Tata Tiago vs Tata Tiago EV: Battle of the Affordable Hatchbacks

Tata Tiago vs Tata Tiago EV: Exterior Design and Styling

Tata Tiago

The Tata Tiago petrol/CNG variant features contemporary styling through Impact 2.0 design language. With its gloss black front grille flanked by sweptback headlamps and a sculpted bonnet, the Tiago's front fascia appears sporty and dynamic. Black inserts in the front bumper add to the energetic appeal.

In profile, the Tiago's coupe-inspired roof line tapering towards the tailgate brings out an athletic persona. The pronounced wheel arches and crisp character lines across the sides enhance motion. Matching black B-pillars and outside mirrors provide continuity to the floating roof design. The Tiago resembles a traditional sporty hatchback with a solid road presence.

Tata Tiago EV

In contrast, through several exterior styling details, Tata has styled the Tiago EV to convey its advanced electric vehicle character. Most prominently, the front closed grille and tri-arrow-lined headlamp units are finished in signature teal blue—the hue associated with Tata's EV range.

The front bumper housing also bears a teal blue streak on the lower black intake. Moreover, you can distinguish at the sides through its body-coloured pillars and ORVMs instead of black, aerodynamically designed 14-inch Hyperstyle wheels and an intricate rear spoiler atop the tailgate.

With sporty personas seeping dynamics and technology, Tiago models make strong styling statements that complement their mechanical strengths.

Tata Tiago vs Tata Tiago EV: Dimensions and Practicality

As both the Tiago variants share Tata’s ALFA architecture underpinning a range of the brand’s passenger vehicles, their core dimensions match nicely for packaging practicality. The Tiago measures 3,765 mm in length and 1,677 mm in width and stands 1,535 mm tall, riding on a wheelbase spanning 2,400 mm. Thanks to a slightly reprofiled rear, cabin space remains unchanged in the Tiago EV, which bears dimensions of 3,769 mm length, 1,677 mm width, 1,536 mm height and an identical 2,400 mm wheelbase.

Owing to their compact sub-4 metre footprints, agile handling on narrow streets, easy parking in tight spots and smooth steering manoeuvres at low speeds come easy to both Tiagos. Cabin space remains sufficient for a family of five with their weekend luggage. However, boot space drops slightly from 242 litres in the Tiago to 240 litres in the electrified Tiago EV due to the placement of battery components.

Overall, petrol or electric, the Tata Tiago offers sound ergonomics that belie its budget price tag. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the well-tuned ride quality, well-supported seats, and good sense of interior room. Buyers thus can avoid practical drawbacks while enjoying the premium features of both Tiago versions.

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• Tata Tiago Dimensions

• Tata Tiago EV Dimensions

Tata Tiago vs Tata Tiago EV: Interior Design, Comfort and Convenience

As Tata's entry-level volume seller, the Tiago sets segment benchmarks for cabin comfort and appointments. The dual-tone black and beige interior uses high-quality materials with tight assembly tolerances that compete with cars from higher segments. 

Main cabin elements include:

• A well-padded flat-bottom steering wheel

• Height-adjustable driver’s seat

• Cooled glovebox

• Automatic climate control

• Rear parking sensors

• Ambient lighting

• Buttons for critical functions

Chrome and piano black trim lift the ambience on upper variants. The circular central air vents also lend a touch of uniqueness over rivals.

Sharing the core interior layout, the Tiago EV’s cabin reflects its advanced electric vehicle identity through several touches. The black and light grey cabin contrasts with teal blue ambient lighting, matching its signature exterior shade. The signature Oakwood dashboard binnacle holds an EV power gauge, replacing old-school fuel and temperature dials for a digital speedometer and MID housed within. 

In addition, the lower dashboard fascia and sculpted door pads get a sleek piano black finish, and premium leatherette upholstery covers the well-bolstered seats. The 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and multifunctional TFT display also endow a high-tech flair. Though compact, the uncluttered layout allows easy access controls.

On the convenience front, both Tiago variants cover the basics, with the EV model getting updated gadgets. 12V charging sockets, steering adjustments, voice commands, a rear parking camera, and keyless entry make daily use hassle-free. The Tiago EV additionally provides comfort through segment-first features for its class, like cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, and hill descent control.

