Tata Tiago

The Tata Tiago turns heads with its bold styling, featuring LED projector headlamps, a striking front grille, and sleek dual-tone alloy wheels. The shark fin antenna adds a modern touch, while the optimized ground clearance (170 mm) handles city potholes and speed breakers effortlessly—even with a full load of passengers and luggage.

Build quality feels robust, shrugging off minor dings without a fuss. That said, the stock headlights are underwhelming for highway driving. Upgrading to 90/100-watt halogen bulbs helped, but the fog lamps still feel more like a cosmetic add-on than a functional feature.

Powered by a 3-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Tiago shines in city traffic with punchy low-end torque—perfect for zipping through in 2nd or 3rd gear. Highway driving, however, demands patience. Overtaking at speeds above 90 km/h requires planning, thanks to noticeable turbo lag below 2,000 RPM.

Mountain drives? Prepare to downshift and switch off the AC on steep climbs. While vibrations at startup and shutdown are apparent, the engine settles into a manageable hum. Fuel efficiency is a win: 16–18 kmpl in the city and 20–26 kmpl on highways, depending on your driving style.

On the inside you get a dual-tone cabin that enhances the overall travelling experience. For entertainment they have provided a 7-inch Harman touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and 8-speaker sound system which delivers crisp audio and seamless connectivity. Space is decent for four adults, but if you fit three adults in the rear seat it will be little uncomfortable.

The cooled glovebox and rear AC vents add thoughtful touches. But according to experts, climate control is a little disappointing. Especially in traffic you do not get proper cooling. After 70,000 km, the materials still hold up well, and the boot handles weekend getaways without a hitch.

In terms of safety, this car is decent at this price point with a 4-star Global NCAP rating, dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and a camera. Features like ESP and hill-hold assist inspire confidence. Ride comfort is solid, though the AC’s struggles in peak heat can dampen the experience. The seats are supportive for long drives, but rear legroom stays a compromise.

After all, even in the long term the user will be satisfied with the ride quality. The suspension is capable enough to handle potholes and speed breakers without struggle even at a higher speed. Corners feel stable, and the steering responds predictably.

Ground clearance ensures minimal scraping, even on rough terrain. While the well-tuned chassis keeps things planted during highway cruising. It’s a hatchback that balances city agility with highway stability effortlessly.