Tata's popular hatchback Tiago has got an SUV makeover. Though not a complete SUV, Tiago NRG can be called a hatchback that has been inspired by an SUV. Tata likes to slot it a segment called urban toughroader.
Tata's pride
Tiago is the car that helped Tata Motors retain its pride in the auto industry. After a long interval, Tata made a car that both Tata lovers and others brought in good numbers. In the auto market, Tata's presence is underscored by Tiago. Now, Tata's best seller has got a sporty makeover.
What's new
Tiago NRG will make a new style statement with its tough armoured exteriors. Plastic cladding that begins from the big wheel arches runs through the sides can be seen in the rear too. Other features include dual-tone four-spoke alloy wheels, roof railing and black-finish top.
Inside story
The interiors remain more or less similar to the regular model. The dashboard and trims are in dual tones, with body-coloured inserts on the bezels of the AC vents. The orange inserts can also be seen on the centre console and the surroundings of the gear lever. The body-hugging seats are in denim finish. The Tiago also get a cooled glovebox, five-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment system, eight speakers, navigation with 3D maps and voice command.
Luxury
Right from the fabric seats to the quality of plastics, there is a premium touch to the Tiago NRG. True to a Tata car, it also has enough space, with even seats being big enough and 22 storage slots. Moreover, there are hooks for shopping bags and the 240-litre boot is fairly large.
Targeting youth
Tiago has been successful in changing the perception that small cars mean a tin can on four wheels. Tiago has emerged as the best car not only in terms of looks but also in quality and finish too.
The car exudes freshness and targets young executives and small families.
Safety
Tiago NRG gets ABS, EBD, Airbags and corner stability control on higher variants. Tiago NRG gets 180 mm of ground clearance, as against the 170 mm seen in the standard car. It also features an intelligent electric power steering system.
Driving
Engine options include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Revotorq diesel unit that produces 70 bhp of power and 1.2-litre Revotron petrol mill that churns out 85 bhp of peak power. The vibrations and thrums of the three-cylinder engine are not felt inside. The car can also boast of good control, smooth pedals and responsive steering. The mileage has been rated at 27.28 kmpl for the diesel version and 23.84 kmpl for the petrol variant.
Multi-drive
Tiago has multi-drive modes that are usually seen in luxury cars. The modes include city and eco. If you are concerned about mileage, put the car in eco mode and if you want better response from the engine, shift to the city mode. The gear-shift indicator will be a great boon for drivers. Tata has also tweaked the suspension to offset the raised ride height and given an electric power steering instead of the hydraulic one.
Test drive: M K Motors 8281151111
