Tata Tiago – Safe, Practical and Mature Hatch

The five-door car from Tata is doing reasonably well in the Indian auto market. We try to find out why.

Launched first in 2016, the Tata Tiago only had a glitch with its name Zica. Due to the spread of the Zica virus during that period, its name was changed to Tiago post public voting. Based on the Horizonext philosophy, the Tiago is a product which revolutionised Tata Motors passenger car segment in the country. It broke the cliché design of Tata cars. Boasting a mass appealing design and practical cabin, the Tata hatchback gets a new set of engines and a plethora of features. The vehicle recently crossed 3 lakh units production milestone which underlines its success story.

So, what makes the Tata Tiago garner so much love in the country? Let’s delve into more details.

Design & Dimensions

The 2020 update in Tiago sees a sportier design language compared to its predecessor. It gets piano black front grille flanked by protruding headlamp cluster. The dominating grille has a strong chrome strip underlining it. The redesigned bumper too gets sharper design. The cuts and creases across the body, and especially on the hood, accentuate its sporty appeal. From the sides, the 15-inch alloy wheel design looks pleasing. The prominent shoulder line gives it a character.

Move to the rear and you will get the same neat design of the original Tiago. You get the same tail lamp cluster, high-mounted stop lamp and Tata’s chrome emblem in the centre. Notable tweaks include larger lettering of T I A G O dipped in chrome under the Tata logo. No more variant badging. The rear bumper is completely redesigned and gets a moustache kinda design – leaves a masculine impression on the trailers. You get a contrasting black roof as an option with all the colour options available.

Dimensions

The new Tata Tiago has grown in proportions compared to its previous iteration.

Although on paper the latest Tiago is longer and wider on papers, the wheelbase continues to remain the same. It gets similar boot space and height as well. Space was always the USP of Tata cars and it continues to be the same with the Tiago.

Interiors

The Tiago gets new flat-bottom steering with mounted controls. It gets comfortable egress and ingress thanks to the wide-opening doors. The dual-tone shade (black & grey) of upholstery with tasteful use of signature tri-arrow design on seats and headrests looks plush. The exterior body-coloured side air vents on the dash immediately catch your attention. The intelligent use of chrome and gloss black inserts is inviting.

The seats are well-bolstered and offer good support for average-sized adults. However, people with heights more than 6 foot might complain about shoulder room and under-thigh support. Tiago comes with adjustable headrests – a trait missing in its rivals. You get enough storages spaces across the Tata cabin to store your knick-knacks. Unlike its previous cars, the homegrown automaker has ensured the wiring and panels aren’t exposed. The number of adjustments available with the steering and driver’s height helps one find the right position in no time.

Engine and Specifications

Tata Tiago hatchback is only available with a petrol engine. The automaker discontinued the Tiago diesel in March 2020 owing to low demands of diesel cars. Moreover, every car had to follow the stricter BS6 emission norms from April 1, 2020, which made it an expensive affair for Tata, hence, the axing.

Features

The Tiago is decently kitted car. It gets front fog lamps, automatic AC, tilt-adjustable steering, power windows, remote keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVM, rear defogger with wiper, cooled glove box, one shot down on driver side window, 4 speakers, 4 tweeters, Bluetooth, steering mounted audio and phone controls, voice command, speed-sensitive volume control.

You also get a 6.35cm DIS display with tachometer, distance to empty, trip meter, door open and key in reminder. The 17.78cm touchscreen unit by Harman is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Safety

The Tata Tiago is one of the safest cars in its segment. It fetched 4-star rating for the adult category in the Global NCAP. It gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, over-speed alert, seat belt reminder, day & night IRVM, follow me home lamps, rear park assist sensor & display, rearview camera, rear defogger and rear smart wiper with wash.

Price

The Tiago is tagged in the price range of Rs 4.70 – 6.74 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India).

Verdict

If you want a good looking, practical hatchback with loads of features and impeccable safety, the Tiago is the car to go for. However, seating three above-average individuals in the rear row for long drives could be a pain. The aggressive pricing and adequate creature comfort features topped with great fuel efficiency figures make the Tiago a value for money car. Probably, that’s the reason it consistently sells over 5000 units every month!