Tata Motors is preparing to introduce India’s inaugural Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cars equipped with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). These eagerly awaited models, the Tiago CNG AMT hatchback and Tigor CNG AMT hatchback, have already sparked considerable interest, with bookings now open ahead of the anticipated official launch in the near future.
2024 Tiago CNG AMT
A comprehensive first-look walkaround of the Tiago CNG AMT has been made possible by Kataria Garage, highlighting the innovative features and design elements that distinguish it. The Tiago CNG AMT will be offered in three variants – XTA CNG, XZA+ CNG, and XZA NRG, while the Tigor CNG AMT will be available in two variants – XZA CNG and XZA+ CNG.
Both the Tiago and Tigor models, presently featuring 1.2-liter petrol engines and manual or AMT options, will now include CNG variants with a reduced output of 73.5 hp and 95 Nm, exclusively paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The introduction of AMT in the CNG variants represents a significant milestone as the first automatic transmission option for CNG cars in India offering consumers a novel driving experience.
Pricing and Expectations
Despite the automatic transmission, it's important to note that the fuel efficiency of the CNG AMT variants may slightly decrease compared to their manual counterparts. The Tiago CNG is priced at Rs 6.55 lakh, while the Tigor CNG starts from Rs 7.80 lakh (ex-showroom), with an expected premium of approximately Rs 60,000 over their manual counterparts.
The AMT variants of Tata Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG are poised to establish a new benchmark in the segment. The design elements, including projector headlamps, auto-folding ORVMs, wrap-around tail lamps, and two-tone alloy wheels, remain consistent with their standard models. A comfortable and feature-rich driving experience is offered by the interiors which include automatic air conditioning, a 7-inch infotainment system, a semi-digital driver display, and an 8-speaker sound system.
Safety and Competition
Safety features, such as dual front airbags, a rear parking camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS, and EBD, continue to be a priority for Tata Motors. Tata's twin-cylinder technology is integrated to ensure maximum performance and to free up crucial trunk space.
In terms of pricing expectations and competition, the Tiago CNG competes with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG, Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG, and Wagon R CNG, while the Tigor CNG rivals Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG and Hyundai Aura CNG in its segment.
Future Prospects
The introduction of the first CNG AMT cars in India is expected to set a new trend in the market, potentially prompting other automakers to follow suit. In the future, Tata Motors may extend this offering to models such as the Tata Punch and Tata Altroz CNG with AMT options further diversifying consumer choices in the growing market.