In the bustling streets of India, where compact cars reign supreme, the Tata Tiago has carved out a special place for itself.
Since its debut in 2016, this peppy hatchback has won hearts with its stylish design, impressive features, and Tata’s commitment to safety.
As we delve into the 2024 model, it’s clear that the Tiago continues to evolve, staying relevant in a fiercely competitive market. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Tata Tiago a standout choice for Indian car buyers.
Design: A Head-Turner on Indian Roads
The Tata Tiago’s design philosophy can be summed up in three words: modern, sporty, and compact. The 2024 model builds on the successful formula of its predecessors, with subtle refinements that keep it fresh and appealing.
Exterior Styling
At first glance, the Tiago’s sharp lines and bold stance give it a dynamic presence.
The front fascia is dominated by Tata’s signature ‘humanity line’ grille, flanked by sleek projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights.
The sculpted bonnet and pronounced wheel arches add to the car’s muscular appearance, belying its compact dimensions.
The side profile showcases a rising beltline that gives the Tiago a sense of motion even when stationary.
The blacked-out B-pillars create a floating roof effect, a design element that’s become increasingly popular in modern hatchbacks. At the rear, wrap-around taillights and a neatly integrated spoiler complete the sporty look.
New for 2024 are redesigned alloy wheels, available in 14-inch and 15-inch options depending on the variant. These not only enhance the car’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved handling and road presence.
Interior Comfort and Style
Step inside the Tiago, and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight class.
The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a dual-tone color scheme that adds a touch of sophistication. High-quality plastics and well-textured surfaces give the interior a premium feel, unusual for cars in this segment.
The seats are well-contoured and offer good support, making long journeys comfortable.
The driver’s seat is height-adjustable in higher trims, ensuring a perfect driving position for people of all statures. Rear seat space is adequate for two adults, though three might be a squeeze on longer trips.
One of the Tiago’s standout features is its impressive boot space of 242 liters, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. This versatility makes the Tiago equally adept at city runabouts and weekend getaways.
Performance: Peppy and Efficient
Under the hood, the Tata Tiago offers a choice of powertrains to suit different needs and preferences.
Petrol Power
The mainstay of the Tiago range is its 1.2-liter Revotron petrol engine. This three-cylinder unit produces a respectable 86 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque.
It’s a refined motor, with minimal vibrations and good NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels.
Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The manual offers crisp shifts and a light clutch, perfect for navigating busy city traffic.
The AMT, while not as smooth as a traditional automatic, provides the convenience of clutch-less driving at an affordable price point.
CNG Option
In response to the growing demand for cleaner and more economical fuel options, Tata also offers a factory-fitted CNG variant.
This bi-fuel option uses the same 1.2-liter engine but is tuned to run on both petrol and CNG. When running on CNG, power output is slightly reduced to 73 PS, but the benefit comes in the form of significantly lower running costs.
Driving Dynamics
The Tiago’s lightweight yet rigid chassis provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling.
The suspension setup, consisting of independent McPherson struts at the front and a twist-beam arrangement at the rear, is well-tuned for Indian road conditions.
It soaks up bumps and potholes with aplomb while still maintaining composure through corners.
The electric power steering is light at low speeds, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.
It weighs up nicely as speeds increase, providing good feedback to the driver. With a turning radius of just 4.9 meters, the Tiago is exceptionally nimble in urban environments.
Safety: A Top Priority
One area where the Tata Tiago truly shines is safety. In an era where Indian consumers are becoming increasingly safety-conscious, the Tiago stands out with its impressive credentials.
Global NCAP Rating
The Tiago has received a 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP, making it one of the safest cars in its segment. This rating is a testament to Tata’s commitment to building robust vehicles that prioritize occupant protection.
Key Safety Features
Standard safety features across all variants include:
Dual front airbags
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Corner Stability Control
Rear parking sensors
Speed-sensing auto door lock
Driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder
Higher trims add features like:
Reverse camera
Front fog lamps with cornering function
ISOFIX child seat anchors
The Tiago’s body structure uses high-strength steel in critical areas, designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy in the event of a collision.
