Tata Tiago

Tata Tiago is a very important car for the Indian manufacturer. After the new era of Tata designs that started with the Zest and the Bolt, The Tiago is very likely to make a difference in the way Tata cars are perceived by its customers. Tiago being a brand new product, ticks almost all the right boxes when it comes to the must haves in the highly competitive compact car segment in India. And with the price tag at which Tata has launched the car, the Tiago should be a force to reckon with.

The Tiago hatchback follows Tata’s HorizonNext design language with a wide mesh grille and swept back headlamps that resemble the Tata family face seen in the Bolt and the Zest. Tata has done really well by making the Tiago look distinctly different than the Indica while retaining its heritage. The tail design is modern and fresh with the horizontal tail lamps. Body coloured bumpers are standard on the Tiago and so is the rear spoiler. Alloy wheels, wing mirrors with turn indicators, rear wash and wipe function are all available only on the top spec XZ variant.

The Tiago interior is the best till date by the Indian manufacturer. Tata cabins have always been roomy but now it will get a touch of good quality and build along with equipment. The top end XZ comes with the ConnectNext infotainment system and gets four tweeters along with four speakers. Dual front airbags, height adjustable seats with adjustable headrests are offered as an option from the XE trim but without ABS. Driver footrest, folding rear seat, tinted glasses and internally adjustable wing mirrors are standard across the range. ABS and EBD with corner stability control is available only on the top spec XZ along with the two airbags.

The Tiago gets the 1.2-litre three cylinder Revotron engine that develops 84bhp of power at 6000rpm and 114Nm of torque. The 1.05-litre turbocharged diesel mill churns out 70bhp of power and 140Nm of torque from 1800rpm. Both the engines power the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Driving modes – Eco and City are available on both the engines. Tata will certainly offer the Tiago with an AMT gearbox in near future.

The Tiago gets independent suspension in the front with McPherson struts and coil-over springs along with an anti-roll bar. The rear gets a semi-independent setup. The Tiago has a good ride quality and predictable handling around corners.

The Tiago is an excellent option for car buyers in the compact hatchback segment. For the combination of good looks, quality interiors and respectable ride and handling, the price point certainly makes it a good value proposition. The Tiago competes with the Maruti Celerio and the Chevrolet Beat in the compact hatchback segment.