Tata Tiago

The Tata Tiago is an entry-level hatchback priced in the Rs 5.5-8 lakh segment. It is the most affordable car by Tata Motors and is a great option for those wanting to buy their first car. In a similar budget, you can also consider cars like the Maruti WagonR, Maruti Celerio, and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.

The Tiago was first introduced in 2015, and has since then received minor updates. The last update came in 2022, where it got a minor facelift and some new features. Notably, the Tiago is no longer available with a diesel engine option. You can, however, choose between CNG and an EV option.

 

Exterior

Design has always been a strong highlight of the Tiago. Tata Motors has worked hard to ensure the Tiago does not remind people of the old Indica or the Vista, and it has succeeded in doing so.

The Tiago isn’t a particularly large hatchback, measuring a little under 3.8 metres in length. However, it’s sharp design and eye-catching colors will make you notice. With the update, Tata redesigned the front profile of the Tiago, making it look similar to the larger Altroz. 

New projector headlamps, a larger gloss black grille and a redesigned bumper make it easy to distinguish the new model from the old one. The bumper looks sportier and has fog lamps and daytime running lights (DRLs) as well.

From the side, not much has changed since 2015. The shape is the same, but you will notice newer 15-inch dual tone alloy wheels here. Do note that the top-spec Tiago CNG variant gets 14-inch steel wheels designed to look like alloys. The side also features turn indicators on the outside mirrors. 

Moving onto the rear, the new bumper is the only change that’s immediately noticeable. We do like how Tata Motors has neatly integrated the camera on the boot, and also the little spoiler spats on the roof.

In its segment, the Tiago is among the most balanced looking designs. The design has aged well, and will not look tacky or outdated years from now. 

Interior

The doors of the Tiago open wide. Seats are set on the lower side compared to something  like a WagonR, and thus requires a little more effort to get in and out of. If elders in the family intend to use the vehicle, please keep this in mind.

Once inside, the black-beige interior scheme of the Tiago will feel welcoming. Quality of materials is what you’d expect from a car in the category. Nothing exceptional, but nothing to complain about either. From a design standpoint, the biggest difference is the new steering wheel. Borrowed from the Altroz, it has a flat-bottom design and a rich-looking leather wrap in the top spec models.

There’s a lot of functionality built into the cabin. Storage spaces are plenty between the door pockets, the centre console and the large glovebox. 

The front seats can accommodate large individuals quite comfortably. A wide seat back and adjustable headrests, along with an adjustable seat height makes it easy to be comfortable here. However, we wish the front seat had a little more support for the underthigh.

At the rear, space is surprisingly good for a vehicle this size. Anyone up to 5’10” should be quite comfortable here, even with the front seat occupied by anyone similarly sized. Those taller will find underthigh support and headroom to be less than ideal. Tata Motors should have also considered offering a central armrest at the rear to make longer journeys comfortable. As it is, given the relatively narrow width of the Tiago, seating three occupants at the rear is a a challenge. 

Boot Space

The Tiago CNG now features two smaller cylinders with a combined capacity equivalent to the previous single 60-litre CNG tank. Placing these cylinders closer to the boot floor has significantly increased the available boot space, allowing for the accommodation of an overnight suitcase, a duffle bag, and a laptop bag simultaneously. Tata has ingeniously managed to incorporate a spare tyre beneath the boot floor, adding to the practicality of the design.

Features

In terms of features, the Tiago is reasonably well-equipped. The top-spec variants feature

As far as infotainment goes, Tata offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the higher variants of the Tiago. Resolution, by today’s standards is strictly average and response time isn’t as quick as you’d expect. However, this is paired with a fantastic 8-speaker sound system which might have you forgive the slightly sub-par touchscreen experience. 

The Tiago gets a fully-digital instrument cluster. This black and white read out is clear, but feels a little cheap and out of place in an otherwise rich looking cabin.

Safety

All variants of the Tiago get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control and a tyre puncture repair kit as standard. The top model also features a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

The Tiago scored a 4 star rating in the crash test conducted by Global NCAP. Do note that the crash tests were conducted under the older norms. Under the new norms, the safety rating could be lower.

Drive

One of the primary complaints about the Tiago has been the rough-sounding three-cylinder engine. In terms of output, it matches the four-cylinder engines from Maruti Suzuki, but it simply isn’t as refined or smooth. 

Performance is acceptable for city driving. With the light clutch and gear shifts, the Tiago is quite easy to drive for daily commutes. With its compact size and quick steering, the Tiago seems ideal for driving within the city. Out on the highway, you will have no troubles maintaining 80-100kmph. However, if you want to overtake traffic, or come across steep inclines, you will have to downshift to make progress. 

Tata Motors is also offering an AMT, which offers convenience. You operate the vehicle exactly like a proper automatic. However, it’s best to keep in mind that this is a cost-effective solution. In this case, you will feel the gearshifts to be slow and sometimes accompanied with a jerk. This is especially true when you need a downshift. In such cases, it’s better to shift the AMT to manual mode. 

With CNG, there’s not a huge difference in performance, especially inside the city. Just that it will require you to adopt a slightly more relaxed driving style. It’s only on the highway that you will feel the need to switch back to petrol. 

The Tiago has a balanced suspension setup. It’s comfortable over broken roads and does not toss occupants around. High speed stability is acceptable too.

Tiago CNG AMT Drive Impressions

The Tiago iCNG delivers a smooth driving experience that may leave you questioning whether you're running on CNG at all. With seamless startup on CNG and negligible additional noise or vibration from the engine, it offers ample power for maintaining speeds of 50-60 kmph and executing overtakes. While acceleration at higher RPMs may feel somewhat lacking, particularly on highways, the car excels in urban environments. 

With the introduction of the AMT, the Tiago iCNG has significantly enhanced its driving experience. This AMT stands out as one of the finest transmissions offered in any Tata vehicle to date. Its upshifts are notably swift, and the shift logic and tuning are spot-on, ensuring that you remain within the power band without struggling for power. While the downshifts may not be as rapid, they are nevertheless smooth, and the gearbox tends to maintain a higher gear to sustain momentum. Whether running on CNG or petrol, Tata has skillfully calibrated the AMT to seamlessly accommodate both fuel options. Overall, we highly recommend the AMT variant for those seeking added convenience, particularly for city driving.

Verdict

From a city car perspective, there’s not a lot wrong with the Tiago. Yes, it could do with a more refined engine and a little more power for highway drives. On the features front, there are no major misses except for it could do with a newer touchscreen. If you’ve been looking for a small car that’s comfortable, spacious and well-built for your small family, the Tiago is worth considering.