Tata Tiago : In the budget hatchback segment in India, there aren’t many cars that bring together a blend of design, safety and practicality the way the Tata Tiago does.
From its inception, the Tiago has been a top-of-the-line product for new car buyers, professionals and small families.
Combine bold styling, a tough build, plenty of features, solid performance and a competitive price and you have a winner.
Elaborate Looks with a Premium Feel
The Tata Tiago departs from the boxy look of small budget hatchbacks with a more youthful and confident design.
In the front you get a muscular grille and pretty swept back headlamps along with a sporty bumper, which provides it enough character.
The side is tidy, with crisp body lines and the rear has clean tail lamps and a spoiler that adds to the sporty feel.
Oures is the ‘XZ Climate’ variant with matchy black alloys, which looks kind of purposeful, and on first impressions, despite being a hatchback that automotive ‘analysts’ might say is built to a cost – there’s none of that feeling inside the car.
Whether you’re in whose driving in town or parking next to something more expensive, the Tiago just doesn’t feel out of its depth.
Sturdily Constructed and Comfortable Cockpit
You step inside the Tiago to find that it is unexpectedly spacious and the interior is of good quality.
“A softer, dual-tone dashboard and features like leather stitching and glossy black surfaces contribute to the premium feel on the inside.
The plastics however, are not what you would call luxury, but among the best you can get at this price range.
The cabin is ergonomically designed, the controls are efficient and the storage space is good.
The front chairs are supportive, while the rear bench is spacious enough to accommodate two adults with adequate legroom for the class.
The rear headroom might be a little tight for taller passengers, but overall comfort levels are quite good.
The Tiago feels technology-oriented and convenient, with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering-mounted controls, cooled glovebox and a Harman audio system, (which is a segment first).
Performance Designed for Urban Driving
Under the bonnet, the Tiago begets a 1.2 litre Revotron petrol engine that churns out 86 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque.
It’s paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed AMT automatic.
Though it won’t win any drag races, the engine is nicely tuned for commuting on a daily basis.
The power comes on in a linear way: It’s predictable and smooth, well-suited for meandering through the city or your commute on the nearby highway.
The manual is slick and light to operate, while the AMT brings clutch-free driving to the mix, albeit with a jerky edge in stop-go traffic.
Ride quality is also a stand-out. Ride quality of the Tiago is pliant, and the suspension seems tuned perfectly for Indian streets. Out on the open road, the car feels solid and the steering provides good feedback at higher speeds.
Mileage and Maintenance
Among the top jobs the buyers pick Tiago for, the fuel efficiency occupies a significant one.
The petrol avatar has a claimed mileage of close to 19-20 km/l, CNG alternative is even more efficient at over 26 km/kg, hence a crowd pleaser for folks with cost in mind.
It’s cheap to maintain and Tata has strengthened its service network. The total cost of ownership is reasonable, providing you with peace of mind.
Safety First Approach
Safety has always been a strong USP for the Tiago and it was one of the initial lot of hatchbacks to score a 4-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test conducted in India.
It gets features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, reverse parking sensors, and a sturdy body structure.
Pros
Bold and modern design
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Smooth ride on the city and highway
Infotainment system features packed with Harman speakers
High on mileage, especially in CNG version
Cons
Lack of punch from engine at speed
Best in heavy traffic, the AMT isn’t the smoothest
Rear headroom is somewhat tight for taller passengers
That some of the cabin materials felt solid but not upscale enough for upper trims.
Tata Tiago: Verdict
The Tata Tiago is a whole lot more than just a beginner’s car. It achieves a blend of style, safety and usability that is matched by few cars in its class.
Whether you’re a new car buyer or seeking a reliable second car, the Tiago variants offer great value combined with a feeling of safety and style.