Just a week after pictures of Tata's first production cross-hatch were leaked online, the company has today launched the Tiago NRG at an introductory price of Rs 5.50 lakh for the petrol and Rs 6.32 lakh for the diesel (ex-showroom, Delhi). At this price, the cross-hatch is just under Rs 30,000 dearer than the top-spec Tiago XZ.
As you'd expect from a cross-hatch, the Tiago NRG is largely identical to the standard hatch but features a full body kit in a contrasting black shade, aimed at adding a bit of SUV flavour to the package. The body kit consists of front- and rear-bumper add-ons with faux brushed-aluminium scuff plates, along with additional trim pieces on the running boards and wheel arches.
A big difference between the NRG and the standard Tiago is the raised ride height. The Tiago NRG cross-hatch boasts 180mm of ground clearance, as opposed to the 170mm seen in the standard car. It is marginally longer, wider and taller than the standard hatchback as well, but that is due to the addition of exterior elements.
In terms of appearance, the Tiago NRG sports a black front-grille with no chrome detailing, a black roof, black roof-rails, black wing mirrors and door handles, and an additional black plastic trim on the tailgate. The NRG also gets headlamps with projector lens and black inserts (similar to the ones seen on the top-of-the-line Tigor compact sedan), and a new design for the 14-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, the model gets contrasting trim elements finished in orange for the dashboard. Additionally, it is also equipped with electrically adjustable wing-mirrors and a cooled glove box. The Tiago NRG is the only Tiago variant available with a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that doubles as the reverse-camera display. It also gets the Tigor's four-speaker Harman sound system.
Mechanically, the Tiago NRG is exactly the same as the standard hatch. Engine options include an 85hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 70hp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder diesel unit. Interestingly, the only gearbox on offer is the five-speed manual – the standard Tiago can also be had with a five-speed AMT.
At this price, the Tiago NRG - available in a single, fully-loaded variant - comfortably undercuts the top-spec Ford Freestyle.
In the meantime, do you think the NRG is an attractive alternative to a standard hatchback? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Also see:
2018 Tata Tiago NRG vs rivals: Specifications comparison