The Tata Tiago has carved a niche in the Indian hatchback market since its launch in 2016. Now, in 2024, it faces competition from newer players and an evolving customer landscape. To stay relevant, Tata has subtly refined the Tiago, aiming to build on its strengths and address potential shortcomings. Let’s explore the 2024 Tata Tiago and see if it continues to offer a compelling proposition for urban car buyers.
Refined Design and Interiors:
The 2024 Tiago retains its familiar silhouette but receives a few cosmetic updates. The refreshed front grille, redesigned headlamps with DRLs, and tweaked taillights give it a slightly more premium and contemporary look. Inside, the changes are more subtle. The dashboard layout remains unchanged, but improved material quality and additional accents elevate the perceived value. Notably, the top-end variants sport a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a welcome addition for tech-savvy users.
Powertrain Options and Performance:
While the core 1.2-liter Revotron petrol engine with 86bhp and 113Nm of torque remains, Tata has expanded the options with a CNG variant. This addition caters to budget-conscious buyers seeking lower running costs. The CNG variant delivers an impressive 26.49 km/kg, making it significantly more fuel-efficient than the petrol version (19.2 kmpl). Both engine options come with manual and automatic transmission choices, offering flexibility to driving preferences.
Features and Safety:
The 2024 Tiago offers a decent assortment of features across its variants. Even the base XE variant comes with essentials like air conditioning, a music system, and manual central locking. Higher variants boast additional features like touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and a reverse parking camera. Safety is addressed with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner stability control as standard across all variants. However, some might miss advanced features like lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring found in some competitors.
Value Proposition and Competition:
The Tiago’s biggest strength lies in its value proposition. Its starting price remains competitive, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The addition of the CNG variant further strengthens its appeal for those prioritizing fuel efficiency. However, the hatchback segment is fiercely competitive, with established players like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios commanding significant market share. The Tiago also faces newer entries like the Renault Kwid and Nissan Magnite, adding to the competitive landscape.
Verdict:
The 2024 Tata Tiago offers a compelling package for urban car buyers seeking a balance between affordability, practicality, and features. The refreshed design, expanded engine options, and decent feature list make it a worthy contender in its segment. However, its lack of advanced safety features and competition from established and newer players might require strategic pricing and marketing to maintain its position. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and value, the CNG variant is definitely worth considering. Ultimately, the Tiago’s continued success will depend on how effectively it navigates the competitive landscape and caters to evolving customer preferences.
