GOOD FOR: Spacious cabin, Styling
LOOK OUT FOR: Brake wear, Dashboard rattles
The Tigor is Tata’s answer to the hugely popular Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Honda Amaze. And while it is a well-rounded package, there are a few things to note before you make the purchase.
An attractive looking and practical compact sedan, the Tata Tigor was launched in March 2017 and was the carmaker’s third foray into the segment, following the Indigo CS and the Zest. Essentially a Tiago with a boot, Tata describes the Tigor as a ‘Styleback’ owing to its coupe-like sloping roofline. But there are plenty of elements that help distinguish the Tigor from its hatchback brethren. The Tigor’s headlights get a smoked-effect and also use projector lenses, and it features a unique window line with an upward kink at the rear quarter glass. The Tigor’s overall shape is attractive and draws many buyers’ attention.
As it gets a 50mm longer wheelbase, there’s also more space inside the Tigor than the Tiago it is based on. The cabin is very roomy and comfortable too, which is ideal for long-distance journeys. At the back, three adults can sit in comfort and what’s also nice is that there are sizeable fixed headrests for each of the rear passengers. The Tigor has a rear-centre armrest for those who like to be chauffeur driven.
When launched, the Tigor was offered with a 70hp, 1.05-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine and a 85hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine; both engines come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the petrol getting the option of an AMT. Both, the petrol and diesel Tigor get ‘City’ and ‘Eco’ drive modes. The petrol Tigor does 20.3kpl (ARAI) for both, the manual and AMT versions, while the diesel version is rated at 24.4kpl (ARAI).
An area where the Tigor shines is ride and handling. The steering is well weighted and though the Tigor rolls quite a bit in the bends, you always feel well in control. The suspension works silently and deals with bumps and undulations with relative ease, upping the Tigor’s big-car feel.
The Tigor was launched in five trim levels – XE, XM, XT, XZ and XZ (O). It is best to go for a higher trim level, XT or XZ for example, as they offer you creature comforts that you would typically want in a modern car today. For instance, the top-spec Tigor XZ (O) gets a 5.0- inch touchscreen, a Harman audio system, auto climate control, a rear parking camera, height-adjustable driver’s seat, 15-inch alloys wheels for the petrol variants (diesels get 14-inchers) and a rear-centre armrest. Safety kit includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Corner Stability Control and rear parking sensors.
If your usage is primarily within city confines, it is best to opt for the AMT-equipped Tigor as it is convenient and still good on fuel economy, while the diesel Tigor is best suited for highway usage. If possible, try to get a car with an extended warranty package as that will be valid even today.
The maintenance cost of the Tigor is par for the course. A regular service will cost around Rs 5,000- 6,000, and parts and spare prices too are on par with the competition. Furthermore, the Tigor’s service intervals, at 15,000km, is 5,000km higher than rivals from Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki, though there is a checkup every 7,500kms. Also, Tata’s aftersales and service network is quite strong and widespread, so accessibility is easy too.
Buyer, beware…
Brake Wear
Check if the car’s brakes are working fine. Some owners have complained of premature brake pad wear. Ensure that there is good bite to the brakes on engaging.
Dashboard Rattles
Drive over a bad patch of road to check if there are any squeaks or rattles from the dashboard. While the build is solid, certain bits and parts do tend to get loose over a period of time.
AMT Gearbox
On the AMT versions, check if the clutch engages properly and if the car rolls off the line smoothly, as AMTs are susceptible to early clutch wear.
Also worth knowing
Top versions of the Tigor get a 5.0-inch touchscreen but, the system is slow to respond and is known to freeze on occasion. Also, on the diesel versions, listen for a ticking noise from the engine, as it is likely to be a sign of a worn-out timing belt.
How much to spend
RS 4.5-6.5 lakh
It is quite easy to find plenty of good used examples of the Tigor. Spending anywhere between Rs 4.5 to 6.5 lakh, depending on the variant and powertrain, would represent good value.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
