Tata will soon add a new variant to its popular Tiago hatchback line-up in India. Leaked documents show that a new Tiago-based cross-hatch, named Tiago NRG, will most likely be introduced in the market on September 12, 2018. While the Tiago NRG will be Tata's first production cross-hatch, the brand had previously showcased a Vista-based model in 2013, called the Vista D90 Xtreme concept.

The Tiago NRG is based on the standard hatchback but comes with a rugged-looking body kit in contrast-black shade. The body kit consists of front and rear bumper add-ons with faux brushed-aluminium scuff plates, along with additional trim pieces on the running boards and wheel arches. While these bits do give the car a bit of a rugged look, the major change seen on the Tiago is the raised ride height. The Tiago NRG cross-hatch comes with a 180mm ground clearance, as opposed to 170mm in the standard car. It is slightly longer, wider and taller than the standard hatchback too.

The cross-hatch gets a black front grille that's devoid of any chrome, a black-painted roof, roof rails, blackened wing mirrors and door handles, and additional black plastic trim on the tailgate to complete that rugged look. The car also gets headlamps with projector lens and black inserts, similar to the ones seen on the top-spec Tigor compact sedan. It also gets a unique design for its 14-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the model gets contrast trim bits surrounding the AC vents and on the centre console. It is also equipped with electrically adjustable wing mirrors and a cooled glove box. The Tiago NRG will be the only Tiago variant to be available with a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that doubles as a display for the reverse camera. It also gets the Tigor's four-speaker Harman sound system.

The model shares the same engine and gearbox options from the standard Tiago, which includes an 84hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 69hp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder diesel unit. The Tiago NRG will not come with an AMT gearbox, according to the leaked document.

As far as rivals go the Tiago NRG aims to take on the Ford Freestyle and the Maruti Suzuki CelerioX in the Indian market. Expect Tata to price the Tiago NRG slightly higher than the standard car.