A familiar shape, a more mature presence

The Tiago has always been one of the more attractive hatchbacks on Indian roads, and this latest update builds on that appeal rather than reinventing it. Up front, the new Lux Beam LED headlamps give the car a sharper, more premium look. The LED daytime running lamps add a distinctive signature, while the revised grille and bumper lend the hatchback a stronger visual stance. (Around at the rear, the connected Halo Lightbar tail lamps bring a touch of modernity that immediately catches the eye.

What works particularly well is how cohesive the overall design feels. The revised detailing, new alloy wheel designs and textured wheel-arch cladding help the Tiago appear more substantial than before. It still retains the compact dimensions that make it easy to live with in the city, but now carries itself with greater confidence.

The Tiago.ev follows the same design philosophy, and that’s a good thing. Unlike some electric vehicles that go out of their way to highlight their electric credentials, the Tiago.ev remains understated. The EV-specific touches are subtle, allowing the car to blend seamlessly with the rest of the Tiago family.

The cabin feels like it belongs a segment above

Step into the cabin and you’re immediately greeted by an interior that feels significantly more premium than what most buyers would expect from a hatchback in this price bracket. Tata has clearly focused on elevating the perceived quality of the cabin, and the effort shows. The new Fabricia Luxe dashboard gives the interior a more sophisticated appearance, while the layered design and textured surfaces create visual depth. It is an inviting space to spend time in and does not carry the utilitarian feel that often defines entry-level cars.

Taking centre stage on the dashboard is the new 26.03cm HD touchscreen infotainment system. The display is crisp, responsive and intuitive to use, while wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensure seamless connetivity. Complementing the infotainment system is the new Digital Island Cluster, which lends the driver’s environment a more modern feel. Together, the two screens give the Tiago a far more contemporary ambience.

The feature list is extensive. Automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless charging, premium fabric upholstery, steering-mounted controls, Type-C fast charging ports, passive entry and start, connected car technology and thoughtful storage solutions — all contribute to an experience that feels richer than the car’s positioning might suggest.

The Tiago.ev adds another layer of technology through iRA.ev connected features. Owners can monitor charging status, locate charging stations, track vehicle location, access remote functions and even pre-cool the cabin before setting off.

Comfort is another area where the Tiago shines. The seats offer good support, aided by improved under-thigh cushioning, while visibility remains excellent all around. Whether navigating traffic or spending longer periods behind the wheel, the Tiago feels accommodating and easy to live with.

One car, three distinct personalities

Petrol: Light-footed and eager

The petrol-powered Tiago remains the most conventional choice in the range, but it is far from dull. Powered by Tata’s familiar 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine, producing 86PS and 113Nm of torque, the Tiago delivers that sort of driving experience buyers want from a compact hatchback. It feels responsive and refined, with enough pep to make everyday driving enjoyable.

Around Bengaluru’s busy roads, the car feels light on its feet. The throttle response is crisp enough to make urban driving enjoyable, while the engine itself remains reasonably refined throughout most of its operating range. It’s not a car that encourages spirited driving, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it strikes a pleasing balance between drivability, efficiency and refinement that suits its intended audience perfectly.

CNG: The practical choice

For buyers focused on running costs, the Tiago CNG remains an appealing proposition. With 75.5PS and 96.5Nm available in CNG mode, there is a slight drop in performance compared to the petrol version. However, the difference is not dramatic enough to impact everyday usability.

One of the standout feature is twin-cylinder technology. By placing two smaller cylinders beneath the luggage compartment floor, Tata has managed to preserve a usable boot space while retaining the efficiency benefits of CNG. It is a practical solution that addresses one of the key compromises traditionally associated with CNG vehicles. The availability of an AMT gearbox and direct-start CNG functionality further enhance convenience, making the Tiago one of the more user-friendly CNG hatchbacks on the market.

Tiago.ev: The most exciting of the lot

Then there’s the Tiago.ev. Electric power has a way of transforming even familiar cars, and that is certainly the case here. Offered with 19.2kWh and 24kWh battery packs, the Tiago.ev feels more energetic than its combustion-powered siblings. Much of that can be attributed to the instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors.

The moment you press the accelerator, the car responds. There’s no waiting for revs to build, no gear changes to consider and no hesitation. The result is a hatchback that feels remarkably eager in urban environments. The larger battery version produces 114Nm of torque and can accelerate from 0-60km/h in just 5.7 seconds. While headline performance figures only tell part of the story, the way the Tiago.ev delivers its performance is what leaves an impression. It feels peppy, responsive and genuinely enjoyable to drive.

Range figures remain practical for everyday use. In real-world conditions, the larger 24kWh battery can deliver around 205-215 kilometres on a charge, while the 19.2kWh version delivers approximately 160-170 kilometres. Charging has also become significantly more convenient. The ability to add up to 100 kilometres of range in just 18 minutes under suitable fast-charging conditions helps address one of the key concerns prospective EV buyers often face.

Ride quality continues to be Tiago’s strength

If there is one area where the Tiago consistently punches above its weight, it is ride quality. Indian roads demand a lot from suspension systems, and the Tiago’s setup feels exceptionally well judged. Broken surfaces, expansion joints and road undulations are absorbed with an ease that is genuinely impressive for a hatchback of this size.

The ride never feels harsh or unsettled. Instead, it maintains a composure that gives the car a more mature character than many of its competitors. The steering follows a familiar Tata philosophy. It is well weighted, predictable and re-assuring without becoming cumbersome during city driving.

Equally noteworthy is the Tiago’s stability at higher speeds. On open highways, it settles into triple-digit cruising with ease. The car remains planted, composed and reassuring, traits that contribute significantly to long-distance comfort. Whether in petrol, CNG or electric form, the underlying chassis feels consistently well sorted.

Safety remains non-negotiable

Safety has become one of Tata Motors’ key strengths, and the Tiago range reflects that focus. Six airbags are now standard across the line-up, supported by ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Control, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a host of active and passive safety features.

Among the standout additions are the segment-first 360-degree HD Surround View Camera and Blind View Monitor. Features typically associated with more expensive vehicles, their inclusion highlights how expectations in this segment have evolved. For Tiago.ev buyers, added peace of mind comes from of IP67-rated protection for both the battery pack and electric motor.

Verdict: Small cars no longer need to feel small

What stands out most about the new Tiago range is not any single feature, performance figure or technology package,but the way the overall package comes together. The petrol version remains refined, enjoyable and easy to recommend. The CNG variant continues to be an appealing option for buyers looking to reduce running costs without compromising practicality, while the Tiago.ev further strengthens its case as an accessible entry point into electric mobility in India.

What unites all three is a shared sense of maturity. The ride quality is polished, the safety package is comprehensive, the feature list is extensive and the overall ownership experience is well thought out. All that remains is to choose the powertrain that best suits your needs.

Price Range: INR 4.69 lakh-8.55 lakh

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