Tata Motors has sold more than 7 lakh Tiagos in the last 10 years! As you would have read in our review of the updated Tiago EV, a lot of the hatchback’s success can be attributed to Tata Motors offering it with a range of powertrain options. But that’s not all there is to the Tiago, right? We’ve always liked the car for its compactness, ease of driving and positioning as an excellent city runaround. And to ensure the Tiago stays relevant, Tata Motors has just given the hatchback a makeover so comprehensive, this one feels almost like a full generation change!
That said, the Tiago continues with the same powertrain options as before, including the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine as a pure gasoline engine or fuelled by CNG. There’s significant changes to the car’s appearance inside-out though, along with the addition of a list of new features, aimed at elevating the Tiago’s positioning and having it offer a more premium vibe than before. The Tiago’s face looks sharper now thanks to the new, sleek-looking headlamps which also get a black outline, the gloss black panel connecting the headlamps and also the new clamshell bonnet. The front bumper has been redesigned too and looks sportier, besides getting a wider intake area.
Like the EV, the petrol and i-CNG versions also get cladding made from recycled materials on the wheel arches, but in a different colour. Intriguingly though, only the top variant of the Tiago petrol comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, while the CNG makes-do with smaller, 14-inch steel wheels. The rear end looks similar to the EV’s as the petrol and CNG version both get the same connected, but not fully illuminated lighting arrangement. Overall, the Tiago is a very cheerful looking car, especially thanks to the bright colour options it is on offer with, which also add to the car’s youthfulness.
The cabin has been refreshed thoroughly too, and while it does look similar to the Tiago EV’s, there are a few differences. You get the same fabric like finish on the dashboard here as well, but in a different hue, besides which the seats are upholstered in a different colour too. The steering wheel looks a little different and gets the conventional Tata Motors logo, though the 10.25-inch touchscreen and instrument cluster are the same. Tata Motors has also switched to a rotary drive selector for the AMT version from the erstwhile stubby lever, which has helped in liberating space in the centre console.
Another interesting design bit are the AC vents protruding from either end of the dashboard, as they look sporty and are very effective at channeling air towards occupants. The front seats provide better under thigh support and more comfort now, thanks to the improved cushioning. 20 percent of the cabin is made from recycled materials too. In keeping with its tradition, Tata Motors has also added some Easter eggs, and you now get a squirrel in various places, meant to imply the hatchback’s positioning as a tiny but energetic hatchback. Overall, the cabin feels very plush and upmarket, besides which fit-finish levels have improved too, and the Tiago now has what is the best looking cabin in its segment.
Like the EV, you get a bunch of new features now including 360-degree view and blind spot monitoring, both segment firsts, and the views and camera resolution are impressive. Oddly, wireless charging is exclusive to the top-spec petrol variant though, and you cannot have it in the i-CNG. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled glovebox and more too, helping ensure the Tiago is one of the most feature-rich cars at its price point.
Given that there are no mechanical changes the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine offers the same 86PS and 113Nm as before in the pure petrol version and 76PS and 95Nm in the i-CNG. Acceleration in the petrol version is reasonably quick, but the CNG version lets you feel its 10PS and 18Nm deficit. You can switch from CNG mode to pure petrol mode by simply pressing a button on the dashboard though, and the switch from petrol to CNG and vice-versa feels pretty seamless too. The Tiago CNG can also be had with an AMT, and in fact, the Tiago is the first CNG-fuelled car to come with paddle shifters for its AMT! The transmission impresses for driving in traffic and the paddles also add to convenience, and I expect a lot of CNG buyers to opt for the AMT. The petrol version we drove was the manual one with a 5-speed gearbox, which impressed with its short throws and light clutch.
With no changes to the suspension setup the Tiago feels as impressive as ever on the ride quality front. The suspension soaks up broken roads very well, adding to the car’s likeable manners. There is some amount of body roll around corners along with a hint of understeer when driving spiritedly, but things never feel out of control, and overall, the balance between ride and handling is good.
Overall, the updated Tiago feels like a breath of fresh air, because small cars, especially hatchbacks, are always fun to drive. And in the Tiago’s case, Tata Motors has done a commendable job of ensuring it feels relevant even a decade after its launch given the updates, especially the refreshed cabin that feels more premium and efficient powertrains. Prices are quite attractive too, as the petrol version retails from ₹4.69 lakh ex-showroom. At the prices and given its packaging, the Tiago certainly makes a strong case for itself as a compact city car even today, especially as compared to compact SUVs!
Words Abhay Verma
Photography Saidatta Naik, Swapnil Dhawale
