After a long wait, Tata Motors finally launched the performance-oriented avatars of the Tiago and Tigor. Priced at Rs 6.39 lakh and Rs 7.49 lakh each, the Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP command a premium of Rs 1-1.2 lakh over the top-spec trims of their standard versions (all prices, ex-showroom, introductory).
In spite of all the buzz surrounding these performance-oriented cars since their reveal at the Auto Expo 2018, Tata Motors is trying to logically gauge the market response to their new products before going all in. As a result, the JTP hatchback and sedan won't be sold at all Tata dealerships. Instead, 28 dealerships spread across 15 cities in 11 states have been selected to cater to the demand.
In north India, seven dealers in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh and Lucknow will be retailing the JTPs. Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune have six outlets to handle the potential demand from the west region. Half of the 28 handpicked dealers are located in the southern cities of Bengaluru, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Chennai, Coimbatore and Hyderabad. Surprisingly, just a single outlet in Kolkata seems to have been assigned the job for the eastern part of the country.
Depending on the sales, more dealerships might be added to this list. What might calm the concerns of interested buyers residing outside of these 15 cities is the fact that both the Tiago JTP and the Tigor JTP can be serviced at any Tata passenger vehicle service centre across the country. So, your dream budget sporty car might just be a day's drive away.
The Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP come with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor churning out a healthy 114hp of power and 150Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission helps the engine in going from 0-100kph in just 9.95sec (Tiago JTP) and 10.38sec (Tigor JTP). For those who like performance but are also conscious about their pocketbooks, Sport and City drive modes should offer the best of both worlds. Lower ground clearance, tweaked suspension and steering will add to the handling characteristics.
To stand out from their standard trims, the JTPs come with a redesigned front fascia, side skits, rear spoiler, contrast paint job, fatter tyres and JTP badging all around. Interiors look sportier with a black colour theme, aided by contrast stitching to break the monotony.
For more information on the JTP dealership closest to you, use this link.
Here's our Tata Tiago JTP review