Tata Tiago : In an over crowded compact hatchback market the Tata Tiago is one of the most practical and sensible choices for an Indian car buyer. The Tiago is a small car, but with a robust build, respectable safety scores and a youthful design, it’s big in every day usability and value.
If you’re a first-time new car shopper, an urban-commuter, or you’re just after a second car and instead would prefer not to spend a fortune on one, the Tiago has a good case for itself.
Tata Tiago Exterior Design: Fashionable package with the sport of sedan
Looking smart and sporty, the Tiago is quite a looker. The front is bold with swept-back h/lamps, signature Tata grille and nicely contoured bumper etc. The body lines are clean, and it has a gentle curve for a sleeker look.
The 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, body-coloured ORVMs with indicators; and contrast black roof (in the top variants) add to the visual appeal of the car.
At the back, the car has an edgy looking rear side profile with wrap-around tail-lamps and a neatly integrated roof spoiler. It’s not sexy, but the Tiago carries a sense of understated sportiness that many rivals in its price bracket simply can’t match.
Inside and Features: Compact yet Smart
On the inside, the Tiago gets a decent layout to offer. The dual-tone dashboard with bits of chrome feels modern and upmarket, given the price tag. Materials are fine (if plastic) and fit and finish are good.
It’s not a luxury cabin, but it doesn’t come off as cheap, either.
The star of the show is the yet to be released 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the upper trims, replete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Harman sound system as well is definitely one of the best in its class.
It also comes with steering-mounted controls, voice recognition and a digital instrument cluster in some of the trim levels.
Rear-seat space is respectable for two adults. There’s enough legroom and headroom for city drives but squeezing three adults in at the back is tight. The boot, at 242 liters, will store all the smaller daily things.
Engine and Performance – City focused and efficient
The Tiago is powered by 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine that produces 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque.
It comes with 5-speed manual and an AMT (automated manual transmission) too. The engine is not the most cultured (usual for a three-pot) but it is fine for city use.
The manual is more fun to drive, and the AMT for city shuffling. It delivers a real-world mileage of about 18–20 km/l, so it is very pocket-friendly as well.
Ride and handling: Suited to the Indian roads
Ride quality is one of the Tiago’s strong points. The suspension is quite dialed in for Indian roads and feels like an endorsement to India’s humps and potholes.
The car is peachy planted at moderate speeds and the steering, while typically light at lower speeds does offer some feedback on highways.
The build is sturdy and you also get a rare 4-star non-adult rating from Global NCAP for this segment. Safety has clearly been a priority for Tata, as it comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and strong body shell even for lower variants.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stylish and youthful design
Outstanding ride comfort and driving stability
Top-end Harman sound system
Good safety package (4-star Global NCAP)
AMT and CNG options available
Value-for-money pricing for all the trim levels
Cons:
Feels a little raucous when you work it hard
Third-row space is snug for three occupants
No diesel variant offered
No rear AC vents or wireless charging
Infotainment also could stand to be a little snappier
Tata Tiago Decision: A Sensible Option with Actual Strengths in Real World
The Tata Tiago isn’t the hatchback that’s trying to be the flashiest, or the most powerful. Instead, it’s concerned with the things that truly count: comfort, safety, efficiency, and function.
From the perspective of getting great value on a budget, the Tiago is among the best cars available today.
It’s a car that gets both Indian roads and Indian buyers — and is a package far richer than you’d give it credit for at this price range.