Tata Tiago CNG

Tata Tiago CNG Expert Verdict

Tata Tiago CNG Detailed Review

• Tiago CNG Performance

  Powering the Tata Tiago iCNG is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol unit. In its petrol form, this motor produces 85 bhp of power on tap with a maximum torque of 113 Nm. However, with the CNG, the power and torque figures are dropped to 72 bhp and 95 Nm respectively.

  With the CNG, the engine is smooth and even the noise levels are contained if you drive with a light right foot. Even if you shift from petrol to CNG on the move, there isn't any jerkiness that's observed with other CNG cars and the transition is swift and smooth. The 5-speed manual gearbox is well-tuned to the engine, however, it is slight notchy when shifting through the gears. Sadly, we only get a stick shift with the CNG Tiago. One of the good things about the Tiago iCNG is that even with 2-3 three people on board and a few pieces of luggage, the car can cruise at 100 kmph gently on the highways. With its light clutch, Tiago iCNG is a driver's delight car in massive traffic jams. The ARAI-certified fuel economy of the Tiago iCNG sticks to 26.49 kmpl and about 8-9 kgs of CNG can be filled in the cylinder. We achieved more than 35 km/kg with the Tiago iCNG when we drove with a light right foot

  

  Summary

  On paper, it has more power / torque than rivals but heavy weight negates this. However, smooth operation nevertheless.

• Tiago CNG Exterior

  Tata has just brought in the Tiago iCNG and it looks pretty good. It is based on five variants - XE, XM, XT, XZ and XZ+, which is a first in its segment as it caters to the needs of every buyer. While the Tiago iCNG model does not differentiate itself as such from the conventional petrol trim but it does have its own markings. The Tata Tiago iCNG now gets i-CNG badging at the rear and the model also receives a new Midnight Plum paint scheme that looks really elegant. The top-spec XZ+ variant now also receives projector headlights along with chrome door handles and 14-inch hyper style steel wheels. Yes, unlike the 15-inch alloy wheels present in the petrol version of the Tata Tiago, this i-CNG gets equipped with 14-inch steel wheels only.

  Tata Tiago iCNG is made available in five colour options - Opal White, Flame Red, Daytona Grey, Arizona Blue and Midnight Plum. Dimensionally, the Tiagi iCNG measures 3,765 mm in length, 1,677 mm in width, 1,535 mm in height and gets a wheelbase of 2,400 mm. The ground clearance of Tiago iCNG sticks to 168 mm and 80 litres of boot carrying capacity. Tata Tiago rivals with Maruti Celerio CNG and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG.

  Source: Tata Tiago CNG

  

  Summary

  Looks identical to the petrol Tiago apart from the iCNG badge alloy wheel look-alike wheel caps.

• Tiago CNG Interior

  Tata Tiago iCNG is a modern hatchback. The interior for the same carries a similar design from the petrol model with all the modern equipment but now gets a new dual-tone black-beige treatment. There's also a designated CNG button on the centre console to switch between the fuels. It continues with a multi-functional steering wheel with a tilt adjustment setting, a digital instrument cluster that also displays the CNG left in the tank and piano black inserts around the AC vents.

  The beige and black colour scheme inside gives an airy feeling to the cabin of Tata Tiago iCNG. Feature-wise, the top-spec XZ+ is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, Harman sound system, all-four power windows and more.

  

  Summary

  Remains identical to the regular petrol apart from CNG display icon and the CNG change over button. Boot space is restricted now .

• Tiago CNG Ride & Handling

  One of the better parts of the Tiago iCNG remains is the ride quality. With the added weight of the cylinder, the car now feels stiffer over bad parts of the roads and even helps when you're cornering a sharp turn. The ride is a little stiff on the highways but fret not, it is a comfortable one. Like we said above, the Tiago iCNG feels confident even when you're cruising at triple-digit speeds.

  
  Sharing our deeds on the handling part then do not expect much from the car. Mind you, the steering is not lifeless as other cars in the segment but it surely does not attract confidence too at high speeds. It feels lighter at city speeds so that's a good part as it makes parking at tight spots look like an easy job.

  

   

  Summary

  Fantastic ride quality. Feels safe and predicable at higher speeds as well.

• Tiago CNG Safety

  While the petrol version of the Tata Tiago scored a global NCAP rating of 4 stars, the same cannot be said for the CNG version of the hatchback. However, Tata claims that they're sure of the build quality of the CNG version and it will score good points at the Global NCAP if tested.

  Safety features on the Tata Tiago iCNG include dual airbags at the front, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, corner stability control, front seat belt reminder, high-speed alert system, reverse parking sensors, speed-sensing door lock, child safety lock and among others.

  The CNG kit also has several safety add-ons: automatic cut-off if leakage is detected for one. Likewise, the car will not start if the fuel filler cap is not shut properly. So that is a great feature for a CNG vehicle

  

   

  Summary

  If you want a safe set of CNG wheels, this is it!

• Tiago CNG Price & Rivals

  Pricing for the Tiago CNG starts from Rs 6.30 lakh for the base XE version and goes as high as Rs 7.82 lakh for the XZ+ DT version. Tata Tiago iCNG directly competes with the Maruti Celerio CNG, Maruti Swift CNG and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG. It scores four stars in the Global NCAP rating, gets multiple variants for the CNG option however, it misses out on the stage of being the most fuel-efficient CNG car. The ARAI-certified fuel economy of Tiago iCNG sticks to 26.49 km/kg only when compared to 35.6 km/kg of Maruti Celerio and 28 km/kg of Grand i10 Nios. The Swift CNG delivers 30.9 km/kg. 

  
  If you are in the market to buy a budgeted CNG hatchback that also provides safety then Tata Tiago iCNG can be your choice. It delivers a good amount of power, is smooth to drive at city and highway speeds, and has a good suspension setup and has adequate features to offer. 

  Summary

  The CNG hatchback market is warming up now. Tigor remains on the recommended list.