Tata Tiago

Tata Tiago Expert Verdict

Is Tiago a good car? Our Expert's Take!

Tata Tiago is the game changer for Tata in India. Its strong build quality, spacious cabin, & fuel economical engine makes it a strong rival in its segment. However, it is its aggressive pricing that makes the Tiago one of the top-selling products for Tata.

Tejen Dhankhar

91 Expert

8.5/10

Expert rating

Tata Tiago Detailed Review

• Tiago Performance 7.5 /10

  When it first debuted, the Tata Tiago had 1.2-liter petrol and 1.05-liter diesel engines. However, by the time the facelift was introduced, the diesel option had been removed from the market due to poor demand and the exorbitant cost of upgrading to BSVI emission compliance. The petrol engine is still capable of producing a maximum of 85 horsepower and a maximum torque of 113 Nm. There are 5-speed manual and AMT transmission choices. The same 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder engine powers the Tiago's CNG powertrain as well. The engine generates a maximum torque of 95 Nm and 72.3 horsepower. The 5-speed manual transmission is paired with the CNG version.

  The petrol mill offers a good torque spread across the rev range and one can easily cruise at as low as 45 kmph in fifth gear. The manual transmission offers slick shifts while the AMT is certainly among the better units we’ve seen in the market. Even the NVH is pretty well-controlled but you’ll miss the refinement levels offered by the K-series motors from Maruti Suzuki. In fact, this engine isn’t even as happy as either the K-series Maruti motors or the 1.2-litre Kappa engine from Hyundai. The motor does get a bit gruff as it approaches the redline. Under regular usage conditions, the Tiago can offer up to 14 kmpl in city and 20 kmpl on the highway. There’s even an Eco mode to help you boost the fuel economy. 

  

  Summary

  The Tata Tiago offers a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Also, with as much as 85 PS on tap, it is easily among the most powerful cars in its segment.

• Tiago Exterior 8.5 /10

  The revamped Tiago was first introduced in 2020 and received a number of visual updates, such as the sharper front profile akin to the Altroz and Tata's tri-arrow styling on the interior and outside. HHowever, the Tiago has consistently wowed with its appearance despite the redesign. With the swept-back headlights and the broad grille extending over the headlamp units, the front end appears very upscale. The facelift added a sharper bumper, and in some colours, the Tiago's nose has a striking resemblance to the Altroz.

  Our favourite bit over here is the clamshell hood that looks pretty muscular and goes on to add some weight to the front design of the vehicle. The highlights of the side profile include a pronounced beltline and a pretty big DLO (Daylight Opening), with the latter being something that we’ve even experienced on the Indica. A slight crease around the C-pillar even enabled the designers to seamlessly integrate the notchback for the Tiago-to-Tigor conversion. While the Tiago's normal model comes with alloy wheels, the CNG variants do not. The 'iCNG' emblem on the boot lid and a chrome strip are two more changes to the Tiago's rear design. Overall, it is still the segment's superior hatchback.

   

  The rear-end looks pretty neat but there’s a good deal of resemblance with the second-gen Ford Figo and Hyundai Grand i10. Akin to the headlights, the taillamps here have a swept-back design while the chunky rear bumper and the well-sculpted boot-lid help the Tiago have a handsome posterior.

  Summary

  With the advent of the mid-cycle facelift, the front-end of the Tata Tiago looks a fair bit like that of the Altroz, which is something that should impress many.

• Tiago Interior 8 /10

  Similar to its design, the Tata Tiago's interior is attractive without being overly flashy. The two-tone concept made up of different shades of grey heightens the feeling of space and even appears more upscale than the beige-grey scheme used by competitors. The chrome accent adds to the feeling of quality. The steering wheel is comfortable to handle, and the speedometer console has a stylish appearance. Without a doubt, the Tiago is not as roomy as the Indica, but there is still plenty of room in both rows. Additionally remarkable are the interior's fit-finish and build quality. Additionally, the chairs have adequate contouring and are well-padded to keep you comfortable on prolonged trips.

  The 242 litre cargo is quite roomy for a car of its size, and the well-bolstered seats will provide appropriate support on lengthy trips. Even with the front seats fully reclined, there is enough room in the back for two people and a child to sit on the bench in comfort. The Tiago doesn't come with as much equipment as you might expect from a car of this size and price, but you do receive the most of it. The top-spec model has a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a cooled glove box, automatic temperature control, a digital speedometer, a Harman 8-speaker audio system, and steering-mounted audio controls, among other things.

   

  

  Summary

  The Tata Tiago offers a practical and feature-laden cabin that feels quite upmarket for a cabin belonging to a car of this price and size.

• Tiago Ride & Handling 9 /10

  As a whole, Tata automobiles are renowned for their excellent ride quality, and the Tiago is in no way an exception. On most types of asphalt, the Maruti WagonR and Maruti Celerio competitor is fairly gently sprung and keeps all occupants at ease. The majority of potholes are simply absorbed, although the larger ones do have a tendency to shake the road a little. However, the Tiago delivers a developed ride quality that is typically not anticipated from cars in its group in most circumstances. Despite the fact that the Indica's ride quality has undoubtedly declined, the Tiago is still one of the most pleasant vehicles in its price range.

  The high speed stability is pretty good and the steering isn’t too light either. True, the heft it offers feels a bit artificially induced but it’s still a far more confidence-inspiring unit than what most of the rivals offer. Also, while the steering is quite direct, it does feel a bit vague around its dead centre. 

  

   

  

  Summary

  The Tata Tiago offers a great ride quality while still offering respectable handling manners. But it does not have the magic carpet ride of the Indica.

• Tiago Safety 10 /10

  The Tiago performed well in the Global NCAP crash test, like the majority of modern Tata Motors cars. With 12.52 out of 17 points for adult protection and 34.15 out of 49 points for kid protection, the Tata Tiago has essentially earned a four-star rating. According to the international testing organisation, the Tiago provides good head and neck protection for both the driver and passengers, but only fair protection for the driver's chest. The passenger's chest is adequately shielded in the meanwhile. Additionally, the Tiago's bodyshell has been deemed fragile and unable to bear additional loads.

  The Tata Tiago comes with a pretty comprehensive safety kit that includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, cornering stability control, high speed warning, front seatbelt reminder and cornering stability control. Also, thanks to a steering that isn’t lifeless at high speeds, the Tiago is also more confidence-inspiring than its competitors. Moreover, its brakes offer a strong bite and can haul down this small car from high speeds without drama. 

  

  Summary

  With a 4-star rating at Global NCAP, the Tata Tiago is easily among the safest cars in its segment. Also, the well-sorted dynamics make the Tiago a safer car at high speeds than most of its rivals.