Tata Tiago

Under the hood, the Tiago XZ Plus packs a 1.2-liter petrol engine that pumps out 85 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 3300 rpm. It’s paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and while it’s no race car, it’s got enough zip for city life, especially with that featherlight steering wheel action.

Thanks to the Tiago’s short wheelbase and lightweight compared to the Nexon and Punch, the same engine in the Tiago feels much more lively to drive. The usual three-cylinder hums and vibrations are present, but it's hard to complain at this price point.

The official mileage is 19.01 kmpl (ARAI), but around DLF Cybercity and in the Mahipal traffic, I managed 20 kmpl combined—not bad at all.

The engine has a lively feel at low speeds, making it a champ for weaving through traffic. The gearbox is smooth, with short throws and a light clutch that makes shifting a breeze.

On the highway, it holds its own up to 100-120 kmph, but push it harder, and you’ll feel it strain a bit—those 85 horses only stretch so far. It’s not a powerhouse, but for a daily commuter, it’s plenty.

The Tiago XZ Plus has a pliant ride over all but the worst roads. The NRG variants get a fancier semi-independent setup in the rear, but I have yet to drive those variants.

The suspension is a combo of front McPherson struts and a rear twist beam with coil springs, designed to soak up city potholes. The steering is light and easy, perfect for U-turns and parking lot battles. In traffic, it feels nimble—its small size, tight turning radius, and peppy engine make it a dodge-and-weave master.

On highways, it’s stable up to moderate speeds, holding the road well for its class. But here’s the catch: the ride gets firm on rough roads. Hit a patchy stretch, and you’ll feel every bump rattle through the cabin—not jarring, but noticeable.

Step inside the Tiago XZ Plus, and you’re greeted by a cabin that is the opposite of claustrophobic despite its modest dimensions. If you have been in any of Tata's modern offerings, you would be well familiar with the cozy, cocooned-inside feeling they have, especially with dark interiors. In the Tiago, the use of light-colored dual-tone fabric somewhat alleviates that claustrophobic feeling and gives it a more airy atmosphere.

A massive 10.24-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay lets you blast your playlist or navigate without fumbling with cables. The screen is crisp, responsive, and feels like a substantial upgrade over the buggy Gen 1 screens.

The front seats are comfy, with an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat.

Automatic climate control keeps things cool (or toasty), though—sorry, no ventilated seats here to save your sweaty back in summer. The dashboard has a mix of soft-touch bits and some hard plastics—it’s not luxury-level, but it’s decent for a budget hatch.

You’ve also got a digital instrument cluster with cheesy graphics for RPM and speed, which I wish were a bit more refined.

Now, the rear? It’s a bit of a squeeze. Two adults can sit comfortably, but three? Good luck—legroom is tight, and shoulder space feels like a group hug gone wrong. The boot space (242 liters) is solid for a hatchback—think grocery runs or a weekend duffel bag—but don’t plan on moving house with it.

Let’s start with the outside—the Tata Tiago XZ Plus we loaned from our friend at Globiva. He got the XZ Plus variant as it was readily available and came in the color he always wanted, white. I found it a bit plain but classy, and the contrasting black roof adds a nice sporty touch.

It also had gloss black ORVMs, a hilarious rendition of a rear spoiler, and a shark fin antenna. What I found a bit odd—and so did the owner, by the way—was the chrome on the white-colored door handles!

The Tiago punches above its weight in the style department, especially when compared to offerings like the Alto K10 and Celerio.

Up front, you’ve got sleek LED headlamps flanking a large black center grille. The fog lamps were a welcome addition.

Roll around to the sides, and you’ll spot 15-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish. The lower models get covered steel wheels.

The rear has a plain but tasteful design with halogen taillights (which should have been LED). Overall, the design of the Tiago will look fresh for years to come.

Safety is where the Tiago XZ Plus shines. It’s got a 4-star Global NCAP rating, which is huge for a car in this segment—most budget hatches can’t say that! You’re covered with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors to save you from bumper scrapes.

There are also ISOFIX child seat mounts for the little ones, plus a reverse camera that pairs with that big touchscreen for stress-free parking.

The body is built on Tata’s Impact Design 2.0 platform, giving it solid crash protection.

The Tata Tiago is a no-brainer when compared to the likes of the Alto, Celerio, and Kwid, its primary rivals. Sure, there are some issues with cheap plastics, a jerky automatic, and Tata’s after-sales service, but the Tiago’s style and safety might just be enough to overlook them.