Tata Eris Smart vs Pure: Is paying Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.4 lakh more worth it?

Tata Motors has officially launched its new compact sedan, the Tata Eris, which replaces the Tata Tigor. It comes with more striking styling, modern features and a strong safety package. The front now looks more aggressive, while the rear keeps the notchback roofline and adds the currently fashionable connected LED tail-lights.

The question for buyers considering the base Smart variant is whether paying about Rs 1 lakh more for the Pure variant above it makes sense. The two variants are compared here.

First, the price. Ex-showroom, the Smart petrol MT costs Rs 5.29 lakh and the petrol+CNG MT Rs 6.29 lakh. The Smart has no AMT option. The Pure petrol MT starts at Rs 6.14 lakh, the petrol AMT costs Rs 6.69 lakh, the petrol+CNG MT Rs 7.14 lakh and the petrol+CNG AMT goes up to Rs 7.69 lakh. Depending on the engine and gearbox, the gap between the two variants ranges from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.4 lakh.

From the outside, the two variants look very similar at the front. Both have halogen headlamps joined by a blacked-out panel, but neither has fog lamps. On the side, the Smart has black door handles, body-colour B-pillars, black ORVMs, 14-inch steel wheels and indicators on the fenders, which gives it a plainer look. The Pure has body-colour door handles, blacked-out B-pillars, ORVMs with turn indicators and 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. Both carry Eris badging on the front doors.

At the rear, the Pure adds a rear defogger. The connected LED tail-lamps, Tata logo, Eris badging, updated bumper, vertical reflectors and reverse parking sensors are the same in both.

On colours, the Smart is offered in only three: Daytona Grey, Pristine White and Pure Grey. The Pure is available in all of the car's official colour options.

Inside, both variants get a dual-tone light colour theme, textured finish on the AC vents, silver finish on the door handles, dual space for smartphones and a 2-spoke steering wheel. In the Smart, the windows and ORVMs have to be operated by hand. It has basic features such as a semi-digital driver display, manual AC and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

The Pure gets four power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs with turn indicators, 2 additional speakers, steering-mounted controls, and 15-watt USB-A and Type-C charging ports at the front. It also has everyday features such as Bluetooth audio in the semi-digital display, a height-adjustable driver seat and a day/night IRVM.

Tata has made no compromise on safety. Both variants come with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors and 3-point seat belts for all occupants as standard. The Pure additionally gets speed-sensing door locks and a rear defogger.

Both use a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with a factory-fitted twin-cylinder CNG option. The petrol engine produces 86 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque, while the petrol+CNG version produces 75 PS and 96 Nm. The gearbox is a 5-speed MT or AMT. The Smart gets only the 5-speed manual (MT), while the automatic (AMT) option starts with the Pure.

In the market, the new Tata Eris competes directly with sub-4 metre sedans such as the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Aura.

The final verdict says both variants offer good cabin space and smooth petrol and CNG powertrains. For those who want to enter Tata's sedan family on a budget and customise the car later to their liking, the Smart is a good option. But for those willing to spend Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.4 lakh more, depending on the powertrain, for power windows, electric ORVMs, an adjustable driver seat and the AMT option, the Pure will be more practical and better value for money.