Tata Tiago: In the fiercely competitive Indian small car market, the Tata Tiago has carved out a distinct identity since its introduction in 2016.

With its combination of modern design, solid build quality, and impressive safety credentials, the Tiago represents Tata Motors’ commitment to offering value-packed vehicles that don’t compromise on essential attributes.

Now, in 2025, with several updates under its belt, the Tiago continues to be a compelling proposition for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to sacrifice safety and features.

This analysis explores what makes the Tiago stand out in its segment and examines whether it remains a worthy contender among India’s entry-level hatchbacks.

Tata Tiago: Design Evolution Contemporary Aesthetics

Despite approaching a decade on the market, the Tata Tiago maintains a fresh and contemporary appearance thanks to several well-timed updates.

The 2025 iteration features LED headlamps with a slight smoked finish, replacing the older projector lamp setup. The front fascia has been redesigned with a new grille and airdam pattern that brings it in line with Tata’s current design language seen in models like the Curvv and Harrier.

The profile of the Tiago showcases clean, flowing lines with a distinctive character line running from the front fenders to the rear taillamps.

The A-pillars have a smooth flow, while the smoked B-pillars and raked C-pillars add a touch of sophistication to the side view. For the 2025 model, Tata has added a shark fin antenna that enhances the car’s premium appearance.

At the rear, the Tiago features redesigned taillamps and a blacked-out roof-mounted spoiler that gives it a sportier stance. The reworked rear bumper with extended fins on either side significantly improves the overall proportions and visual appeal of the car.

Available in six attractive colors—Pristine White, Daytona Grey, Tornado Blue, Supernova Copper, Ocean Blue, and Arizona Blue—the Tiago allows buyers to express their personality through their color choice.

Interior: Practicality Meets Technology

Step inside the Tiago, and you’re greeted with a cabin that prioritizes functionality while incorporating modern technologies.

The 2025 model features two significant updates that immediately catch the eye: a new twin-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo and a free-floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The interior follows a black-grey dual-tone theme that strikes a balance between sportiness and premium feel. The NRG variant offers an all-black cabin that better captures its outdoor-oriented character.

While hard plastics are used throughout the cabin, Tata has applied textures that elevate the perceived quality beyond what the price point might suggest.

Seating comfort is adequate, with fabric upholstery finished in dark grey for regular versions and all-black for the NRG variant.

The driver’s seat benefits from height adjustment (available from the variant above the base model), while the steering wheel offers tilt adjustment as standard across the range.

Space utilization is impressive for a car in this segment. Four adults can sit comfortably, though five might be a squeeze for longer journeys.

The Tiago offers a boot capacity of 242 liters, sufficient for a couple of cabin-sized trolley bags and a backpack. However, the CNG version’s boot space is reduced to 107 liters due to the cylinder installation.

Technology and Features: Punching Above Its Weight

The Tiago has consistently offered features that exceed expectations for its price point, and the 2025 model continues this tradition.

The highlight is the new 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This system is intuitive, responsive, and provides excellent visibility.

Other notable features in the top-spec variants include:

• Automatic climate control

• Push-button start/stop

• Cruise control

• Digital instrument cluster

• Harman sound system

• Cooled glovebox

• Keyless entry

• Rain-sensing wipers (new for 2025)

• Reverse camera with dynamic guidelines

• Rear defogger

This feature set compares favorably with many cars from a segment above, giving the Tiago a competitive edge against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Hyundai Santro.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: Urban Commuter

Under the hood, the Tata Tiago is powered by a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. In its standard petrol configuration, this powerplant produces 85 bhp and 113 Nm of torque.

The CNG variant offers slightly reduced output at 74 bhp and 96 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).

The engine’s character is best suited for urban environments, where its light controls and manageable dimensions make it an excellent city car.

While not particularly enthusiastic in nature, it picks up speed in a linear manner, favoring a relaxed driving style. The clutch action is light, and the gear shifts are reasonably smooth in the manual variant.

The AMT version prioritizes convenience over sportiness, with shifts that are deliberate rather than quick. It works well in stop-and-go traffic but may not satisfy those seeking a more engaging driving experience.

The Tiago offers two driving modes—Eco and City—allowing drivers to prioritize either fuel efficiency or responsiveness based on their needs.

While the three-cylinder configuration does result in some vibrations at idle, these largely disappear once the car is in motion.

Ride quality is a strong point for the Tiago. The suspension setup handles urban imperfections with composure, though larger potholes can unsettle the cabin somewhat.

Handling is predictable and safe, with body roll kept well in check during cornering maneuvers. The steering is light at low speeds, making parking and navigating tight spaces effortless, yet it weighs up sufficiently at higher speeds to inspire confidence.

Fuel Efficiency: Economical Companion

Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for small car buyers, and the Tiago delivers competitive numbers in this department. The ARAI-certified figures stand at:

• Petrol Manual: 19.01 km/l

• Petrol AMT: 19 km/l

• CNG Manual: 26.49 km/kg

• CNG AMT: 28.06 km/kg (first-in-segment CNG AMT)

Real-world efficiency tends to be around 15-18 km/l for the petrol variants in mixed driving conditions, while the CNG versions can deliver 22-24 km/kg, making them particularly economical for high-mileage users.

