Why should you buy – Tata Tigor AMT

Introduction:

Tata Motors has introduced their all-new compact sedan, the Tigor, based on their runaway success, the Tiago. Calling it a Styleback, the Indian carmaker priced the Tigor well, thus undercutting the other compact sedans in the segment. It shared the same petrol and diesel powerplant as its hatchback sibling. The sub-compact sedan also carried forward the carmaker’s new Impact design philosophy which we first saw on the Tiago.

Since its launch, the Tigor didn’t quite set the sales chart on fire. On the other hand, the  Tiago performed better than its compact sedan sibling by a fair margin. The Tiago received an AMT gearbox earlier this year. Now, even the Tigor gets some freedom from the third pedal and is available in the AMT version with only the petrol engine in the XTA and the XZA guise.

So what are the highs and lows of buying the new Tigor AMT? 

What’s good about it?

The Tigor becomes one of the most affordable AMT cars in the country. It is almost Rs 50,000 cheaper than the entry-level Dzire AMT (VXI). Offered in the top-spec trims, the Tigor AMT comes pretty loaded with features like the ConnectNext Infotainment system by Harman with four speakers, steering mounted controls and ABS with EBD. Meanwhile, the XZA adds four speakers with tweeters, alloy wheels, driver and co-passenger airbags and also a rear defogger.

At 419 litres, the Tigor boasts of the highest boot space in its segment. It is helped by the clever design of the hinges for the boot. The cabin is spacious enough and uses good quality materials such as the piano-black finish around the dashboard and steering wheel. The engine is peppy enough for the day-to-day city drive. And Tata has a good service network in the country for a hassle-free ownership.

What’s bad about it?

The Tigor being an all-new car has to undergo the test of time. The quality, though an upgrade over the older cars, is yet to become problem-free. Another issue with the Tigor is that it costs almost a lakh more than the Tiago hatchback, which is almost equally equipped as its booted-sibling. So the customers might find it difficult to shell out an additional Rs 1 lakh just for the added boot space.

We put the Tigor through our rigorous five labours and it passed all the tests, but with an average performance. It doesn’t do great in any of the tasks but it will chug along without complaining when given one.

Variant to have –

Of the two AMT options, we would recommend the XZA variant. It is based on the top-of-the-line XZ trim and thus comes with all the bells and whistles. You additionally get the alloy wheels, driver and co-passenger airbags and the rear defogger as well.

Quick facts

Price range

Petrol - Rs 4.65 lakhs to Rs 6 lakhs 

Diesel - Rs 5.5 lakhs to Rs 6.96 lakhs 

Specifications 

Petrol 1.2-litre 84bhp at 6000rpm and 114Nm at 3500rpm

Diesel 1.1-litre 69bhp at 4000rpm and 140Nm at 1800rpm

Transmission - 5-speed manual and five-speed AMT, Front Wheel Drive

Did you know?

Tata was the creator of the first compact sedan body style in the country with its Indigo eCS back in 2009.