Spec comparison: Tata Tiago NRG vs Maruti Suzuki Celerio X

The new-found affinity towards SUVs and crossover has increased to such an extent these days that carmakers are obligated to add rugged styling to entry-level hatchbacks. The first one to do this was the Celerio X back in December last year. Now, Tata felt the need to add the same crossover treatment to its most successful hatchback, the Tiago. So on one side we have the newly-launched Tiago NRG and on other, it’s the well-established Celerio X. Let the bout begin – 

Exterior and styling:

Tiago is subtle in its styling and gets body claddings all around in a typical crossover fashion. There are faux skid plates on both the bumpers, roof rails on top, roof mounted spoiler and a black insert on the tailgate right between the tail lights. The insert mounted on the tailgate houses the NRG logo at the back. Even the mirrors and door handles are done in black. New 14-inch alloy wheels are also part of the NRG package. The Tiago NRG is available in three colour options – Malabar Silver, Canyon Orange and Fuji White. The increased ground clearance (180mm over standard car’s 165mm) adds to the rugged appeal of the NRG.

Meanwhile, the X in the Celerio X isn’t just restricted to the name, it also adds X-themed design graphics around the fascia. The smeared-eyeliner-like effect beneath the headlights is done in gloss black finish and houses the circular fog lamps. The contrasting chrome black cladding on the fascia is joined by cladding on the wheel arches and bash plate on the rear bumper. It appears that the skirt around the edge has visually enhanced the edges of the car and this has made the rear-end look larger than normal. The new colour options include – Solid Paprika Orange, Arctic White, Glistening Grey, Caffeine Brown, and Torque Blue. 

Interior and features:

Moving inside the NRG, the cabin gets a heavy dose of orange. There are orange inserts around the AC vents, centre console, gearbox housing and on seats in a manner of patterned stitching. The NRG also debuts a touchscreen music system in the Tiago range. This is the same system found in the Tigor. Feature-wise, the dual front airbags along with ABS and EBD is offered in both the variants. This car also debuts rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlamps, driver seat belt reminder as well as corner stability control for the Tiago range.

Inside the Celerio X, it is business as usual. The cabin has the same features, layout and elements as the standard car but the black treatment from the exterior is extended to the seats which also gets orange piping. The Celerio X comes with driver-side airbag as standard. Meanwhile, the passenger airbags and ABS are offered as an optional fitment across all trims.

Powertrain:

The NRG carries forward the mechanicals of the standard Tiago without any performance upgrades. So there are both petrol and diesel engine options available. The petrol engine would be the 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit producing 84bhp and 114Nm. The diesel is the 1.0-litre, three-pot motor which puts out 69bhp and 140Nm. Both engines come mated to a five-speed manual transmission only. 

Powering the Celerio X is the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine as the standard Celerio producing 67bhp/90Nm and this can be had with a five-speed manual. However, Maruti Suzuki also offers the five-speed AMT which Maruti likes to call AGS (auto gear shift).

Pricing: 

The Tiago NRG has been introduced in India for an introductory price of Rs 5.49 lakhs for petrol and Rs 6.31 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Celerio X retails between Rs 4.75-5.61 lakhs across its eight variants.