Safety: The Tiago’s Ace Card

Safety is arguably the Tiago’s strongest selling point, distinguishing it from many competitors in its segment. The car has earned a commendable 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP, a remarkable achievement for an entry-level hatchback in the Indian market.

Standard safety features across all variants include:

• Dual front airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Corner Stability Control

• Rear parking sensors

• Seatbelt reminder

• High-speed alert system

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

Higher variants add:

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

• Hill Hold Control

• Reverse camera

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Tiago’s robust safety package reflects Tata Motors’ broader commitment to producing some of India’s safest cars, following in the footsteps of the 5-star rated Nexon and Altroz.

This focus on safety gives the Tiago a significant advantage in a segment where safety features are often compromised to keep costs down.

Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone

The Tata Tiago is available in five primary trim levels: XE, XM, XT(O), XT, and XZ+. The price range spans from Rs. 5.00 lakh for the base XE petrol manual to Rs. 8.45 lakh for the top-spec XZA AMT CNG (ex-showroom).

Here’s a breakdown of the key variant highlights:

The AMT option adds approximately Rs. 50,000-70,000 to the price of the corresponding manual variant, while the CNG option commands a premium of around Rs. 90,000-1,00,000.

In terms of value proposition, the XT variant strikes a good balance between affordability and features, offering essential modern conveniences and enhanced safety features over the base models.

Competitors: How Does the Tiago Stack Up?

The Tata Tiago competes in a crowded segment that includes established players like the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Hyundai Santro, and more recent entries like the Citroen C3. Here’s how it compares:

The Tiago stands out primarily for its superior safety rating and feature-rich package, while competitors like the WagonR offer more interior space, and the Celerio claims better fuel efficiency. The Tiago’s build quality and design are generally perceived to be more premium than its Maruti counterparts, though the Hyundai Santro offers comparable quality with better engine refinement.

Strengths and Limitations

Key Strengths

1. Safety Credentials: The 4-star Global NCAP rating makes the Tiago one of the safest cars in its segment, appealing to safety-conscious buyers.

2. Modern Design: Despite its age, the Tiago maintains a contemporary appearance that doesn’t look dated next to newer competitors.

3. Feature-Rich Package: The Tiago offers features typically found in more expensive cars, particularly in the top variants.

4. Build Quality: The solid feel and robust construction instill confidence and contribute to the car’s safety.

5. Dual-Fuel Options: The availability of factory-fitted CNG with both manual and AMT transmissions provides excellent economy for high-mileage users.

Limitations

1. Engine Refinement: The three-cylinder engine exhibits vibrations at idle, and overall refinement lags behind some four-cylinder competitors.

2. Interior Quality: While textures are good, the prevalence of hard plastics and occasional fit and finish issues detract from the cabin experience.

3. AMT Performance: The automated manual transmission, while convenient, isn’t as smooth as conventional automatics or CVTs offered by some rivals.

4. Service Network: Tata’s service network, though improving, still doesn’t match the widespread presence of Maruti Suzuki.

5. CNG Boot Space: The significant reduction in boot capacity in the CNG variant limits its practicality for those needing cargo space.

Ownership Experience

The ownership experience of the Tata Tiago has improved significantly over the years, in line with Tata Motors’ overall enhancement of its customer service operations.

The car comes with a standard warranty of 2 years/75,000 km, which can be extended to up to 5 years/unlimited kilometers at an additional cost.

Maintenance costs are generally competitive, with service intervals recommended at every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Spare parts availability has improved, though costs can sometimes be higher than for equivalent Maruti models.

Long-term reliability reports from owners are generally positive, with most issues being minor electrical or trim-related concerns rather than major mechanical failures.

The engine has proven to be quite robust, with many examples crossing 100,000 km without significant problems.

Tata Tiago: The Tiago’s Place in the Market

The Tata Tiago in 2025 continues to represent a compelling value proposition in India’s small car market.

Its combination of stylish design, solid build quality, comprehensive feature list, and class-leading safety makes it stand out in a segment often characterized by compromises.

For buyers who prioritize safety above all else, the Tiago is arguably the best choice in its price range. The 4-star Global NCAP rating provides peace of mind that few competitors can match, especially at this price point.

The introduction of CNG variants with both manual and automatic transmissions has further broadened the Tiago’s appeal, offering excellent running costs without sacrificing convenience.

This dual-fuel approach provides an economical alternative to diesel engines, which have largely disappeared from this segment due to stricter emission norms.

While the Tiago does have some limitations—primarily related to engine refinement and the nature of its AMT gearbox—these are balanced by its numerous strengths.

The car feels more substantial than many competitors, with driving dynamics that inspire confidence and a features list that satisfies modern connectivity and comfort requirements.

As India’s automotive market continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on safety, efficiency, and technology, the Tata Tiago remains well-positioned to meet these changing demands.

It successfully bridges the gap between the bare-bones budget offerings and more premium hatchbacks, providing excellent value for money without significant compromises.

For first-time car buyers, small families, or those seeking a reliable second car for urban use, the Tata Tiago deserves serious consideration.

It may not excel in any single area against all competitors, but its well-rounded nature and strong safety credentials make it one of the most balanced offerings in India’s small car segment.