Tata Tigor Expert Review

The Tata Tigor stands out in the sub-4 m saloon segment with a distinctive sloping roof and fastback-like profile. The recent design refresh enhances its premium appeal with a sharper grille, chrome accents and crisp headlamps, though a thick A-pillar slightly hampers visibility at intersections.

Engineering for both petrol and iCNG remains rooted in simplicity and practicality. The CNG variant retains the same sturdy platform and adds a semi-independent rear suspension with dual path struts and a twist beam to handle the extra weight of the CNG cylinders. This keeps the car confident and composed on urban roads while contributing to a slightly firmer ride.

Inside, the Tigor feels spacious and well-finished for its class. The front seats are comfortable with good support, and clever use of textured plastics lifts perceived cabin quality. The sizable 419-litre boot is a strong suit, though in the iCNG the usable cargo space roughly halves to about 205 litres due to the CNG tank, still enough for a couple of soft bags. Access to the spare tyre is awkward in this layout.

Rear passengers enjoy adequate headroom and knee space, making the Tigor a practical choice for city journeys and occasional highway trips. Light steering and a tight turning radius further enhance urban usability.

Both petrol and CNG Tigor use Tata’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron engine tuned for drivability. In petrol form, the engine feels familiar and adequate for daily use, though the lack of outright urge means you’ll work the gearbox to keep momentum alive.

The iCNG version produces slightly lower output (around 73 hp and 95 Nm) yet manages day-to-day performance without a perceptible deficit compared to petrol for typical driving. Engine vibrations are present at idle and under hard acceleration, but refinement is acceptable for the segment and smoothens out on the move.

Fuel efficiency is a clear strength of the iCNG. Real-world CNG figures hover around 16.85 km/kg in the city and 25.86 km/kg on the highway, closely matching claimed figures. Running costs on CNG are a fraction of petrol, with cost per kilometre roughly one-third of petrol expenditure. Although the additional weight and shorter gearing temper performance slightly, the trade-off for low operating cost is substantial.

Petrol economy is modest in comparison, averaging around 12.7 kmpl in mixed conditions.

The Tigor feels planted and confidence-inspiring in everyday driving. Suspension absorbs urban bumps well, and despite the firmer ride in the CNG due to extra mass and modified suspension, comfort remains acceptable. Steering is light and accurate at lower speeds, adding to city ease, and the car holds itself well on highways for its class.

Braking performance is slightly compromised by the added weight of the CNG setup, showing longer stopping distances than the petrol in panic scenarios.

The Tigor’s feature list is competitive for its segment. A touchscreen infotainment system, Harman Kardon audio with excellent sound quality, and practical storage enhance cabin appeal. Safety includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD and stability aids, and Tata’s robust build adds peace of mind.

Priced attractively within the compact sedan segment, the Tigor offers strong value — especially the iCNG for buyers prioritising lower running costs backed by OEM-integrated safety and warranty. While not class-leading on dynamics or tank range versus some rivals, its combination of space, comfort, efficiency and robust package make it a sensible choice for daily commuters and cost-conscious families.