With an all-new design, powertrain, strategy and a brand ambassador in place, Tata Motors is finally ready to introduce its newest mass market offering - the Tiago on April 6, 2016 in the country. The hatchback that originally started life as the 'Zica', had to be rechristened as the Tiago (other options being Adore and Civet), after an unprecedented similarity with the name of a virus. Nevertheless, the hatchback is finally set to hit the roads and will be taking on a host of offerings including the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Hyundai Grand i10, Chevrolet Beat and the likes.
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With the Indian auto market grown tremendously over the past years, Tata Motors had fallen behind by quite a margin and took a sabbatical to re-align its strategy for future products. The Tiago, is the result of its new DesigNEXT strategy and definitely offers a completely fresh look to the model. Compared to the more recent Zest and Bolt, the Tiago has lesser influences of the Vista design and the styling too is far more balanced. The wide gloss black finished grille looks interesting flanked by bug shaped headlamps.
Tata Tiago Cabin
One also tends to like the rear fascia that reduces its visual bulk with the scooped out bumper. The wraparound tail lamps look young and appealing, whereas the roof spoiler adds a mild sporty touch. Interestingly, the additional flanks below the roof spoiler is something and Tata says they help in making the hatchback more aerodynamic. Another upgrade that you do notice is the gap between the tyre and wheel arch that has reduced on the model, allowing a more proportional stance to the design.
Also Read: Tata Tiago: Expected Price, Pictures, Specs, and Features
The Tata Tiago's cabin is a complete revamp and will be appreciated for its upmarket feel. The three-spoke steering wheel seen across the Tata lineup is available on the Tiago as well and comes with audio and telephony controls. You also get a compact designed centre console finished with gloss black accents that houses the infotainment system with AUX, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, apart from HVAC unit. Tata will you swap the air-con vents accents for a exterior colour matching one on the Tiago.
Talking about features, Tata Motors has equipped its little new hatchback with the new juke app that allows you to pair one main phone and multiple others through it. You also have turn-by-turn navigation available with the help of connecting your smartphone. The automaker says that it is targeting the younger consumer base, which explains the addition of features that are otherwise seen on more upmarket cars.
Tata Tiago Centre Console
But the innovation isn't limited just to the cabin. Tata Motors has employed two newly developed engines on the Tiago. Petrol power comes from the 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron that is tuned to produce 84bhp and 114Nm of peak torque; whereas diesel duty is performed by the 1.05-litre three-cylinder oil burner tuned for a 67bhp and 139Nm of torque. Both engine come paired to a 5-speed manual transmission and while the AMT may not be available at the time of launch, it is surely in the pipeline, we are told.
Also Read: Tata Tiago Review
The Tiago is not only an important product for Tata Motors in terms of sales volumes, but will also spawn a subcompact sedan that debuted as the Kite5 at the expo this year. As a result, the success of the Tiago turns out to be important for its booted derivative, which will be sharing almost all components including parts, styling and engine options with each other.
Tata Tiago Rear
Moving further, Tata will be kick-starting a host of launches for this year with the Tiago as it plans to introduce the Aria replacement - the Hexa by mid-2016, whereas the Nexon subcompact SUV is expect to arrive towards the end of the year. Like it has been with Tata's offerings, expect a competitive price tag on the Tiago as well starting around Rs. 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
Disclosure: NDTV's carandbike.com is a partner for Tata Motors Limited
