Tata Aeris EV Expert Review

The Aeris will get a substantially revised exterior, with Tata making sheet metal changes rather than limiting the facelift to new bumpers and lights. The teaser has confirmed slimmer LED headlamps with a thin DRL strip, LED fog lamps and redesigned tail-lights. Design patent images also show a new front bumper, C shaped design elements, a wide air inlet and a sleeker overall look. The notchback roofline and glasshouse will be retained, while new alloy wheels are expected.

The Aeris is expected to get a significant equipment upgrade over the Tigor. Its cabin is likely to borrow heavily from the updated Tiago and could include a 10.25 inch touchscreen, binnacle-less digital driver’s display, 360 degree camera, wireless phone charger and connected car technology. Automatic climate control, powered ORVMs, rear AC vents and six airbags as standard are also expected.

The Aeris is expected to retain the Tigor’s basic cabin and seating layout, but with a more modern dashboard inspired by the updated Tiago. The new interior could get a cleaner dashboard design, a freestanding touchscreen and a digital driver’s display. The overall notchback shape and existing body proportions will remain familiar, so the biggest change inside is expected to be the design and equipment rather than the cabin layout.

The Aeris is expected to carry over the Tigor’s 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with factory fitted CNG also expected to be offered. Both are likely to continue with five speed manual and five speed AMT options. The Aeris EV is expected to get a 26kWh battery with a front mounted motor, although its final range and efficiency figures have not yet been revealed.

The Aeris is expected to retain the Tigor’s existing 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol powertrain and CNG option rather than receive a major mechanical overhaul. Five speed manual and AMT gearboxes are expected to continue. The EV will get a different powertrain, with the Aeris EV expected to use a 26kWh battery and front mounted motor. More details on performance and refinement are expected to be revealed at launch.

The Aeris is expected to retain the Tigor’s basic platform and overall proportions, with the facelift concentrating heavily on its design and equipment. The addition of new sheet metal will give it a substantially different appearance, but the two Autocar India reports do not indicate any major changes to the suspension or chassis. Ride and handling characteristics will therefore need to be assessed once the Aeris is driven.

The Aeris will bring a more extensively redesigned exterior and a significantly updated equipment package to Tata’s compact sedan range. It is expected to be priced at a premium over the current Tigor, with the petrol and CNG versions continuing to target the compact sedan segment. The Aeris will compete with the Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura, while the EV will continue Tata’s presence in the electric compact sedan space.

Wait for the Aeris. The Tigor facelift will debut as the Aeris on September 25, with the teaser and design patent already confirming a significantly revised exterior and sheet metal changes. It is also expected to bring a more modern Tiago inspired cabin, additional features and petrol, CNG and EV powertrain options. With the launch only days away, waiting will give buyers clarity on the final features, variants and pricing.