Tata Tiago

Synopsis

Tata has been struggling for a good chunk from the passenger vehicle sales in the Indian market. The potential products like Bolt and Zest even saw a downfall after first few successful months. Tata only has a single option to move out of this continuous downfall phase and that has been named as the new Tata Tiago (Zica/Kite hatchback) for the Indian market. The newcomer again presents some potential to those who skipped Bolt for being a bit overpriced and went for the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Chevrolet Beat.

Tiago can be considered as a favorite of Tata Motors as they hired the football legend, Lionel Messi for its advertisement and promotion. The best part for the same is that it is considered as a global product, thereby providing better quality than many of the current day Tata cars. It is now on-sale in India with a starting price tag of INR 3.20 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

Exterior

The Tiago comes with chrome dipped front fog lights whereas the smiling chrome lining below the front grill continues inside the headlight. More exterior features include body colored door handles, indicators on ORVM, decently designed alloy wheels and an attractive rear spoiler with integrated brake light. The hard lines around its side profile are not just aerodynamically good but also provides a good bold view from both of its sides. Tiago gets a sharp nose whereas Indica's were known for their flat front and rear end designs. The two tone rear bumper comes with Black insert near to the number plate, enhancing the sporty look of the car.

Interior

The interior reveals a black and beige layout, looking much more elegant than the normal full black setup in most of the cars. The body colored panels around the corner planted, front 2 air blowers is a brand new move in this segment. The center console has been finished in Piano Black, providing a great match to the three spoke, feature loaded steering wheel on the right. Proper chrome insertions on door handles provide a premium feel when considering its overall interior design. The seats are well finished and the overall dashboard layout looks best than all other Tata cars.

Dimensions and Weight

The car measures 3746 mm in length, 1647 mm in width and 1535 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 2400 mm, with a nice ground clearance of 170 mm. The 242 liter boot capacity is quite decent for the Tiago. The fuel tank measures 35 liter and the car weighs 1012 kg for the petrol and 1080 for the diesel variant.

Instrument Console

Tata Tiago uses the same instrument console being used in the new Bolt and Zest. The twin-pod unit comes with an analogue tachometer with digital engine hot/cold indicator at the left and speedometer with digital fuel gauge at the right. The center houses a LCD with clock, odometer and other important details like average speed, fuel mileage, instantaneous fuel mileage etc. The console also displays the two riding modes of the car, namely Eco and City.

Infotainment System

The car comes with a Tata ConnectNext infotainment system featuring 8 speakers. The system comes loaded with AUX, USB, Bluetooth and Android based smartphone navigation facility. It controls for the same has been provided on the steering wheel, facilitating calls as well as music while driving.

Engine and Gearbox

The diesel engine on the new Tiago is a downsized version of 1405 cc diesel engine as removing a cylinder and making it 1.05L, 3-cylinder motor made it more fuel efficient. The motor produces 70PS @ 4,000 rpm and 140 NM @ 1,800-3,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The other motor is a 1.2 L all new 3-cylinder Revotron petrol unit producing 85 PS @ 6,000 rpm and 114 NM @ 3,500 rpm. Tiago may use the AMT technology in the future whereas it comes with a 5-speed gearbox on the petrol variants. The petrol and diesel variants have ARAI-certified fuel mileage of 23.84 kmpL and 27.28 kmpL, respectively.

Brakes and Suspension

The brakes at the front are disc brakes whereas the rear uses drum brakes for the purpose. ABS equipped braking system also comes with electronic brake distribution. The suspension on the front is McPherson struts with coil springs whereas the rear uses a semi-independent setup with twist beam. The car rides on alloy wheels and 175/65R14 tyres.

Safety and Comfort

The Safety of the passengers has been given a prime place in Tiago as it comes loaded with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and corner stability control. The use of rear parking camera with proximity alert, key operated follow me home headlamps and Electronic power steering makes it safety as well as comfort oriented car. The ORVM's are electrically adjustable and all windows are power operated on the new Tiago.

Shades and Variants

The shades for the new Tiago are yet to be announced whereas it would get the same nomenclature featuring XE, XM, XT variants as well as the introduction of a new XB and XZ variants.

Ex-showroom Price

The most impressive factor for Tiago is its price range and placing the same at INR 3.20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) makes it a true competitor to the segment leading Maruti Suzuki Celerio and not so dangerous Datsun Go and Chevrolet Beat. The diesel version of Tata Tiago starts at INR 3.94 lakhs.

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