Tata Tigor (2017-2018)

Tata Motors gets the credit of inception of the sub-4 meter sedan segment with the introduction of Indigo around a decade back in 2007. Then, again in August 2014, in an attempt to further exploit the sub-compact sedan segment, the company launched the Zest sedan in the Indian market. But now, as the aforementioned sedan duo is ageing and doesn't consist of contemporary features as its counterparts, Tata has come up with yet another sub 4-meter sedan in form of the all-new Tigor.
Being based on the super successful Tiago hatchback, it had its first public appearance at the 2016 Auto Expo. Tata Tigor is offered in both petrol and diesel fuel trims in four grades: XE, XT, XZ and XZ (O). The all-new Tata Tigor features several styling and interior elements, along with the same set of petrol and diesel motors as the sibling hatch. Tata has termed the Tigor as 'Styleback' and it comes with the best-in-segment boot capacity of 419 litre.

Tata Tigor is the third company product to be based on the IMPACT design language after the Tiago and Hexa. Tata Tigor exterior styling is quite identical to the Tiago hatch with the front fascia flaunting projector headlamps, 'Humanity' chrome grille and chrome garnish on the front fog lamp bezel. In addition, there are body-coloured bumpers, outside door handles and outside rear view mirrors to make it more desirable. The sedan rides on alloy wheels, while there are also LED turn indicators on the ORVMs.

Speaking of the rear end, the Tigor gets a signature split LED tail lamp cluster, high-mounted LED stop lamp and a rear defogger. Tata Tigor colour options include six shades: Copper Dazzle, Berry Red, Striker Blue, Platinum Silver, Pearlescent White and Espresso Brown.

Tata Tigor interior is pretty similar to that of Tiago, finished in dual-tone fabric upholstery. There are a lot of utility spaces in the form of bottle and cup holders in the front console, door pockets with bottle holder and tablet storage space in the glove box for storing small things.

As for features, Tata Tigor comes loaded with front and rear power outlets, interior lamps with theatre dimming, chrome finish on air vents, 2.5-inch instrument cluster with tachometer, fully automatic temperature control, height-adjustable driver seat, central locking with flip key remote, foldable rear seat armrest with cup holders, cooled glovebox, electric boot unlocking, and Harman-developed 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with AM/FM, USB, AUX-IN, iPOD connectivity and Bluetooth support. Juke-Car App and 3D Navimaps are also available alongside Voice Command Recognition, and steering-mounted audio and phone controls. Just so you know, the 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and fully automatic temperature control were missing in the Tiago hatch.

Tata Tigor is available in both petrol and diesel fuel trims with engines borrowed from Tiago. The petrol variants are powered by a 1.2 L 3-cylinder Revotron engine, which develops a maximum power of 83 bhp at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 114 Nm at 3500 rpm. It comes with the first-in-segment multi-drive system with two driving modes: Eco and City. Coming to the diesel variants, they get their power from a 1.05 L 3-cylinder Revotorq engine, which delivers a top power of 69 bhp at 4000 rpm and highest torque of 140 Nm between 1800-3000 rpm. It also gets multi-drive system with two drive modes: Eco and City. Both the engines are linked to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard.

Tata Tigor mileage figures range at 23.8kmpl for the petrol variants, while the diesel variants return 27.2 kmpl (ARAI specified).

Tata Tigor specifications include disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear as standard. As for the safety of occupants, the company has incorporated a plethora of premium safety features, like dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Corner Stability Control (CSC), speed-dependent auto door locks, follow-me-home lamps, park assist with sensors and camera, and seat belt with pretensioners and load limiters. Sadly, the base grade XE doesn't get any of the aforementioned features.

The handling of Tata Tigor is pretty smooth, owing to the fairly responsive electric power assisted rack-and-pinion steering wheel. It is quite easy and comfortable to manoeuver the sedan in thick traffic and on narrow roads. The suspension system is also tuned to suit the Indian roads and it absorbs the tiny potholes without any jerks.However, the company could have worked more on the NVH levels as it isn't too pleasant and up to the mark.

Tata Tigor is a complete value-for-money package, courtesy the aggressive pricing and impeccable mileage. The styling is also contemporary while the cabin is packed with sophisticated features. It undercuts its major rivals in terms of pricing by at least Rs. 60,000 in both petrol and diesel fuel trims.

Tata Tigor challenges the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Zest, Ford Aspire and Volkswagen Ameo in the Indian market.