Tata Tiago NRG BS6

Tata Tiago NRG BS6 Expert Verdict

Tata Tiago NRG BS6 Detailed Review

• Tiago NRG BS6 Performance 9 /10

  The first-generation Tata Tiago NRG was introduced in 2018 and had 1.2-liter petrol and 1.05-liter diesel engine choices that complied with BS IV. However, the vehicle manufacturer chose to discontinue the small-capacity diesel engine by 2020, and the Tiago was re-launched exclusively with the 1.2-liter petrol engine due to the adoption of the BS VI pollution rules. Similar circumstances apply to the Tiago NRG, which is now only offered with a petrol engine. The 1.2-liter gasoline engine can produce a maximum 83.8 bhp of power and a maximum torque of 113 Nm. The NRG is offered with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT, much as the donor model.

  

  With healthy power and torque figures, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine of the Tiago NRG can easily compete with the 1.2-litre Dragon engine of the Ford Freestyle. In fact, it’s far more powerful than the 1.0-litre K-Series engine from Maruti Suzuki. Its refinement levels, though, aren’t a match to the 1.2-litre K-Series motor from the country’s largest-selling carmaker.  There's good torque spread throughout the rev band and the driver can comfortably do 30-40 kmph in fourth gear without stalling the motor. 

  The manual transmission offers smooth shifts and the AMT is definitely among the better units in the segment. That said, the automated manual transmission of the NRG isn’t as well tuned as that of the WagonR. Also, the motor gets a bit gruff towards the redline and simply doesn’t have the refinement levels of its Japanese counterpart. 

  Summary

  The 1.2-litre petrol engine of the Tiago NRG is shared with the regular version and offers decent performance levels. The overall refinement, though, could have been better while even the AMT does not feel as well-tuned as we have seen on Maruti Suzuki models.

• Tiago NRG BS6 Exterior 8.5 /10

  The biggest visible differentiator between the BS IV and BS VI versions of the Tiago NRG is the more modern styling package of the latter.  Redesigned colour options, a new bumper and grille design, and improved headlamp patterns are all included with the NRG's relaunch. Additionally, a fake skid plate is included, giving the crossover a sporty appearance. By adding body cladding, the NRG looks more tough than the standard Tiago from the side profile. The MY2021 NRG also comes with 15-inch hyperstyle wheels, and the rear end has a substantial body covering that sports NRG badging. The Tiago NRG does not come with alloy wheels, so keep that in mind.

  There’s some plastic cladding even on the boot-lid while the black roof and door handles help enhance the boldness on offer. Meanwhile, the ‘DurAlloy’ wheels that are basically steelies designed to mimic the look of alloy wheels make the side profile look a tad more sophisticated. In terms of dimensions, the Tiago NRG is as much as 37 mm longer than the regular version due to the body cladding it wears at the front and the rear. Even the ground clearance, at 181 mm, is as much as 11 mm higher than the base car. The Tata Tiago NRG BS VI is on sale in four distinct colour options -  Foresta Green, Snow White, Cloudy Grey and Fire Red.

  

  Source: Tata Tiago NRG

  Summary

  While the Tata Tiago NRG shares all of its body panels with the regular Tiago, it manages to look far bolder and more rugged due to the plethora of add-ons it has been adorned with.

• Tiago NRG BS6 Interior 8 /10

  As you would have guessed, the Tata Tiago NRG is simply a more rugged-looking derivative of the regular Tiago, which means even the cabin stays much like what you get on the base car. Inside, the theme of the cabin in charcoal black has been maintained. This preserves the cabin's athletic aesthetic. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included. Other amenities include follow-me-home headlamp functionality, manual HVAC, multi-function steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and all four power windows.

  As the Tiago NRG is based on the fully-loaded XZ Plus trim of the Tiago, it comes with pretty much the same equipment. Also, it gets a Harman-sourced audio system that offers a great aural experience. Other highlights of the features list include day-night internal rear view mirror, rear parking sensors, electric folding rear view mirrors, power windows, steering-mounted audio controls, height-adjustable driver’s seat, ABS and dual front airbags. Moreover, it’s important to mention here that the Tiago NRG even offers push button engine start/stop and keyless entry feature, both which are not available on the Tiago. At the same time, one feature of the donor hatchback that’s not available on the NRG is the automatic climate control. 

  

  Summary

  The interior of the Tata Tiago NRG is much like that of the top-spec Tiago but it misses out on an automatic climate control while offering additional kit in the form of the push button engine start/stop and keyless entry.

• Tiago NRG BS6 Ride & Handling 10 /10

  One thing we've noticed about virtually all of the Tata Motors models we've driven is how well they ride. The Tiago is in the same situation, so even the NRG isn't all that different. It could even be somewhat superior to the hatchback it is based on. The seats in both rows are kept pleasant throughout the bumpy parts of the route thanks to the soft suspension setting. However, some of the larger sways do pose a threat to the vehicle's stability. Additionally, even if it is not much, the body roll may be seen over the larger anomalies. However, similar to the Tiago, the NRG gives a very mature ride that is typical of more expensive vehicles.

  In spite of the higher ground clearance, the high-speed stability is quite good while even the steering isn’t devoid of weight. That said, much of the weight that it carries feels artificially induced but it still feels a lot more reassuring than what the units of many Japanese and Korean rivals feel. The only little grouse that we have here is that the steering feels a bit vague around the dead centre position. 

  

  Summary

  In spite of the increase in the ground clearance, the Tiago NRG offers a good balance between comfort and sporty handling characteristics.

• Tiago NRG BS6 Safety 8 /10

  The NRG, which is based on the Tata Tiago, undoubtedly benefited from the donor model's excellent level of crash safety. Actually, the Tiago is the only vehicle in its class right now to have a 4-star safety certification from Global NCAP. Additionally, the NRG should provide a comparable amount of protection given that it is only a cosmetic upgrade over the standard Tiago. The NRG also has a rather extensive safety package for a car of its price, but before we go on to discuss what's included, it's important to note that the NRG's structure is composed of high-strength steel, which better dissipates impact energy in the case of a collision.

  Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, rear parking sensors, a high-speed warning reminder, seatbelt reminder, and other safety features are included. 

  

  Summary

  The Tata Tiago NRG offers a handful of active and passive safety features that should keep occupants safe in the event of an accident. Also, the NRG is made of high strength steel that absorbs impact from an accident better than the regular steel.