Tata Tiago NRG: Top 5 expected features

The Tiago has proven to be a runaway success for Tata since its introduction back in April 2016. The entry-level hatchback entered a high selling segment which was dominated by Alto, Celerio and Wagon R. Now, Tata is planning to add another iteration of Tiago on 12 September which will be called the Tiago NRG. The NRG stands for ‘energy’ and the hatchback will receive a crossover treatment just like the Celerio X. Here is everything we can expect from Tata’s entry-level hatchback-cross.

1. Design:

The SUVs/crossovers are all the craze these days. To the extent that even the hatchbacks are receiving the same treatment. The Celerio X was the first. Now the subtle looking Tiago will get body claddings all around. There will be faux skid plates, roof rails on top, roof mounted spoiler and a black insert on the tailgate right between the tail lights. Even the mirrors and door handles will be done in black. New 14-inch wheels are also part of the NRG package. The Tiago NRG will be available in three body colour options – Malabar Silver, Canyon Orange and Fuji White

2. Interior update:

On the inside, the changes seem to be limited to contrasting orange inserts in an all-black cabin. The upholstery will get ‘denim-inspired’ fabric as well. The five-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice command, navigation and an eight-speaker system will come as standard.

3. Increased dimensions: 

The Tiago NRG will be slightly taller, longer and wider compared to the standard Tiago owing to increased ground clearance and added body cladding. Tata claims to have tuned the suspensions and as a result, the ground clearance will be increased to 180mm compared to 165mm of the standard car. Meanwhile, the length will be increased to 3,793mm, the width will be 1,665 mm and the overall height will be 1,587 mm over 3746mmx1647mmx1,535mm dimensions of the standard car. 

4. Powertrain:

The NRG will carry forward the mechanicals without any performance upgrades. So there will be 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 will come mated to a five-speed manual transmission with no automatic as an option.

5. Not the Tiago Aktiv:

Tata showcased the Tiago Aktiv showcar at the 2016 Auto Expo, back when the hatchback was called the Zica. After the rebadging, the Tiago Aktiv was also seen at select dealerships. Although the basic idea is the same between the two, the NRG has more prominent crossover elements compared to the Aktiv. When launched, the Tiago NRG will compete against the Maruti Suzuki Celerio X and Renault Kwid apart from more expensive cross-hatches such as Mahindra KUV100 and Ford Freestyle.

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