Technology and Connectivity
In keeping with the expectations of modern car buyers, the Tata Tiago comes loaded with an array of tech features.
Infotainment System
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Developed in collaboration with Harman, this system offers crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. It supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless smartphone integration.
The infotainment system is paired with a premium 8-speaker sound system, delivering impressive audio quality that’s unusual for cars in this segment.
Digital Instrument Cluster
Higher variants of the Tiago feature a digital instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information at a glance. This includes a digital speedometer, fuel economy data, and various vehicle status indicators.
Connected Car Features
Tata’s iRA (Intelligent Real-time Assist) connected car technology is available as an option on the Tiago. This system offers features like:
- Remote vehicle monitoring
- Geofencing alerts
- Live vehicle diagnostics
- Over-the-air updates
These features can be accessed through a smartphone app, adding an extra layer of convenience and security for Tiago owners.
Fuel Efficiency: Easy on the Pocket
In a market where running costs are a crucial factor, the Tata Tiago doesn’t disappoint. The petrol variants deliver an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 19.8 km/l for the manual transmission and 19.4 km/l for the AMT.
The CNG variant takes efficiency to another level, with a claimed figure of 26.49 km/kg. This makes the Tiago CNG one of the most economical cars to run in its segment.
Variants and Pricing
The Tata Tiago is available in a range of variants to suit different budgets and requirements. As of 2024, the lineup includes:
- XE (Base variant)
- XT
- XZ
- XZ+
- XZA+ (Top AMT variant)
Prices range from approximately ₹5.60 lakh for the base XE variant to ₹7.80 lakh for the top-spec XZA+ (ex-showroom prices, may vary by location).
The CNG variants are available in XT, XZ, and XZ+ trims, with a price premium of about ₹90,000 over their petrol counterparts.
Ownership Experience
Tata Motors has made significant strides in improving its after-sales service in recent years. The company has expanded its service network and introduced initiatives like mobile service vans to enhance customer convenience.
The Tiago comes with a standard warranty of 2 years/75,000 km, which can be extended up to 5 years/1,50,000 km for additional peace of mind.
Maintenance costs for the Tiago are competitive, with service intervals set at 15,000 km or one year, whichever comes first. Tata also offers service packages that can help owners budget for maintenance expenses over the long term.
Competition and Market Position
The Tata Tiago competes in the highly competitive compact hatchback segment. Its main rivals include:
- Maruti Suzuki Swift
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
- Renault Kwid
While each of these competitors has its strengths, the Tiago stands out with its combination of style, safety, and value for money. Its Global NCAP safety rating, in particular, gives it an edge over many rivals.
Future Outlook
As India moves towards stricter emission norms and increased electrification, the future of the Tiago looks promising. Tata has already introduced an all-electric version, the Tiago EV, showcasing the platform’s versatility.
We can expect future iterations of the Tiago to incorporate more advanced driver assistance systems, improved connectivity features, and possibly mild-hybrid technology to further enhance fuel efficiency.
Tata Tiago : A Well-Rounded Package
The Tata Tiago has come a long way since its introduction, evolving into a well-rounded package that offers style, safety, and value in equal measure. Its success has played a crucial role in Tata Motors’ resurgence in the passenger vehicle market.
For buyers looking for a compact car that doesn’t compromise on essential features or safety, the Tiago makes a compelling case.
Its stylish design turns heads, while its efficient powertrains keep running costs in check. The impressive safety credentials provide peace of mind, a factor that’s becoming increasingly important to Indian car buyers.
While it may not lead the segment in terms of outright performance or rear-seat space, the Tiago’s balanced approach makes it a sensible choice for a wide range of buyers, from first-time car owners to families looking for a reliable second car.
As Tata continues to refine and improve the Tiago, it’s clear that this little hatchback will remain a significant player in the Indian automotive landscape for years to come.
In a market where value for money is paramount, the Tata Tiago continues to shine as a beacon of affordable quality and safety.