Tata Tigor

 The Tata Tigor falls into the entry-level sedan category, with a price range of Rs 6-9 lakh. 

It is based on the Tata Tiago, which is Tata Motors' most budget-friendly offering.  If you were considering the Tiago and wanted a little more style, rear seat space and boot space, you could switch to the Tigor instead. In a similar price range, you can choose from other small sedans such as the Hyundai Aura and Maruti Dzire. 

The Tiago made its debut in 2017 and has undergone a series of minor updates over the years. Its most recent update occurred in 2022, resulting in a subtle facelift and the introduction of some new features. Notably, the Tiago no longer offers a diesel engine variant. However, you do have the option to choose between a CNG model or an electric vehicle (EV) variant.

Exterior 

From the very beginning, Tata Motors had a plan to create a sedan based on the Tiago hatchback. It's not surprising, then, that these two cars have many similarities, both in their appearance and their underlying components.

If you look at the Tigor from the front, it appears quite similar to the Tiago, but there are some subtle changes that distinguish it as the more luxurious option. The tri-arrow pattern on the grille gets chrome accents, and there’s a wide chrome band beneath the headlights and grille as well. All individual elements, such as the projector headlights, fog lamps and daytime running lamps are shared with the Tiago.

 Compared to the Tiago, the Tigor is 228mm longer and the wheelbase (distance between the wheels) has been stretched by a full 50mm as well. The top-spec variant gets 15-inch alloy wheels, whereas the CNG variant gets a 14-inch steel wheel designed to look like an alloy. There are certain interesting design touches, such as the gloss black outside mirrors with turn indicators, a chrome line under the window and chrome on the door handles.

 The rear is the most unique angle for the Tigor, thanks to its ‘liftback’ like design. The update hasn’t changed much here except for a new bumper and the clear-lens tail lamps. You will also notice a full-width stop lamp at the top of the windscreen and a shark fin antenna as well.

Boot Space

Tata offers a sizeable 419-litre boot with the Tigor. Unlike the Tiago, the boot is placed slightly high here and is deep. There’s no official number on the bootspace of the Tigor CNG — but it should be able to accommodate a couple of backpacks easily.

Interior

The Tigor’s doors open wide, but its seats are positioned slightly lower than regular hatchbacks. This may require a bit more effort to enter and exit. If you plan to have older family members using the car, it's something to keep in mind.

Once you're inside, you'll find the Tigor’s black-beige interior scheme upmarket. The quality of materials is what you'd typically expect in this car category—nothing exceptional, but nothing to complain about either.

Compared to the Tiago, the Tigor feels a little more premium because of the good quality leatherette upholstery and the subtle chrome lining around the AC vents. In terms of design, the most noticeable change is the new steering wheel, borrowed from the Altroz. It features a flat-bottom design and, in the top-spec models, a rich-looking leather wrap.

 Compared to the Tiago, the Tigor feels a little more premium because of the good quality leatherette upholstery and the subtle chrome lining around the AC vents. In terms of design, the most noticeable change is the new steering wheel, borrowed from the Altroz. It features a flat-bottom design and, in the top-spec models, a rich-looking leather wrap. 

The cabin is quite functional, with plenty of storage spaces in the door pockets, center console, and a large glovebox.

The front seats can comfortably accommodate larger individuals, thanks to their wide seat backs, adjustable headrests, and adjustable seat height. However, some additional underthigh support for the front seats would have been appreciated.

Surprisingly, the rear space is good for a vehicle of this size. Anyone up to 5'10" should find it comfortable back there, even with the front seat occupied by someone of similar size. Taller individuals may find the underthigh support and headroom to be somewhat lacking. Tata Motors has also given a central armrest, that enhances comfort during longer journeys. Given the relatively narrow width of the Tigor, seating three passengers in the rear can be a bit of a challenge anyway.

Features

In terms of features, the Tigor is reasonably well-equipped, especially in the top-spec variants. 

The Tigor also boasts a fully digital instrument cluster. This readout is in black and white, and while it's clear, it may feel somewhat cheap and out of place in an otherwise visually appealing cabin.

Regarding the infotainment system, Tata provides a 7-inch touchscreen unit in the higher variants of the Tigor. However, when it comes to resolution, it's considered average by today's standards, and the response time is not as quick as you might want. Nonetheless, it gets an impressive 8-speaker sound system, which could make you overlook the slightly less-than-stellar touchscreen experience. 

Safety

Every variant of the Tigor comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), corner stability control, and a tire puncture repair kit as standard safety features. Additionally, the top model includes a tyre pressure monitoring system for added safety.

It's worth noting that the Tigor achieved a 4-star rating in the crash test conducted by Global NCAP. However, it's important to keep in mind that these crash tests were conducted under the older safety standards. With the introduction of new safety norms, the safety rating may potentially differ and could be lower.

Drive

One of the main criticisms of the Tigor has been its three-cylinder engine, which is known for its rough sound. While it matches the output of the four-cylinder engines from Maruti Suzuki, it lacks the refinement and smoothness.

For city driving, the performance is acceptable. The Tigor is user-friendly with its light clutch and smooth gear shifts, making it suitable for daily commutes. Its compact size and responsive steering make it well-suited for city driving. On the highway, maintaining speeds of 80-100 kmph is trouble-free. However, when you need to overtake other vehicles or encounter steep inclines, downshifting is necessary to make progress. 

 Tata Motors also offers an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) option, which adds convenience. You can operate the vehicle just like a traditional automatic. However, it's important to keep in mind that this is a cost-effective solution. In this case, you may find the gearshifts to be slower, and sometimes, accompanied by a jerk, especially during downshifts. In such situations, it's better to switch the AMT to manual mode. 

If you opt for the CNG version, there isn't a significant difference in performance, especially in city driving. However, it may require you to adopt a slightly more relaxed driving style. Only on the highway will you feel the need to switch back to petrol.

The Tigor’s suspension setup is well-balanced. It provides comfort on uneven roads and keeps occupants stable without excessive bouncing. It offers acceptable stability at higher speeds. 

Verdict

Primary reasons to consider the Tigor over the Tigor includes the better rear seat space and the slightly richer interior experience. In terms of features, it ticks most boxes, with the only notable drawback being the need for an updated touchscreen interface. As a city car, the Tigor performs quite well. We think it could definitely benefit from a more refined engine and a bit more power for highway journeys. 

If you've been in search of a compact car that offers comfort, space, and solid build quality for your small family, the Tigor is certainly a vehicle worth considering.