Variant
8
Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. Unlike the Nexon EV which gets a 30.2kWh battery pack, the Tigor EV has a smaller 26kWh liquid-cooled battery pack. It powers a front-axle mounted electric motor that produces 74bhp (55kW) and 170Nm. Although it has a smaller battery compared to the Nexon EV, the claimed range is almost identical at 306 kilometres (Nexon’s at 312 kilometres). It also has zero to 80 per cent charging capacity achievable in 65 minutes through a 25kW CC2 fast charger. A normal 15amp home plug can charge the Tigor EV from zero to 80 per cent in eight hours and 45 minutes.
To drive the Tigor EV, one has to look at the ‘Ready’ sign on the digital instrument cluster, depress the brake pedal, rotate the gear dial from N to D, and let go of the brake pedal. It’s a pretty conventional procedure so far and so is driving the Tigor EV. It drives like any other car. Get on the throttle and it responds nicely, although some might find the lack of any vibration and noise in an EV eerie. But in your everyday driving, the Tigor EV doesn’t feel out of place at any point.
One of the characteristics of the D mode is that it takes a little push to get up to speed. But with an extended right foot, you can easily get to triple-digit speed and maintain that without breaking a sweat. It’s surprising how well it manages to keep pace with traffic, be it at city speeds or out on the highway. Also, it responds fairly well to sudden throttle inputs – in case there’s a gap to wade through in traffic. But off the mark, there’s a slight hesitance from when the throttle is pressed and is lurching forward. But that’s perfectly livable and won’t be noticeable to many, especially those switching from a conventional powertrain. For everyday driving, the D mode is more than adequate. And with the judicial right foot and little help from regenerative braking, one can try to get close to the claimed range as well.
Now, this is an EV. And modern-day EVs are neck-snapping quick. Although the Tigor EV is not punch-in-the-gut quick, switch to S mode and its docile characteristic transforms real quick. In the S mode, it is eager and feels hurried instantly. There are no other changes to the driving dynamics, but the sharper throttle response is a welcome change and is enough to keep you entertained with some enthusiastic driving. In our V-box tested time, the 0-60kmph run was achieved in a fairly brisk 5.32 seconds and 100kmph came up in 12.63 seconds. For perspective, that’s Maruti Suzuki Swift territory. In roll-on acceleration, the 20-80kmph run took 6.43 seconds, while the 40-100kmph was achieved in 10.09 seconds. So, the Tigor EV is no slouch. And for someone looking for an energetic runabout, the S mode in the Tigor EV will surely make itself worthwhile. The only trade-off here will be a reduced driving range.
If we are to nitpick, the MID screen with the battery per cent and range display was either slow or inaccurate – thus inducing range anxiety which seemed feigned to an extent. Although the claimed range is above 300 kilometres, in real-world driving conditions it should be around 220-240 kilometres, given that it’s got a smaller battery compared to the Nexon EV. And when driven with a heavy foot (or enthusiastically in the S mode), the range plummets rather quickly. This is plausible in a budget car, so the owners will need to be mindful about the driving range and battery charge, and rely on their own driving experience rather than the figures on the MID. Otherwise, the Tigor EV effortlessly fits the bill for someone with a fixed driving schedule.
7
Over the standard version, the electrified Tigor didn’t seem to depart much in terms of ride and handling. We liked the slight weight added to the steering but that’s about the only noticeable change. Going almost three turns lock-to-lock, the steering is still direct with little to no lag off-centre. And during U-turns or around lock-to-lock manoeuvres, the self-centring steering is a breeze to use. There is a perceptible amount of body roll but that only comes into play when pushed hard. Otherwise, the Tigor EV changes direction and darts into small gaps in traffic with good composure.
In terms of ride quality, the Tigor EV remained unfazed through the pothole-festooned roads it trudged. Every bump and irregularity is absorbed nicely and only the sharpest of the creases were felt inside the cabin. Despite the heavier battery pack, there’s enough ground clearance to take on the bad patches of roads or badly-made speed breakers without scrapping the underbelly. At highway speeds, the ride gets even better and the high-speed stability is much better than we expected. On the flip side, the braking performance could have been better. Especially when mounting speed is easier in the EV. So, the brake’s feel and the bite could have been improved.
6.5
Over the standard Tigor, the electric version’s highlight inside the cabin is the circular dial replacing the gear lever. Also, there are electric-blue highlights around the air vents and on the digital instrument bezel along with Tata’s tri-pointed design in the blue-hue on the seat’s upholstery. These are the only few things that set the Tigor EV apart from the standard version. But then, this also makes everything inside the cabin feel familiar and conventional to use.
The fit and finish of the cabin are, in typical Tata fashion, adequate and feel built-to-last. Although soft-touch plastic at some points would have elevated the cabin's ambience by a considerable margin. Space-wise, there are no complaints either – another Tata trait. There’s ample head and shoulder space with seats offering a good amount of support. On to the centre console, the seven-inch touchscreen is integrated with Tata’s new ZConnect connectivity feature. This is a new system that offers all the new-age connectivity and smartphone telephony with the addition of EV requirements like charging point locator, OTA updates, DTE, and battery status display.
As for the rear seats, the compact sedan offers a good amount of knee space but taller passengers might find their heads touching the roof. And sitting three abreast here for longer jaunts would be a tight affair too. You do get a centre armrest but rear air vents or backseat pockets are absent – which is a surprising miss out. Although, there are non-adjustable headrests and they offer decent support.
Lastly, we come to the boot space. Accommodating a battery pack below, the spare wheel is tucked vertically inside the boot. There’s a square bag carrying the charging cable, stowed in the boot as well. Even the boot floor is slightly raised reducing the overall space to 316-litres. But it still isn’t bad by the segment standards and could gulp in a small suitcase and couple of duffle bags with ease.
