Tata Motors has revealed a teaser image of the upcoming performance version of the Tigor compact sedan, which will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2018, along with a sportier version of the Tiago hatchback. The image, that shows only a small portion of the car’s front end, points to a significantly updated styling package for the performance-oriented car. Visible in the image, is an exaggerated housing for the fog lamps on the bumper, with the element further embellished with contrasting red detailing. By extension, we expect the front bumpers to sport a large air dam that would give the cars a more aggressive look.
There could also be more pronounced detailing of the likes we will see on new Tata’s made in line with the carmaker’s upcoming Impact Design 2.0 design language. Side skirts and a mild body kit are other visual updates that would set the sportier Tiago and Tigor from their everyday versions. Sportier alloy wheels will complete the look but, in the interest of maintaining a comfortable ride, it is unlikely Tata will upsize the Tigor’s 15-inch rims. That said, the Tiago Sport could make the switch to the larger 15-inch rims, presently not offered on the standard car.
What will undoubtedly also help the stance of the cars will be their lowered suspensions. Yes, Tata Motors and partner Jayem Auto, which is doing the development work, will go all out with a revised suspension package too, complete with stiffer springs for a more entertaining driving experience. As a consequence, ground clearance is expected to be marginally lower than the standard cars. Powering the Tiago and Tigor Sports will be the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol unit from the Nexon. Final power and torque figures for the sportier Tiago and Tigor will only be revealed at the Auto Expo 2018 but we expect the engine to produce a Nexon-matching 110hp and 170Nm in these applications too. The Tiago and Tigor Sport will also make use of the Nexon’s six-speed manual gearbox.
Tata has not revealed any details of the cars’ cabins but it is safe to presume sportier colour themes, more premium materials and bespoke detailing, which will help differentiate these cars on the inside as well.
Autocar India has also learnt that the Tiago Sport and Tigor Sport will be branded ‘JTP’ (an amalgam of Jayem, Tata Motors and performance, perhaps), which will take shape as Tata Motors’ performance division. There is, however, no confirmation as to when these models will actually go on sale.
Tata has toyed with the idea of a performance derivative of its hatchbacks from the time of the Indica and had a Bolt Sport in development too, but it seems the products are finally set to get the green light for production.
Should Tata build a performance-oriented Tiago or Tigor and would you buy one? Let us know in the comments section below.
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