Top five things to expect from the Tata Tigor

Tata recently announced that its new entry-level compact sedan (codenamed Kite 5) will be called the Tigor. It is, in essence, a sedan version of the Tiago hatchback and will be launched for the Indian market later this year. It was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and is the second car from the Tata stable to sport this new design philosophy. Ahead of the launch, here are the top five things to expect from the Tigor. 

Styling 

We have already spotted the Tigor in production form and can confirm that it will sport the design traits of the Tiago right up to the C-pillar. From there it’s a stubby boot with chrome garnish and wrap around tail lamps. This is quite a good looking car and expected to be an eyeball grabber. The company has dubbed it a styleback thanks to its sloping rear end and we have detailed the design in a separate story whose link you can find here.  

Engine options 

The Tigor will get the same engines from the Tiago hatchback. This means the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and the 1.1-litre Revotorque diesel. The former produces 84bhp/114Nm while the diesel produces 69bhp/140Nm. Both are offered only with a five-speed manual. However, for this new car, we believe they will introduce an AMT option. It is expected to be offered with both engines in one mid-level and one top-of-the-line variant.

Pricing 

Tata is expected to price the Tigor Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 (depending on the variant) more than the hatchback. This means at the top of the spectrum, it is expected to be priced at Rs 6.3 lakh indicating that it will undercut quite a few cars above it. This is likely to play well into Tata’s hands as you are getting a sedan body style for the price of a larger hatchback. 

Features 

Given that the Tiago and the Tigor are the same cars underneath, they are expected to share the same feature list. This means a 2-DIN music system with Bluetooth/USB compatibility, AC and multiple storage spaces both in the front and rear. Given that it’s a sedan, also expect an armrest for the rear passengers. 

Segment-first 

This is a new body style for this part of the market and it looks like the Tigor is cutting the ribbons for the inauguration. Despite a drop in numbers, sedans are still more popular when compared to hatchbacks and that alone should help the Tigor in pursuit. It will take on the likes of the Chevrolet Essentia and the Renault Kwid sedan (if Renault decides to produce it) in the A+ segment of the market.