New Tata Tiago: What to expect

Following heaps of spy shots, endless speculations and a couple of launch delays, the Tata Tiago is finally ready for the Indian roads. Billed as one of the most anticipated cars of 2016, the Tiago is set to be launched tomorrow in Mumbai. Tata is likely to position the Tiago in a way that will make sure it competes with a variety of small cars ranging from the Maruti Suzuki Celerio to the Honda Brio and if that’s the case, expect prices to be on the competitive side. However, that’s only half the story. Here’s all that we are expecting from this much awaited hatchback.

Bold new design

The Tiago represents a whole new design direction from Tata Motors. Unlike the brand’s previous hatchback designs that we are all way too familiar with, the Tiago looks properly distinctive. Yes, there is the signature Tata smiling grille but the sweptback headlamps and the tightly packed creases are some of the newer (and nicer) touches. If anything, the rear looks even better – those wrap-around tail lamps and the bulging boot lid look very European.

Features

Tata cars, as we know, are all about space than perceived quality and features. But with the Bolt, the brand broke the mould and designed a cabin that puts as much emphasis on feature list as space and comfort. The Tiago takes things forward with a new, smarter looking design. The cabin looks really attractive for a budget car with the hexagonal centre console layout and a neat instrument cluster. As for the features, the top-spec Tiago will come with the power windows, power steering, a Harman developed eight speaker music system (from the Bolt) with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and electric mirrors. The Tiago will also get rear parking sensors with display – something which is missing in the bigger Bolt.   

Engines

At the heart of the Tiago you can expect either a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Revotron petrol or the 1.05-litre three-cylinder Revotorq diesel engine.  The petrol motor produces 84bhp and 114Nm of torque, while the diesel is good for 69bhp and 140Nm of torque. Both these engines are paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Like the Bolt, the Tiago will also have multi-drive modes (City, Eco and Sport). For those looking forward to an AMT-equipped variant, Tata will launch it at a later stage, possibly around the year-end.