Tata Motors has just launched the 2014 Aria that gets a few cosmetic upgrades and some more equipment. Under the skin, the 2014 Tata Aria gets the 2.2-litre VariCor diesel engine, which also powers the Tata Safari Storme but has been tuned to make 148bhp (10bhp more than earlier) here. Cosmetic upgrades include projector head- and tail-lamps and side decals. But how does the 2014 Tata Aria compare against rivals Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo? We have compared the top variants of these three competitors to find out.

Let’s begin with the pricing. The top Toyota Innova diesel ZX trim costs Rs 14.92 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Mahindra Xylo D2 H9 trim is priced at Rs 11.06 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The top Tata Aria Pride LX variant comes equipped with four-wheel-drive and sports a price tag of Rs 14.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Innova and Xylo are available only in two-wheel drive. If you wish to get the Aria in two-wheel-drive then you can opt for the mid Pleasure trim which costs Rs 11.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

New Tata Aria detailed photo gallery

In terms of performance, all three are powered by diesel motors. The Toyota Innova churns out 100bhp and 20.4kgm of torque from its 2494cc engine. In comparison, the Mahindra Xylo makes 120bhp and 28kgm of torque from its smaller 2179cc motor. The Tata Aria gets substantially more power and torque at 148bhp and 32.63kgm, respectively, from a 2179cc motor.

In terms of kit, all three rivals are decently equipped though the top-of-the-line Tata Aria has the longest features list.