Tata Tiago(Zica) features and specifications revealed
While the first drive report of the Tata Tiago is still a few days away, we analyse the Tiago's features and two new engine options.
The all-new Tata-developed petrol motor is a 1.2-litre DOHC unit (1199cc). Compared to rivals, the Tiago offers a slightly larger displacement. This also makes it one of the most powerful in the segment. Unlike the 4-cylinder 1.2 Revotron cast iron engine seen in the Tata Bolt/Zest, this Revotron is a 3-cylinder unit and an all-aluminium construction. However, unlike the other two cars, this unit is naturally aspirated so there is no turbocharger. The long stroke engine produces 85PS at 6,000rpm and 114Nm of peak torque that's available from 3,500rpm.
The engine also features two driving modes (City and Eco). It's the first car from the Tata Motors portfolio to feature variable valve timing. The Hyundai Grand i10 is the only other car in the segment to offer the same. Fuel efficiency is expected to be impressive while maintenance cost is said to be lower.
The diesel motor meanwhile is also new and uses 3-cylinders. It isn't a downsized Quadrajet engine but an all-new engine part of the new Revotorq family. The DOHC 1047cc common-rail engine also gets the two driving modes. The almost square engine puts out 70PS at 4,000rpm and 140Nm of torque between 1,800 and 3,000rpm. The diesel Tata Tiago is expected to return good fuel efficiency and it'll be interesting to see if it's the segment highest.
In terms of dimensions, the Tata Tiago is 3,746mm long and 1,647mm wide. Overall height is 1,535mm. Surprisingly, this footprint is smaller than the Hyundai Grand i10 but the Zica stands taller.
While the Tata Bolt and Zest lacked innovative storage points, the Tiago gets space for a mobile phone, driver side pocket, cup holders in the front console and door pad storage that can accommodate bottles. ABS and airbags may however may only be available as standard in the top variant.
In terms of comfort features, the top variants will offer infotainment developed by Harman. The stereo offers eight speakers and with a compatible smartphone, there's also navigation like we've seen in the Bolt. The system uses an app which, unlike various other map apps, even works when offline.
The interior also features colour coded air vent surrounds - we aren't sure if this is standard for all colour options or is exclusively available only with the orange shade.
The Tata Tiago brings new features and much awaited freshness to the segment. Watch out for the first drive review which will be out soon - December 5, 2015 to be exact.
Also see:
Image gallery: Details of Tata's new hatchback in India, the Tiago
Image gallery: We drive the Tata Tiago hatchback
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