With skyrocketing fuel prices, customers are now moving towards electric and CNG vehicles. While EVs are still a far cry for most customers, CNG is an easily available cost-efficient option. And Tata Motors is the latest carmaker to launch its Tiago and Tigor duo with a CNG powertrain. Recently, we got a chance to try our hands on the eco-friendly hatchback, and there are some conclusive grounds for which you may think of it.
Unbeatable Performace
The Tata Tiago CNG continues with the ongoing 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine. However, there is a difference between the CNG and petrol power outputs. It develops 73PS of maximum grunt and 95Nm of peak twist in CNG mode, a drop of 13PS and 18Nm when running in petrol. Though the difference seems relatively big on paper, you won’t feel it much while driving, especially in city traffic. However, a slight change is inevitable at higher revs or when you toggle between the fuel modes, but it isn’t in a way that you will ought more power when planning an overtake. So, be in the right gear, and the Tiago will progress effortlessly. Nevertheless, you may want to switch to petrol when climbing a mountainous section, especially when the car is fully loaded.
In our 0-80kmph acceleration test, the Tiago CNG was about 2-3 seconds slower than in petrol mode.
NVH Level
Being a three-cylinder unit, engine noises are clearly audible in the cabin. Also, you can feel mild vibration on the gear level and ABC pedals. However, the throbbing levels are significantly low when compared to the pre-facelift model.
Fuel Economy and CNG Range
As per our mileage test, the Tata Tiago CNG returned us a fuel economy of around 20 km/kg in mixed driving conditions, which is around Rs 3.28/kilometer as per the current CNG price in Jaipur, Rajasthan (Rs 65.75). You can expect more mileage on highways. All in all, its 10kg CNG tank can offer a full range of between 160 to 260 kilometers. However, the temperature and pressure at the pump can make a difference.
Also Read: Tata Tiago CNG Vs Rivals: Specifications, Mileage And Price Comparison
It is worth noting that the fuel efficiency of any vehicle depends on various parameters like driving behavior, road & traffic conditions, engine state, loading, etc.
Class-Leading Ride Quality and Handling
Like every other Tata car, the Tiago CNG too feels composed and offers comfortable ride quality. However, to cope with the extra weight in the boot, the carmaker has stiffened the rear suspensions that can be felt on the sharper potholes and bad roads. But, it just floats over small bumps and potholes at city speeds like nothing else in this class.
Speaking of the handling, it remains similar to its petrol-only version that gives you a pleasurable and snug feeling on the road, even at highway speeds.
Tata Tiago CNG: Boot Space
Since Tata has installed a CNG tank in the boot, you merely get any room to fit your luggage. Also, accessing the spare wheel is quite complicated as you will have to remove the rear seat cushions first and then fold down the rear seatback too.
Fresh Looks
Exterior
With the introduction of iCNG variants, Tata also offered a new Midnight Plum paint scheme with the Tiago that looks quite elegant, especially with the added chrome on the front grille, door handles, and tailgate. However, compared to the regular petrol version, the top-spec XZ+ variant of the Tiago iCNG missed out on alloy wheels. But it does get stylish dual-tone wheel caps that look like alloys.
Other notable additions to the range-topping variants of the 2022 Tata Tiago include projector halogen headlamps and LED daytime running lamps near the fog lamp housing.
Interior
Tata has also revised Tiago’s interior with a refreshed dual-tone black-&-beige cabin theme replacing the older black-&-grey color scheme. There are also the new fabric seats with white stitching and signature tri-arrow patterns, rounding off the overall appearance of the car.
Feature-Packed Cabin
Unlike the other CNG cars of this segment that primarily come in their low and mid-range variants, the Tiago CNG is available from entry-level XE to the range-topping XZ+ variant. This means you can enjoy the running-cost efficiency even with the fully loaded variant that comes with a digital instrument console, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Harman sound system (4 speakers, 4 tweeters), multi-function steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, auto climate control, manual day/night IRVM, electrically adjustable ORVMs, cooled glovebox, dual-airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, and rearview camera, much more.
The Tigo CNG also gets the functionality to let the car start in CNG mode, which is segment-first. Furthermore, Tata has also added the microswitch that doesn’t allow the ignition until the fuel lid is closed. Besides, there is a fire extinguisher placed under the co-driver seat for added safety and a leak detection technology that switches from CNG to petrol mode in case of a gas leak.
Verdict
Buyers will have to shell out Rs 90,000 more for the Tiago CNG over the regular petrol variants. For this added premium, you get a neatly integration of the CNG kit, along with the convenience of direct CNG start. Also, it won’t let you down in terms of driving dynamics, ride quality, and performance. But if you’re the one who prioritizes mileage over performance, then Tiago CNG is not for you.
2022 Tata Tiago CNG Video Review: –
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