The Tata Tiago, launched in 2016, quickly established itself as a popular choice in the Indian hatchback segment, offering a compelling blend of style, practicality, and affordability. Now, with the introduction of the CNG variant, Tata aims to further enhance its appeal, particularly for budget-conscious and eco-conscious buyers.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost Savings
The heart of the Tata Tiago CNG is a 1.2-liter Revotron engine modified to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). While the exact power figures in CNG mode are yet to be officially revealed, they are expected to be slightly lower than the 86 bhp and 113 Nm offered by the petrol version. However, the true highlight lies in fuel efficiency. The Tiago CNG boasts an impressive claimed mileage of 26.49 km/kg, translating to significantly lower running costs compared to its petrol counterpart. This fuel efficiency makes it a perfect choice for daily commutes and city driving, where fuel cost is a major concern.
Performance and Driveability
While the power figures might be slightly lower in CNG mode, the Tiago CNG still offers enough grunt for navigating city traffic with ease. The lighter CNG cylinders strategically placed under the boot space ensure minimal impact on handling and overall driving dynamics. The Tiago CNG retains the five-speed manual transmission, offering a familiar and comfortable driving experience.
Space and Practicality
The Tiago CNG excels in practicality. Despite housing the CNG cylinders under the boot space, it offers a decent luggage capacity of 222 liters, sufficient for daily essentials and weekend getaways. The compact dimensions and high seating position make it perfect for navigating tight city streets and offering a commanding view of the road. The spacious cabin comfortably accommodates five adults, making it a practical choice for small families or groups of friends.
Features and Technology
The Tiago CNG doesn’t compromise on features compared to its petrol sibling. It comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a digital instrument cluster for vital information display, automatic climate control for year-round comfort, and a reverse parking camera for easy maneuvering in tight spaces. Safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner stability control ensure passenger safety on the road.
Variants and Pricing
Currently, the Tata Tiago CNG comes in a single “Pure iCNG” variant, keeping things simple for buyers. This variant is expected to be priced slightly higher than the base petrol model, but the significant fuel cost savings should offset the initial investment in the long run.
Eco-friendliness and Sustainability
Opting for the Tiago CNG is a step towards a greener future. CNG burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in lower emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. This makes the Tiago CNG a more environmentally friendly choice for city driving, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
Conclusion
The Tata Tiago CNG presents itself as a compelling proposition for budget-conscious city dwellers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly car. It offers a comfortable driving experience, ample space for daily needs, and a plethora of features, all while significantly reducing running costs. With its competitive pricing and focus on sustainability, the Tiago CNG is poised to be a strong contender in the growing CNG car market in India.