Tata Tiago vs Tata Tiago EV: Powertrain Performance and Mileage

As a petrol hatchback, the Tata Tiago draws power from a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine to a 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed AMT automatic. Max power output is 86 bhp, delivered at 6,000 RPM, while peak torque of 113 Nm kicks in at 3,300 RPM, proving adequate for urban commutes. 

An alternate CNG fuel variant uses the same engine architecture with a slightly lower 73 bhp power and 95 Nm torque. Available solely as a 5-speed manual, the Tiago CNG rewards owners with a higher fuel efficiency of 26.01 km/kg.

On the other hand, the Tiago EV employs a permanent magnet AC motor paired with either a 19.2 kWh or 24 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack feeding current. The smaller battery enables a 60.3 bhp peak power electric motor while the 24 kWh version ups output to 74 bhp. Max motor torque stands at 140 Nm on both variants, available from a standing start. An automatic transmission replaces manual shifting.

Safety

As a compact budget hatchback designed primarily for Indian family buyers, safety is a vital consideration where the Tiago and Tiago EV shine. The standard IC-powered Tiago has dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, and cornering stability control.

The firm chassis structure and body shell consistency allowed this Tiago to achieve 4 stars in Global NCAP’s crash assessments, a feat unmatched by petrol hatchbacks of comparative pricing. Top grades gain added equipment like rear parking sensors, seat belt reminders, fog lamps and cameras for further safety.

Similarly, Tata Motors has engineered the electrified Tiago EV according to stringent safety protocols to reassure buyers. Its ring-structure chassis foundation utilises more robust steel components with strategic reinforcement at critical points for structural rigidity.

Like the standard Tiago, the Tiago EV also has dual airbag protection, an electronic stability program integrating ABS, and a hill start assist—the bird' s-eye view parking camera and third brake light double as active safety aids. Child safety locks come standard. Thanks to its sturdy build quality, the Tiago EV replicates its sibling’s 4-star crash test performance, giving valuable peace of mind to eco-conscious buyers that safety remains uncompromised.

With similarly robust structures and occupant protection systems, both Tata hatchbacks deliver segment-leading passive safety matched by proactive technology on range-topping models. There is thus little difference in real-world safety credentials, cementing Tata's manufacturing improvements.

Tata Tiago vs Tata Tiago EV: Price and Ownership Economics

As an affordable entry-level option, Tata has priced the base Tiago XE petrol attractively at Rs. 5.64 lakhs ex-showroom before on-road costs. At the same time, the top-end XZ+ automatic variant retails up to Rs. 8.89 lakhs. The mid-spec XT variant with ample features represents an acceptable compromise. CNG models command a premium over equivalent petrol trims, demanding up to Rs. 9.98 lakhs.

With its cutting-edge EV drivetrain and imported components, the Tiago EV predictably eclipses the pricing of the standard IC model. The base Tiago EV XE trim starts from Rs. 8.32 lakhs without subsidies, extending to Rs. 12.48 lakhs for the fully loaded XZ Plus Tech LUX Long FC model, again ex-showroom prices.

FAME-II Policy for EVs

Factoring in financial incentives under India’s FAME-II policy for EVs and prevalent state EV policies, the effective outlay was reduced by Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh, closing the margin over conventional vehicles. Home recharging instead of fuel stations and lower servicing needs further offset running costs to around just Rs. 1 per km, making the Tiago EV an agreeable value.

While the Tiago EV commands a significant initial premium over its fossil fuel sibling, government support coupled with frugal operating costs helps recoup the extra capital in the long run, promising lower ownership costs for private buyers. For the budget-minded, however, the standard Tiago continues offering a tempting value proposition that is hard to beat.

Conclusion

Tata Tiago has withstood pricing logic by consistently offering features, performance, and quality beyond its affordable sticker tag. The bargain Tiago represents phenomenal value for those needing no-nonsense personal transportation without aesthetic pretensions. Tata Motors has managed the seemingly impossible again in the all-electric Tiago EV - infusing eco-friendly EV technology into this value hatchback without inflating prices into stratospheric regions, helped by government subsidies. Hence, you must test drive both cars to make an informed decision according to your requirements.

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