The recently leaked Tata Tiago-based crosshatch, badged as the Tiago NRG, is expected to launch on September 12, 2018. When it arrives, the Tiago NRG will directly rival the Ford Freestyle and the Maruti Suzuki CelerioX. We put the three cross-hatches together, on paper, to see if the Tiago NRG can be the leader of this niche but steadily expanding segment.

DIMENSIONS

As is the case with cross-hatches, all three models share their styling with the hatchbacks they are based on (Tiago for the NRG, Figo for the Freestyle and Celerio for the CelerioX), but get typical bits of beefier SUV-like design cues. This results in a marginal increase in exterior dimensions but it doesn't affect the space inside. For example, the Tiago NRG is 47mm longer, 18mm wider and 52mm taller than the hatchback is it based on and (typically of the breed) its ground clearance has also increased by 10mm, but it has the same wheelbase length.

From this lot, it is the Freestyle that is the largest by a significant margin on every metric, from ground clearance to kerb weight. The Tiago NRG takes second place, though its wheelbase is 25mm shorter than the CelerioX’s. The Maruti is the only model here that doesn’t get a higher ground clearance when compared to its hatchback sibling.

POWERTRAIN

The three cross-hatchbacks share their powertrain with their respective hatchback counterparts (the Freestyle’s sibling, the Figo facelift is coming soon) and are mechanically identical too. The CelerioX is the least powerful here due to its 1.0-litre K-series motor, though this is offset slightly by its lower kerb weight. The Maruti is also the only cross-hatch here to get the option of an automatic but misses out on a diesel engine.

The Freestyle’s diesel engine rules the roost, offering the highest output figures and good fuel economy. The Tiago NRG comes in second; its 1.2-litre petrol makes 11hp and 6Nm less than the Freestyle’s similar-sized motor, while the 70hp, 1.05-litre diesel engine is weedy in comparison. As the Tiago NRG is heavier than the standard Tiago hatchback, performance and efficiency may be blunted slightly. Interestingly, while the Tata hatchback gets the option of a 5-speed AMT, the cross-hatch does not.

The ride and handling package on the Tiago NRG and Freestyle will be significantly different thanks to the tweaked suspension setups. The CelerioX sees no such change.

*Fuel efficiency figures for the standard hatchback

EQUIPMENT

The Tiago NRG is shares its feature’s list with its hatchback counterpart, which in terms of safety kit means top-spec trims get two airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors. The Tata also gets electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a cooled glovebox, and a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that doubles as a display for the reverse camera, along with a four-speaker Harman sound system.

The Ford Freestyle is the best-equipped model here with features such as hill-start assist, ESP and traction control for safety. Kit such as automatic headlamps and wipers, push-button start and automatic climate control also mark it out as the best in class.

The CelerioX gets two airbags and ABS on the top-spec optional trims only and misses out on a touchscreen infotainment system and a reverse parking camera, kit that is offered by its rivals.

PRICE

Maruti Suzuki’s penchant for attractive pricing can be seen on the CelerioX, with prices starting at Rs 4.63 lakh for the base VXi variant and going up to Rs 5.49 lakh for the top-spec ZXi AMT (O) trim. Compared to its hatchback sibling, the rugged-looking version carries a premium of about Rs 9,000. However, the Maruti’s comparative lack of equipment does make the CelerioX seem like a cut-price cross-hatch.

Ford has also priced its Freestyle quite competitively for the number of features it offers; it even undercuts the Figo hatchback by a significant margin, with about a Rs 60,000 difference in the base variants.

Tata has priced the Tiago NRG at a premium just under Rs 30,000 above the hatchback, which retails at Rs 3.35-5.19 lakh for the petrol versions (discounting the automatics) and Rs 4.16-6.00 lakh for the diesel variants. At this price point, the Tiago NRG offers a better value-for-money proposition than its rivals thanks to the amount of equipment it offers for a price that is comparable to the CelerioX.

A proper comparison will be required to make a decision but on paper, the Tata Tiago NRG makes a compelling case for itself in this niche segment.