Tata Motors has released a first set of images of its long-awaited small hatchback, the Tiago. Known earlier by its internal codename 'Kite', the new Tiago follows Tata’s new family design language which makes it look different from the Tata Zest and the Tata Bolt.
It gets a vertically aligned honeycomb grille, a rounded front end with sharp-looking headlamps and black inserts. The lights and grille aren't a single cohesive unit, but there is a flow to the nose as a result of which the two are fused together. The lines that run along the beltline of the car are well supported by the sharp crease lines on the flanks. The rear, however, looks very Hyundai-like –going by the angle in which the picture has been shot. The large wraparound, petal-shaped tail-lamps look attractive when looked at closely and Tata has provided quite a prominent rear spoiler above the hatch.
The car shown in these images appears to be a well-equipped top-spec version. It gets alloy wheels, a few classy chrome bits on the grille and around the fog lamps as well. There are parking sensors at the rear and the hatch gets a rear wiper too.
Images of the Tata Tiago's interiors have also been revealed. Dual-tone interiors will be available, but on the top-spec trim. The dashboard, like the exteriors, carries all-new design. The instrument cluster is divided into two separate round units and a small multi-function display is expected to be placed between them.
A familiar hexagonal layout takes center stage on the dashboard. This theme has been seen recently on other new models in our market, such as the Maruti S-Cross and the Mahindra TUV300. However, on the Tiago, there are some familiar trim bits seen on other Tata offerings, like the steering wheel, the HVAC buttons and the audio system. There is no sign of climate control or a touchscreen infotainment system. It is likely to get split folding rear seats and a lower-spec Harman ConnectNext infotainment system. Features such as ABS, EBD and dual front airbags are expected to be a part of the top-spec trim.
Underpinning the Tiago's chassis will be an all-new suspension. The suspension used will be quite similar to that on the Indica, especially at the front, but the rear suspension will be tweaked to make it different from the difficult-to-service independent set-up originally present. It will also get the latest-generation Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit that has won praise in the Tata Bolt and Zest.
The Tiago hatchback and sedan will be powered by two new engines. The first is the 1.05-litre diesel, that made its public debut at the 2012 Auto Expo under the hood of the Manza Hybrid Concept. The motor is essentially a three-cylinder version of the original 1,405cc, four-cylinder diesel. The output is expected to be around 67bhp with 14kgm of torque. Fuel efficiency is expected to be upwards of 25kpl as per the official test cycle.
The second of the two motors is an all-new, in-house developed, naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol motor. The engine is a lightweight aluminium three-cylinder unit with four valves per cylinder, and is expected to produce around 84bhp and 11kgm of torque. The petrol motor is expected to share the ‘Revotron’ badge with the 1.2 Revotron turbocharged engine that currently powers the larger Zest and Bolt. This motor will, however, be a quantum leap over the 1.2 Revotron unit as far as technology is concerned. The key to the success of this new engine will be its competitive real-world fuel efficiency figure, something Tata has not managed to achieve with any of its petrols recently.
The Tiago hatchback will be positioned at the lower end of the B-segment and will compete with the likes of the Maruti Celerio. Tata is looking to price the new Tiago siblings aggressively with the hatchback’s prices expected to start from around Rs 3.6 lakh.
Tata Motors is expected to officially unveil the Tiago hatchback in a few days and
launch the car early next year.
Also read: Tata Tiago review