After the launch of
their new age engines and designs in the Tata Zest and Bolt, the Indian car
maker has launched the Tata Tiago. The Tiago is designed and built to
compete in the entry level premium hatchback segment with a host of features
like the connect next infotainment system, Revotron and Revotorq engines
amongst other features. The ride quality and NVH levels are also greatly
improved to the earlier models from Tata in this segment.
Introduction
The Tiago is the successor to the Indica, which has been on sale
for 17 long years. Based on the same X0 platform as it’s predecessor, the
hatchback is a result of design inputs from the UK, Italy and Tata’s in-house
design team in Pune. Following Tata’s ‘Impact’ philosophy, the Tiago is amongst
the most well-built and well-equipped vehicles to roll off Tata’s assembly
line. The new kid on the block brings a lot of segment-firsts to the party. The
customization options and car-specific apps are unheard of in this price
bracket. The little Tata has the segment leaders, the Maruti Celerio and the
Hyundai Grand i10 firmly in its sights.
BACKGROUND & EVOLUTION
An entirely new product inside out, the Tiago was developed from
scratch over the past 3 years. It continues to share the X0 platform with the
age-old Indica and will be the base for a compact sedan that is all set to
break cover in 2016.
Exterior
The Tiago bears resemblance to no other Tata product, which in
our books is a very good thing to begin
Interior
The
interiors on the Tiago follow a theme similar to that on its elder siblings,
the Zest and the Bolt. Tata has spent a lot of time maximizing cabin space
& improving the quality and it does show.
Amongst
the first things you notice when you enter the cabin is the soothing black-grey
theme that envelopes the dash. Tata tells us they have bid goodbye to beige for
good; and we're glad. The quality of plastics used in the interior, especially
on the top half of the dash is very, very good. There's a dab of piano black on
the centre console and on the surrounds of the side ac vents amongst other
small places. Tata say the side AC vents can be colored co-ordinated to the
exteriors, which we think is a pretty cool touch.
PERFORMANCE
The
Tiago features two new engines, that will go on to power the upcoming compact
sedan as well. While petrol engine is entirely new, the diesel motor is a
derivative of the CR4 engine that powers the Indica currently.
Tiago Diesel (Revotorq - 1.05 litre)
The
Tiago diesel is amongst the powerful hatches in its class, second to only the
Grand i10. What is key to note however, is that the Tiago weighs considerably
more than all of its rivals. The extra weight, means that outright acceleration
isn’t as strong as in the Hyundai. However, it is definitely more peppier than
the Maruti Celerio and the Chevrolet Beat. Peak torque comes in a smooth surge
at as low as 1800 rpm; post which acceleration is brisk. The engine does not
feel too short-handed out on the highway and it does perfectly well within the
confines of the city too. The only sore point with the diesel engine remains
it’s refinement. It sounds coarse at high revs, which takes away from the
driving experience.
Tiago Petrol (Revotron - 1.2 litre)
The petrol engine on the Tiago loves to be revved! Like most
hatches in this price bracket, the little Tata too needs to be driven with a
heavy foot to extract performance. It is the most powerful hatch in its class,
but only just. Much like the diesel, what tilts the balance away from the Tiago
is its higher weight. The Grand i10 is 77 kilos lighter, while the Celerio is
almost 200 kilos lighter than the Tiago. However, it does decently well even
under heavy load. For instance, we had no issues climbing up a slightly steep
slope with a couple of passengers and some camera equipment on board.
Ride and Handling
The
steering is just as light as one would like it at city speeds. At highway
speeds, it weighs up sufficiently. It isn’t vague when shoved into a corner and
doesn’t feel as light or twitchy like the Grand i10. The suspension strikes a
fair balance between ride and handling. While it is on the firmer side, it
doesn’t thud over broken roads or potholes. The suspension set-up is better on
the petrol Tiago compared to the diesel. The diesel engine weighs an extras 20
kilos, to negate which Tata have used stiffer front springs and dampers. At
triple digit speeds, the ride is relatively flat. It does not bounce around
like the Hyundai. The added weight comes in handy here, the car feels planted
at high speeds.
Safety
I think The All NEW TIAGO is a fantastic car on middle class budget ..
