When it comes to affordable hatchbacks in India, the Tata Tiago has consistently been a strong contender in the segment.
Launched in 2016, the Tiago has undergone several updates over the years, solidifying its position as a reliable, feature-packed, and stylish option for urban commuters and small families alike.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Tata Tiago a standout choice in its category.
Design and Styling: Fresh and Youthful
The Tata Tiago boasts a modern and youthful design that appeals to a wide audience. Its sleek silhouette, bold grille, and sharp headlamps give it a distinctive road presence.
The updated version features subtle tweaks like redesigned bumpers, new alloy wheel designs, and stylish decals (in certain variants), making it look more premium than its price tag suggests.
The compact dimensions of the Tiago make it ideal for navigating through tight city streets, while the well-proportioned body ensures it doesn’t feel too small or cramped.
The fit and finish have improved significantly over the years, reflecting Tata Motors’ commitment to quality.
Interior: Practical and Feature-Rich
Step inside the Tata Tiago, and you’ll be greeted by a surprisingly spacious and well-designed cabin. The interior is a blend of functionality and modernity, with a dual-tone dashboard, good-quality materials, and ergonomic controls. While it’s not the most luxurious in its class, it certainly punches above its weight.
The seats are comfortable, even for long drives, and the rear bench offers decent legroom for a car of this size. The boot space stands at 242 liters, which is adequate for daily grocery runs or a weekend getaway.
One of the highlights of the Tiago is its feature list. Even in its base variants, the car comes equipped with essentials like power windows, central locking, and a music system.
Higher trims offer a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors.
The Harman-tuned audio system is a standout feature, delivering impressive sound quality for a car in this segment.
Performance: Peppy and Efficient
The Tata Tiago is available in both petrol and CNG options, catering to a wide range of buyers. The 1.2-liter Revotron petrol engine delivers 86 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque, which is more than sufficient for city driving.
The engine feels refined and responsive, especially in the lower rev range, making it a joy to drive in stop-and-go traffic.
For those looking for better fuel efficiency, the CNG variant is a great option. It offers a slightly lower power output (73 PS) but delivers exceptional mileage, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuters.
The Tiago comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, but Tata also offers an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) option for those who prefer an automatic. The AMT is smooth and convenient, though it can feel a bit sluggish during quick overtakes.
Ride and Handling: Comfortable and Composed
The Tata Tiago shines when it comes to ride quality. The suspension is tuned to handle Indian road conditions with ease, absorbing bumps and potholes without breaking a sweat. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the compact turning radius adds to its city-friendly nature.
On the highway, the Tiago feels stable and composed, though it’s worth noting that it’s primarily designed for urban environments. The brakes offer good feedback, and the inclusion of dual airbags and ABS with EBD across all variants ensures a safe driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency: Impressive Figures
Fuel efficiency is one of the Tiago’s strongest suits. The petrol variant delivers an impressive 19-20 kmpl, while the CNG variant takes it up a notch with a staggering 26-28 km/kg. These figures make the Tiago one of the most economical cars in its segment, perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
Safety: A Step Ahead
Tata Motors has always prioritized safety, and the Tiago is no exception. It comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard across all variants.
The build quality feels solid, and the car has scored a respectable 4-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests, which is commendable for a hatchback in this price range.
Verdict: A Well-Rounded Package
The Tata Tiago is a well-rounded hatchback that offers a perfect blend of style, features, performance, and affordability. It’s a car that caters to a wide audience, from first-time buyers to small families looking for a reliable daily driver.
With its competitive pricing, low running costs, and impressive feature list, the Tiago continues to be one of the best options in the compact hatchback segment.
If you’re in the market for a car that delivers great value for money without compromising on quality, the Tata Tiago should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s proof that you don’t need to break the bank to own a car that’s practical, fun to drive, and packed with features.
Price Range: ₹5.60 lakh to ₹8.20 lakh (ex-showroom)
Key Competitors: Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Hyundai Santro, Wagon R
So, what do you think of the Tata Tiago? Let us know in the comments below!