Tata Motors has just launched the new Bolt hatchback and we do a quick and detailed comparo of the Bolt with its immediate rivals, the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10.
Exteriors – The new kid on the block, the Tata Bolt looks brilliant and the efforts put in by the designers at Tata really show. The Bolt has striking design elements but the downside is that it still looks like a refreshed Indica Vista since the silhouette is still similar. The Maruti Swift has been around since long and the recent facelift didn’t have any significant updates. It is too common on our roads and no one will give it a second glance. We feel that the Hyundai Grand i10 is the best looking hatchback in this segment with just the right amount of curves and lines.
Interiors – The Tata Bolt gets similar interiors to the Zest sedan and we must say that Tata has come leaps ahead with these two cars. The quality of materials and the fit and finish of most components speaks volumes about how Tata is committed to improving quality. The Maruti Swift on the other hand has just satisfactory interiors and we won’t be surprised to hear random rattles after a couple of years’ usage. Hyundai again trumps in this department by providing very good interiors in the Grand i10 which can actually match the Germans in quality.
Engines and Fuel Efficiency – All the three hatchbacks here get 1.2-litre petrol engines that produce power and torque figures in a similar range. But still, on paper it is the Bolt which is the most powerful closely followed by the Swift. The Grand i10 produces slightly lesser power but it matches the Swift in terms of torque. The Bolt is the only one here to get a turbocharged engine and hence it gives out oodles of torque. The Bolt also offers three driving modes to choose from – City, Eco and Sports. The Swift gives the highest claimed fuel efficiency followed by the Grand i10 and Bolt.
Coming to diesel engines, the Swift and Bolt are powered by the same 1.3-litre MultiJet engine producing exact power and torque figures. The Swift though somehow manages to generate a slightly better fuel efficiency. The Grand i10 gets a 3-cylinder engine but it still offers satisfactory drivability in the city. The Grand i10 again comes in second position in terms of mileage followed by the Bolt.
Pricing – We were expecting Tata Motors to price the Bolt below than what it has been priced at but still we cannot deny the fact that it comes in at a pretty good price point and is a good package for what it offers. The Swift is the most expensive one here and it is clear that it is no more value-for-money. The Grand i10 and Bolt both offer better equipment and quality at a lower price point. The Swift sells in high numbers thanks to Maruti’s huge service network in the country but Hyundai is catching up fast. Tata Motors is also improving its customer experience with the HORIZONEXT program.
If you are in the market looking for a hatchback, the Tata Bolt and Hyundai Grand i10 both should be on your top list. Both of them are good performers and come at a close tie. The Maruti Swift has nothing great to offer and fares pretty low in this comparison.
Maruti Swift vs Tata Bolt vs Hyundai Grand i10 Petrol Comparo
Maruti Swift vs Tata Bolt vs Hyundai Grand i10 Diesel Comparo
*all prices are on-road, Delhi.