6.5
This range-topping XZ+ variant comes loaded with features like projector headlamps with sharp-looking LED DRLs, alloy wheel-styled wheels and wheel cover, Harman-sourced infotainment system with four speakers and tweeters, smart key with start-stop button, cooled glove-box, electric boot, and auto-folding ORVMs apart from the digital instrument cluster, auto AC, and all four power windows. In terms of safety, it gets ABS with EBD and CSD, dual airbags, rear parking sensors, seat-belt reminder system, speed alert system, speed-sensing auto door lock, rear parking camera, and most importantly – four-star NCAP safety rating.
But the fact that its price ranges into a C-segment sedan territory, we expected some more feel-good features in the Tigor EV like ambient lighting, wireless charger, sunroof, rear AC vents, ISOFIX, and more airbags.
7
Tata could have priced the Tigor EV even more aggressively thus pulling the heartstrings of more buyers looking for a city runabout that’s also lighter on the pocket. But the Tigor EV prices start at Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and for the top-spec trim, it's Rs 13.14 lakh. Of course, the state-wise subsidy might see a variance (or lowering to an extent) in this price. But for what it’s worth, the pricing of the Tigor EV makes the Nexon EV look more value for money. That’s the only complaint we have about the otherwise well-thought-out, well-put-together Tigor EV.
The Indian carmaker is confident in the Tigor EV’s apparent characteristics like lower running cost and high safety rating to attract more buyers. Especially the ones looking for early adoption into electrification. Whether the showroom footfalls remain with the Tigor EV or they put in a little extra money and get themselves the Nexon EV remains to be seen. But the Tigor EV in itself comes across as a viable and affordable offering with no direct rivals – making it difficult not to recommend.
Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi
Engine & Transmission
Time the car takes to reach 100kmph from a standstill
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
The official title given by the manufacturer in terms of the name of the engine, the displacement and the number of cylinders.
A bigger displacement and more than four-cylinders generally indicate a performance-oriented engine.
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
The time it takes for the electric motor equipped car to reach higher speeds from a standstill
Approximate maximum number of kilometers which can be traveled on a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Set by the Indian Government, this governs the amount of air pollutants released by cars to make the atmosphere safer for humans.
Keeping the battery terminals free of corrosion prevents starting trouble
This feature shows the occupant if the battery is charging
Tests reveal that electric cars are substantially more efficient than internal combustion engines.
Dimensions & Weight
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
It’s the space between the lowest point of the car and the ground.
If the car has a good amount of clearance, it’s easier for it to clear big speed breakers and overall, deal with bad roads.
The total weight of the vehicle with all the standard equipment and all the required fluids.
A lightweight car will always be more efficient and easier to manoeuvre whereas a heavy car would give you a sense of solidity while driving.
Capacity
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
Boot space defines how practical the car is with respect to how much luggage it can carry.
A boot with a large and wide opening is ideal for loading heavy items. Additionally, a lower loading height also makes it easy to put in luggage.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
The official kerb-to-kerb minimum radius a car takes to complete a 180-degree turn.
Shorter the turning radius, the lesser space you need to make a tight turn or to take a U-turn.
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Safety
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
These enable users to repair a puncture effortlessly, saving the time/effort involved in replacing it with the spare wheel
Avoid driving on a flat/deflated wheel too long as it can cause expensive repairs
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Braking & Traction
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
A feature that limits the car's speed without any driver input while traversing down descents
Locks & Security
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Comfort & Convenience
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
Sensors that are usually located on the bumpers of a car to assist/alert the driver while parking
It takes the stress out of manoeuvring in confined spaces
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Mobile App Features
An app based feature that allows one to find where their car is located/parked
The requisite app will provide information regarding various functions such as speed and fuel alerts
A service that triggers actions like notifications and security alerts when a car enters/leaves a set location
A call that's made automatically by the car to the local emergency services in the event of a crash
The smartphone app turns on the car's AC to attain the required cabin temperature even before one boards it
More so comes in handy when cabin temperatures are extreme before you board the vehicle
The smartphone app allows one to remotely lock/unlock the car's doors from just about anywhere
This function is helpful when the key fob isn't working properly
The smartphone app sounds the horn and flashes the headlights of your car so that you can locate it
Seats & Upholstery
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
The various color shades used within the cabin
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Storage
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
The various methods of opening the boot lid
Exterior
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Lighting
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Instrumentation
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Entertainment, Information & Communication
An Android feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the phone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
An Apple (iOS) feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the iPhone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
This function bumps up the safety quotient since the use of a smartphone while driving can be hazardous
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The music player that comes factory fitted
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
Manufacturer Warranty
The number of years the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the years, the better
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Variants | Price | Specifications | |
---|---|---|---|
Rs. 13.64 Lakh | 5 Person, FWD, 172 mm, 1235 kg, 316 litres, 1 Gears, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor paired to High energy density Lithium-ion battery pack, No, 8.45 hrs, 306 km, No, Front & Rear, 12.63 seconds, 120 kmph, 26 kWh, 4 Star (Global NCAP), 3993 mm, 1677 mm, 1532 mm, 2450 mm, Keyless, Yes (Automatic Climate Control), Front & Rear, 1, Reverse Camera with Guidance, Wired, Wired, No, No, No, 2 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger), Yes, 0, BS 6, 4 Doors, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers |
3.8/5
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase New | Driven forFew thousand kilometers |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase Not Purchased | Driven forFew hundred kilometers |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase Not Purchased | Driven forHaven't driven it |