Cars with big diesel engines may be in the news for all the wrong reasons but the two models you see here are as far away from the controversies as can be. While it helps that they are not luxury cars by any stretch of the imagination, what is keeping and will keep the unwanted attention off them is that they run amongst the smallest and most efficient diesel engines in the business.
The Maruti Celerio is actually a record holder in this regard. Its twin-cylinder, 0.8-litre turbo-diesel unit is the smallest passenger car diesel engine in India and its ARAI-tested fuel economy of 27.62kpl, the best among all small cars. Tata’s latest three-cylinder, 1.05-litre turbo-diesel engine that debuts on the new Tiago is not a whole lot larger as engines go and here the Tiago delivers a very close 27.28kpl in the Indian Driving Cycle.
In essence, these are cars tailor-made for those looking at low running costs. But which one offers the more complete package? Read on.
Look around
We won’t go too deep into the subjective issue of design and styling but we think you’ll agree when we say the Tiago has the more appealing form. The well-proportioned Tata looks fresh and chic, and a whole lot more interesting than the Celerio that looks almost nondescript in comparison. This holds true for their cabins as well.
Tata has outdone itself by giving the Tiago a cabin that wouldn’t seem out of place on a more expensive car. The dashboard is smartly laid out but it’s really the quality of materials that makes the cabin feel special. The textured finish to the dash, the rich seat fabrics, the roof lining and even the damped operation of the glovebox lid lend this space a premium ambience. It’s well thought out too. Outside visibility is good and there’s lots of space to store odds and ends.
Count the number of storage spaces and you’ll find the Celerio’s cabin closely matches the Tiago’s in practicality. But, it’s a level or two down on design and execution. Sure, the two-tone theme adds colour in the cabin but material quality is nowhere near as nice as the Tata. Again, where the simple dashboard places the important controls within easy reach and even houses the high-set gear lever, it looks staid and unremarkable.
The Celerio’s front seats, with their fixed headrests, don’t appear special either but they do offer good comfort. The rear seat is comfortable and supportive too but where it makes a mark is in terms of space. Legroom is really impressive and there’s more than adequate headroom as well. The large windows further help the airy feeling inside. Maruti designers have really made the most of the Celerio’s small footprint.
The Tiago’s cabin is roomy in its own right but there’s no missing it’s got the smaller rear windows and less rear leg- and headroom. Some might find the rear seat backrest a touch too reclined too. Up front, drivers will like the inclusion of a dead pedal but the somewhat lack of thigh and shoulder support could be bothersome over long journeys.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
