When picking the perfect hatchback, the Swift, Tiago, Altroz and Exter each have something unique to offer buyers. The Swift remains the go-to for those wanting Maruti’s reliability; the Tiago now has more features and engine options; the Altroz excels with its sharp styling and engine flexibility; the Exter is a well-rounded package for those wanting an urban crossover.
Each model makes a sensible purchase based on the buyer’s values. In the section below, we’ll discuss the differences between these four models.
Design and Aesthetics
The Swift has that iconic exterior that makes it instantly recognisable. The new honeycomb grille and chrome accents give it a premium facade. It looks sporty from the sides thanks to the sloping roofline and character line running across.
The Tiago goes for a more aggressive demeanour upfront with its sharp projector headlamps and tri-arrow fog lamp housing. The alloy wheels and colour options add a dash of style from the sides.
The Altroz turns heads with its ultra-modern front profile—the headlamps seamlessly blend into the grille for a futuristic look. The pronounced wheel arches and the contrasting roof make it look like a hot hatch from the sides.
Moreover, the Exter stays true to Hyundai’s latest design direction. The parametric grille with integrated headlamps gives it a very distinctive face. The squared-off wheel arches, body cladding, and roof rails make it appear rugged, like a typical urban crossover. Moreover, you must keep a check on the Hyundai exter price in India for closing the best deal.
Engine Specification
The Swift’s engine is a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder unit that feels quite peppy while driving in the city or on the highway. It produces a maximum power of around 90 horsepower, which is good for a hatchback, and 113 Nm of peak torque. This allows for some acceleration when you need to overtake or merge with faster traffic. Fuel efficiency is also respectable for a petrol hatchback.
In the Tiago, you get a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine option, which delivers 86 horsepower and 113 Nm torque. This motor provides adequate power for daily commutes, but refinement is better than 4-cylinder units. A factory-fitted CNG kit variant produces 73 hp and 95 Nm in CNG mode. It is less powerful but significant for those looking for better fuel economy. Also, the Tata Altroz on road price ranges from ₹ 7.17 L to ₹ 12.43 L.
The Altroz has the most engine options—it offers three variants: a regular 1.2-litre petrol, a turbo-petrol for better performance, and a 1.2-litre CNG variant. The normal petrol makes 88 hp and offers decent driveability. However, the turbo-petrol, with 110 horsepower, and the CNG, with 73 hp, allow buyers to choose according to their budget and needs. The CNG variant focuses on efficiency and running costs.
The Hyundai Exter provides an 83 hp naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine and a CNG version, which makes 69 hp. The max torque output is 95 Nm on CNG spec and 114 Nm for regular petrol. These motor options deliver satisfactory performance for city commuting and occasional highway trips.
Interior and Features
The Swift’s cabin layout is simple, with circular AC vents and a minimalistic design. It has a dated analogue instrument cluster and a small digital display. The seating is sporty and comfortable.
The Tiago has a dual-tone with a neat dashboard layout. Chrome highlights around AC vents add flair. Touches like a height-adjustable driver seat, infotainment screen, and flat-bottom wheel make it feel premium. The Tata Tiago EV is also a great option to consider when it comes to interior design.
The Altroz has a funky, youthful interior theme, ambient lighting, a floating touchscreen, leatherette trim on the steering wheel and gear lever, and more. Its unique 90-degree opening doors allow easy ingress.
Finally, the Exter borrows interior design from the Grand i10 Nios. The all-black theme with contrasting AC vent colours matches the exterior shade. With a practical layout with emphasis on a large 8-inch infotainment screen, a familiar Hyundai cabin means many shared parts and controls.
Mileage
The Swift delivers excellent fuel efficiency, with its manual petrol variants certified at 23.2km/l by ARAI and the AMT variant slightly higher at 23.76km/l. Besides that, the Swift price in India is quite reasonable.
Tata hasn’t revealed the petrol Tiago’s mileage figures, but its CNG variant gives a decent 26km/kg efficiency.
The petrol Altroz gives 19.33km/l as per ARAI, the diesel is rated at 23.64km/l, and the efficient CNG variant tops the list at 26.2km/kg.
Finally, Hyundai claims 19.4km/l for the Exter’s manual petrol and 19.2km/l for the AMT. However, the company rates the CNG variant as the most frugal, at 27.1km/kg.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hatchback can be tricky, with many options available today that cater to different needs and budgets. With its fuel-efficient petrol engine, the Swift remains the mileage champion and offers Maruti’s reliable ownership experience. For those seeking modern looks or efficient CNG variants, the Tiago and Altroz make strong cases with their striking styling and powertrain options. The Exter blends Hyundai’s proven engine tech and cabin comfort in a trendy micro-SUV form factor. Test drive all four models to determine if peppy performance, maximum features, or overall value is your main priority before finalising your buying decision.
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