter, a mini SUV that locks horns with the established and popular Tata Punch. Hyundai’s new entry-level SUV has surprised all of us with its quirky styling, and the sheer number of features typically found in cars from a segment above. SUVs are the rage today and with Tata Punch finding so many buyers, Hyundai has decided to take a crack at this novel segment which is priced competitively that it will also eat into the sales of small hatchbacks in India. 

One such small hatchback is the Tata Tiago. Yes, the Tiago and the Exter do not directly compete in terms of body style, but they do fall under the same price bracket. And, if you are a customer on the lookout for a new car within a budget of Rs 7 lakh to 9 lakh, both the Tata Tiago and the new Hyundai Exter are strong options that will definitely make the process difficult for you. Keeping that in mind, we take a look at both these cars and how they fare against each other on paper to find out which of these should be your next car.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Tiago:  Dimensions 

The crucial parameter that separates the Tata Tiago and the Hyundai Exter is size. While the Tiago is a hatchback, the Exter is a micro SUV, giving it a distinct advantage in terms of dimensions. Take any parameter for instance –  length, width, height, or wheelbase, the Exter is clearly the bigger car here by a sizeable margin. Another area where the Hyundai Exter will definitely win more hearts is its humongous 391 litres of boot space as opposed to 242 litres of the Tiago.

So if you want the bigger car out of the duo here, with more road presence, space and boot for the family, the Hyundai Exter clearly scores. That said, the Tata Tiago caters well to small families or individuals in need of a compact city car

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Tiago: Engine & Transmission

When it comes to engine and transmission options, the Tata Tiago and the Hyundai Exter seem to be evenly matched. How? Both cars use a similar 1.2-litre petrol engine with the option of a 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox for added convenience. Additionally, these cars stand out as some of the few models that offer a CNG powertrain option. The Hyundai Exter uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine that develops 83PS/113Nm (petrol) and 69PS/95Nm (CNG). On the other hand, the Tata Tiago features a 1.2-litre petrol engine that develops a similar 86PS/113Nm (petrol) and 73PS/93Nm (CNG). 

The CNG variants of both the Tata Tiago and the Hyundai Exter exhibit lower output figures compared to their petrol counterparts. However, the engines make up for that with exceptional fuel economy. Tata claims 19kmpl to 26.49 km/kg while Hyundai also claims 19.20kmpl to 26km/kg as the fuel economy range with the former figure for the petrol engine and the latter for the CNG option. With closely matched fuel economy figures, it is hard to pick a winner in this aspect. However, we can safely say that both the Exter and the Tiago feature decent powertrain options and a test drive would help you differentiate them further, and come to a conclusion.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Tiago: Features & Comfort

Hyundai has always been known for offering interesting features in their cars. But with the Exter, they’ve taken it up a notch. This little SUV is packed to the brim with features that we normally get in more expensive models. The Hyundai Exter is inarguably the most feature-loaded affordable car under Rs 10 lakh in India today. For starters, there’s a 8-inch infotainment system in contrast to the 7-inch unit of the Tata Tiago. The Hyundai also features auto headlamps, sunroof, rear ac vents, climate control AC, and a wireless charger. Some other highlights also include the dashcam, connected car features, and Alexa support. 

If you are a buyer who likes your cars loaded with features, the Hyundai Exter trumps the Tata Tiago by offering some really cool features. 

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Tiago: Safety Features

Many car makers often overlook safety today. But Hyundai and Tata have done a great job by equipping the Exter and Tiago with all the essential safety kit such as airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, etc. The Tiago has also scored an impressive 4 stars at the Global NCAP crash test making a strong case for itself when it comes to crashworthiness. However, just like the novelty features, Hyundai has not skimped on safety features as well. The Exter comes with ISOFIX support, auto headlamps, vehicle stability management, and six airbags including curtain airbags which is a segment first. 

Hyundai has really gone all out when it comes to features and safety kit, but it remains to be seen if the new Exter can match the Tiago when it comes to crash-worthiness. Despite the differences, both cars are one of the safest options in their respective segments and the Exter ultimately comes out on top thanks to its impressive safety features and the option of six airbags, as standard. 

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Tiago: Price Comparison

Up until now, the Hyundai Exter seems to be the better car here thanks to its impressive list of features and SUV-ish dimensions. However, when we move on to the pricing, the Tata Tiago gains back some lost ground by being the more affordable car here. Prices for the Tiago start from Rs 5.54 lakh making it almost Rs 50,000 cheaper than the Exter. As we move up the variants, prices for the Tiago climb up to Rs 8.11 lakh for the top-spec CNG version while the Hyundai Exter tops out at Rs 10.10 lakh. 

If you’re a buyer with a strict budget, the Tata Tiago emerges as the more affordable option regardless of the variant and engine/gearbox combination. But, if you have some flexibility in your budget, the lower variants of the Hyundai Exter present a compelling proposition. Despite being slightly more expensive than the Tiago, the Exter justifies its higher price tag with a host of features that enhance the overall ownership experience. It also offers considerably more space and size for your money. 

Summary

To summarize, if you want a big and spacious car with a cavernous boot and room for your family, the new Hyundai Exter ticks all the right boxes without burning a large hole in your wallet. It is also the better choice for elderly buyers who are looking for a car that offers better ingress and egress and a high seating position, thanks to its SUV-like dimensions. The icing on the cake is the impressive segment-first features that further justify the premium you pay in comparison to the Tata Tiago. And at the end of the day, for that money, you are also buying a fresh product and a mini SUV which will offer more practicality any day. 

The Tata Tiago still remains one of the best budget hatchbacks in India today. Despite tough competition from Maruti Suzuki and its range of small cars, this little Tata has stood its ground and found many buyers, thanks to its no-nonsense styling, engine and impressive 4-star safety rating. As we mentioned, if you’re on a strict budget and looking for a city runabout or if you have a primary car for other purposes, you can never really go wrong with the Tiago. Since it is smaller and less intimidating than the Exter, the Tiago will also be a stellar choice for first-time car buyers and rookie drivers looking forward to refining their driving skills.