Parked a few hundred steps away from the attention-grabbing H5X and 45X concepts at Tata Motors’ 2018 Auto Expo stand were hotted-up JTP versions of the Tiago hatchback and the Tigor compact sedan. The duo definitely got enthusiasts talking, and now the time has come for the launch of the Tiago JTP.
Speaking at the launch of the Tiago NRG cross-hatch, Mayank Pareek, President (Passenger Vehicle Business Unit) at Tata Motors, confirmed a JTP model is part of the four launches Tata has scheduled for this festive season, and that it will be introduced in the market in the 'next eight weeks'. And while he avoided specifying which of the JTPs it would be, we can confirm that it will be the hatchback that will come first.
Developed by Tata Motors in partnership with Coimbatore-based Jayem Auto, the Tiago JTP will sport a number of mechanical upgrades over the stock Tiago. Under its hood will be the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine borrowed from the Nexon, with the intake and exhaust systems tweaked for improved performance. The 1.2 turbo-petrol's power and torque figures of 110hp and 150Nm will give the Tiago JTP a significant advantage over the standard model’s naturally aspirated 85hp engine. In the interest of improving acceleration, Tata Motors will also optimise the gear ratios on the standard five-speed manual gearbox. Handling will also be given due emphasis in the transformation process, with the hatchback running a specially reworked suspension – lowered springs and a slightly reduced ride height, which will give the Tiago JTP a more purposeful stance.
Lowered ride height aside, there will be several other cues to distinguish the Tiago JTP from the everyday version of the Tiago. The front bumper will sport a large air dam, there will be exaggerated housings for the fog lamps (with the elements further embellished with contrasting red detailing), while the bonnet and fenders will also feature air vents. Smoked projector headlamps, side skirts and a rear diffuser are other visual updates that will seriously enhance the look of the sportier Tiago. Stylish diamond cut alloy wheels will complete the look but, perhaps, in the interest of maintaining ride comfort, Tata will stick with 15-inch rims.
Inside, the Tiago JTP is set to get an all-black theme, a rich leather finish on the seats and steering (with funky red contrast stitching) as well as aluminium pedals. Tata is also likely to give the Tiago JTP the same 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as seen on the Tiago NRG, paired to an eight-speaker sound system from Harman.
Pareek also mentioned there was no need for super-competitive pricing for a performance-oriented product, so expect the Tiago JTP to be about Rs 1 lakh more than the standard, top-of-the-line Tiago petrol, which means it'll cost an estimated Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom) when it goes on sale close to Diwali.
What according to you would be a truly irresistible price for the Tiago JTP, considering what it has to offer? Let us know in the comments.
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