Tata Tigor Review – autoX

After compact SUVs, it is compact sedans that happen to be the talk of the town. And many of you will remember that the very first car that gave rise to this new sub 4-metre segment was the Indigo eCS. However, it is now history, and it’s about time Tata upped the game with its Tigor – a sedan version of the popular Tiago hatchback. With Maruti’s Dzire, Hyundai’s Xcent and Ford’s Aspire in sight – the Tigor will have to defend itself well, as Tata is pretty confident about this one, as we further reveal in our Tata Tigor review…

From the front, the Tigor looks identical to the Tiago. The swept-back headlamps get a smoked-out look with orange markers on the lower portion of the headlamp and it gets projector lenses too. There’s even some chrome that is visible in certain areas. From the side, the coupe-like roofline is visible; then there’s the stubby tail section that looks very neatly done. At the rear, there’s a thick chrome bar that runs in between both the distinctive tail lights. Diesel Tigors get 14-inch wheels, while petrol models get 15-inch diamond-cut alloys.

Inside the cabin, the textured dashboard is also seen on the Tiago, while the doors have fabric inserts on them. The overall fit and finish could have been better, and certain panels haven’t been fitted appropriately. Space never seems an issue. The seats at the front are large and supportive, and visibility from the driver’s seat is good. Even the rear seats are comfortable, but the backrests are reclined a little too much. Three occupants can be seated at the rear, and the rear centre-armrest can be folded if there is no third occupant. A few features include auto climate control, a Harman-developed touchscreen infotainment system and a reverse camera. The sound system sounds really good, thanks to the four-speaker and four-tweeter setup. The system is also quite responsive. There are a couple of cubby holes around, and every door has a bottleholders in it. Boot space is rather good at 419 litres.

The Tiago is powered by two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol that makes 84bhp and 114Nm of torque and a 1.05-litre diesel engine that makes 69bhp and 140Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an AMT. Both engines are quite refined, but vibrations do seep through. In terms of performance, both engines deliver sufficient performance and make for pottering about in the city a boon. However, it’s the diesel engine that seemed the quicker of the two, thanks in part to the higher torque output. The Tigor also manages to tackle bad roads well. However, the electric steering feels lifeless and there is also body roll around corners. The gearshifts are smooth and it makes shifting a cinch.

Priced between ₹ 5.20 – ₹ 7.38 lakh, the Tata Tigor is a product that reflects the brand’s level of maturity in understanding what is most needed in a segment like this. In fact, the Tigor clearly goes to show that Tata isn’t to be taken for granted anymore. As mentioned earlier in our Tigor review – with a sub 4-metre sedan as well styled, well equipped and feature-laden as this, the competition certainly has reasons to sit up and take notice.

Do look out for our in-depth Tigor car review to find out more.