Mitsubishi Attrage takes on Xcent, Amaze & Zest; A quick comparison

Mitsubishi is planning to enter the mass market with the Attrage sedan and Mirage hatchback. Indian hatchback market space is already populated, but the compact sedan segment (entry level sedan space) is still growing. Attrage is expected to hit the market next year. It is an entry level sedan of the Japanese brand and will be priced in the same vicinity of these CS (compact sedans). Mitsubishi has started taking India seriously and thr company has planned to launch five new products by 2016 which includes two SUVs. Lets do a quick-comparo of the enthralling sedans Mitsubishi Attrage, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze and Tata Zest.

Exterior:

Mitsubishi Attrage has no specific design language, even the Honda doesn't have any particular design language except the'EXCITING HDESIGN!!' which is merely grille centric. On the other hand, Koreans have been following 'Fluidic sculpture' and it is now in version 2 form, which make Xcent probably one of the best among the lot.

Tata's are always eye pleasing (except the Manza) and there no doubt that Zest is the most appealing in the lot. With Zest, Tata debuted the 'DESIGNEXT' which will be featured in their future cars. The Zest is sub-4m product but despite of being under 4m it looks superb from every angle.

When it comes to overall design all the sedans look decent. However, Xcent looks best from the front profile as is the Mirage; Amaze's rear is better than its front. Zest offers superb looking front fascia and the rear, it excels when it comes to overall appeal, a major step-up from the Vista-Manza range. Attrage looks bigger compared to the others and it is indeed bigger with overall length exceeding 4m.

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Interiors:

Koreans and Indians wins in the overall design of the dash, the interiors of the Xcent looks and feel up-market and so do the Zest; however, Zest is a nick over Xcent. Hyundai offers dual tone beige and black interiors with built-in audio unit with segment first, one gigabyte of internal storage and rear AC vents.

Zest offers plusher black and creamish beige interiors with silver accents, the car also offers segment first touch screen infotainment system powered by Harman.

Mitsubishi's car comes with all-black layout and quirky retro looking center AC vents. Attrage offers large dial instrumentation cluster and will probably offer built in touch screen infotainment system.

Amaze interiors are supposedly the only drawback in the vehicle except its slightly noisy cabin. All the cars offer good leg and head room; however, Xcent offers rear AC vents which are absent in the others.

Engine:

Honda wins in this area as the company is widely known for its engine's reliability, smoothness and efficiency. The i-DTEC unit is a gem, being the most efficient of the segment in India currently with ARAI certified efficiency of 25kmpl. The 1.5 liter i-DTEC churns out 100PS and 200Nm of torque, best in the segment currently. The Xcent's U2 1.1 CRDI churns out 72PS and nearly 180Nm of torque - it is a 3-cylinder motor. Zest is pulled by the renowned Multi-Jet (Quadra-Jet), the 1.3 liter motor with variable geometry turbo charger churns 90PS and 200Nm of torque. Contrarily, Mitsubishi doesn't offers Attrage in diesel in other Asian markets but it is expected that the company will launch it with an oil burner when it enters India, as without diesel the car would not be able to survive. On the petrol front, Xcent 1.2 Kappa2 VTVT offers 83PS and 114Nm of torque, Amaze's 1.2 liter i-VTEC motor churns out 88PS and 109Nm of torque and Mitsubishi's 1.2 liter offers 78PS and max torque of 100Nm. Tata's new turbo charged petrol engine family débutante offers powers the Zest churning out 85Ps and 140Nm, probably the only offering with turbocharger in petrol in the segment. Attrage offers CVT in petrol which will be a plus point for Mitsubishi and so do for Tata as Zest is coupled with AMT.

When Mitsubishi drives in the Attrage it will revise the engines and addition of an oil burner would greatly help the manufacturer. The Attrage also offer some snazzy 'in thing' nowadays like the DRLS and touchscreen infotainment. The car is also bigger in size, which will be a major sale gainer point for the company, if priced competitively. The competition is growing heavily, Tata Zest's launch is around the corner and it offers some segment first features which cars in a segment above offer! Ford is also bringing Figo compact sedan next year and the car will probably get the Ecoboost & Powershift Dual-Clutch automatic. Lets see what future hold for us in the compact sedan war!!