2017 Tata Tigor review, test drive

With an emphasis on style, the new Tata Tigor is a refreshingly different take on the compact sedan.

Published on Mar 19, 2017 08:03:00 AM

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The Tigor offers good straight-line stability and ride quality is impressive.

Both three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines offer adequate performance but no more. Neither engine is exciting.

The Tigor’s wheelbase is 50mm longer than the Tiago’s. The rear doors and glasshouse is different too.

Only minor details distinguish the Tigor and Tiago till the B-pillar. The Tigor gets projector lenses and a smoked finish for its headlights.

Should I buy one?

What’s clear is that the Tigor is not just a Tiago with a boot. It’s got a different vibe and that’s all thanks to the way it looks. It is an attractive car and has a certain visual appeal that the typical compact sedan doesn’t have. In a sense, the Tigor will attract buyers to whom design and style get priority over practicality. That’s not to say the Tigor isn’t practical. Much to the contrary, it’s got a well thought-out cabin, ample interior space and a large and useable boot. At the same time, top-spec Tigor’s also address modern day requirements for connectivity and features.

Where the Tigor could have been better is under the bonnet. Both the petrol and the diesel engine could have done with more power. In fact, given the good ride and handling package, the powertrain is the sole area where the Tigor feels a notch down to the existing compact sedans. But here’s the thing. The Tigor will come in under the Tata Zest, which by extension means it will be priced significantly lower than compact sedans like the Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Ford Figo Aspire and Volkswagen Ameo. Tata is said to be looking at an aggressive price tag for the Tigor with prices likely to range from Rs 4 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base petrol to Rs 6.5 lakh for the top-spec diesel. And that means the Tigor could sit in a sweet spot in the market with no direct rivals.

The Tiago hatchback has already shown there’s a market for a well-priced Tata. The Tigor has the potential to take things up a few notches.