Tata Aeris

The Aeris looks sleeker and more modern than the Tigor, although its styling remains familiar. It gets slim LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, a new bumper, LED fog lamps and a clamshell bonnet. The 14-inch stylised steel wheels look slightly undersized, while recycled-material wheel-arch cladding adds some visual contrast. At the rear, segmented LED tail-lights, new Aeris lettering and a clean bumper complete the design. Ground clearance is adequate for broken roads and large speed breakers.

The cabin shares its basic layout with the Tiago and gets a lighter beige theme. The redesigned centre console adds storage, cupholders, wireless charging and a leatherette-wrapped armrest. The seats get revised cushions and bolsters and are comfortable, while rear-seat legroom and kneeroom are good. Headroom can be tight for passengers over six feet tall.

The dual-cylinder CNG setup leaves enough boot space for a couple of backpacks and a small luggage bag. A 13-inch underbody spare wheel is also provided.

The Aeris gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera and a new DVR function that lets the surround-view cameras record as a dashcam. The top-spec Accomplished trim also gets ventilated front seats, which worked effectively in hot conditions. Other features include cruise control, wireless smartphone connectivity and a retro-themed instrument cluster.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, rear parking sensors and three-point seatbelts with reminders. Higher variants add TPMS, ESP with traction control, rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree camera. The Tigor had received a four-star Global NCAP rating, while the Aeris is yet to be tested by Bharat NCAP.

The Aeris iCNG uses the 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, producing 76hp and 97Nm, paired with a five-speed manual or AMT. The CNG-AMT has enough performance for city traffic but is slow to respond, with noticeable pauses after pressing the accelerator and jerky starts from standstill.

It settles into a relaxed rhythm once up to speed, but overtaking on the highway requires planning. Refinement is also a weak point, with engine noise and vibrations becoming pronounced above 2,500rpm. Wind and road noise are noticeable at higher speeds.

The Aeris iCNG has not yet been tested in standardised real-world conditions. Tata is yet to reveal an official efficiency figure, but real-world mileage is expected to be around 25-30km/kg

The Aeris performs particularly well over poor roads, with its suspension absorbing broken surfaces and larger bumps without unsettling the car. Its ground clearance also makes it well suited to rough roads and large speed breakers.

At highway speeds, it remains planted without feeling floaty or nervous. The steering offers decent feedback, although some vagueness around the centre takes away a little confidence.

Priced from Rs 5.70 lakh to Rs 9.10 lakh (ex-showroom), the Aeris offers a more convincing package than the Tigor ever was, combining modern styling, good equipment, comfortable ride quality and useful boot space despite the CNG setup. Higher-spec variants being available with CNG also means buyers don't have to sacrifice features for lower running costs.

The CNG-AMT is the main weakness, with its slow responses, jerky starts and noisy engine making it better suited to relaxed city driving. Even so, the Aeris is a practical and well-equipped CNG sedan that makes a stronger case than its predecessor.