Tata Tiago: In a fiercely contested space like the compact hatchback space in India, the Tata Tiago has managed to make its presence felt very solidly and has positioned itself as the default choice for those of us who wants a quality car which doesn’t stop us from frequenting the petrol pump.
This sensational little car has shown buyers what is achievable in the small car class, with outstanding economy to go with a full featured package at a price tag that will not cause bankruptcy.
Tata Tiago The Best Fuel Economy Available for the Price
Tata Tiago The Tiago’s class leading fuel efficiency numbers form the cornerstone of its drive to attract cost concious Indian consumers.
The petrol iteration with a refined 1.2-litre Revotron engine falsifies an ARAI-proven mileage of 23.84km/l in its manual guise.
This class leading fuel efficiency makes the Tiago one of the most fuel efficient petrol hatchbacks in the country right now.
For individuals looking for maximum affordability, the Tiago CNG model delivers the highest miles in the country in its category and will continue to serve the huge demand for a CNG car.
Being fuel efficient with an impressive mileage of 26.49 km/kg in CNG mode alone changes the monthly fuel game for many families.
The CNG model is one that gets the approval from the manufacturer, unlike the aftermarket fitments option and is sold with company warranty saving the issues you can face in long-term ownership.
That impressive efficiency doesn’t create too big a deficit on the performance end, either. The gasoline engine makes good for 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque and the CNG one returns 73.5 PS and 95 Nm and yet, it is more than enough to ensure a perky drive around town which is where the Tiago will be driven.
Affordability at Both Purchase and After the Sale Tata Tiago
The value proposition for Tiago far transcends the appealing price point at around ₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
The true financial gain comes in the life of ownership where the story of excellent fuel economy, low maintenance and strong resale come together to provide a strong TCO story.
Tata’s smart price for service packages also works to the credit of the Tiago, as it keeps the running costs well under check.
The average cost of the maintenance package is about 34% lower than some of the competing Japanese and Korean rivals in the same segment.
This affordability also translates to the cost of spare parts where commonly replaced parts such as filters, brake pads and clutch assembly are priced much lower than its premium hatchback peers.
The Tiago’s insurance prices are also generally cheaper than some rivals, helped by its safety record and repair-friendly construction.
The 3-year/1,00,000 km warranty is a more complete warranty that will give you instant peace of mind, rather than having extended warranty packages working their way into the crunching purchase price.
Safety Pasts The Price You’d Expect To Pay
And most impressively, the Tiago actually makes its sums without skimping on what has long been a weakness in budget Indian cars – safety.
Global NCAP rating, by securing four stars, is great news for the safety conscious buyer on a budget and shows Tata’s intent on democratizing safety in the Indian market.
Standard safety equipment comprises of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, rear parking sensors and a high-strength steel safety cage.
The top end gets a reverse camera, fog lamps with cornering function and auto headlamps.
And this is one complete safety package that very completely leaves many of its competitors in the dust, the latter still too-frequently relegating safety systems to the expensive-upgrade column rather than the standard equipment list.
Easy to Use and Features You Need
Its very simple, but stylish and practical design philosophy adds to the Tiago’s appeal. Perfectly balancing exterior size for nimble urban mobility and interior packaging for family utility, the outside measured of the vehicle is 3,765 mm long, 1,677 mm wide and 1,535 mm high.
The 242L boot can be turned into a 345L storage space when the seats are down, which is good for the shopping and luggage of small families.
The interior quality though is better than what we’d expect for the segment, featuring good plastics, fabric seats, well put together with a focus on ergonomics. The 7-inch touch-screen infotainment, with smartphone connectivity via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, brings contemporary convenience to a very affordable segment, while the Harman audio system is of a quality that would be at home in much more expensive cars.
Desirably considered little extras can be found in the cool glovebox and the various storage spaces peppering the cabin.
The rear of the car gets adjustable headrests — a small thing but one that reveals great thought was given, by Tata, to passenger comfort and safety, even in their least expensive offering.
Market Position and Competition Strength Tata Tiago
In a segment lorded over by the likes of Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, the Tiago has managed to find relevance by offering a slightly more substantial feel and higher levels of equipment at near value-for-money price points.
Where the rivals are able stick to one or two big things, the Tiago doesn’t just focus on that, but instead offers an all-rounded package that appeals to the pragmatic buyer that will actually think about the overall deal.
In specific, the Tiago has been quite popular with first-time car buyers moving up from 2-wheelers, young professionals who need an affordable workhorse, and small families who want a reliable second car.
It would be welcomed by people from all walks who are only interested in sensibility and value in the motor vehicle and running cost.
Tata Tiago Looking Ahead
The Tiago’s economy should only become increasingly appetising to the budget-conscious buyer if fuel prices keep going the way they are.
Tata has also shown dedication towards refreshing the model, with several facelifts to the styling, features, and powertrains ever since its launch in 2016.
This relentless advances, plus the value it offers inherently as a car, should ensure the Tiago continues to be a strong performer in India’s cutthroat budget hatchback space for many years to come.
For those looking at the dual aspects of (a) the ‘mileage’ and (b) ‘price’ and (c) do not want to compromise much, the either Tata Tiago is a clear winner in today’s time.