Spec Comparo: Tata Tigor JTP v Tata Tiago JTP v Maruti Baleno RS vs VW Polo GT TSI

Tuhin Guha Updated: October 29, 2018, 10:45 PM IST

We recently drove Tata Motors' two new offerings for the performance-inclined buyer, the Tata Tiago JTP and Tata Tigor JTP. We came away impressed by many facets of the cars, most notably their engine, styling and handling characteristics. But that was in isolation. How do they stack up against their two closest rivals? The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS and the Volkswagen Golf GT TSI are larger cars, but closest to the JTP twins in specification and ethos. So here's how they compare on paper.

Dimensions

The Tiago JTP is the most compact car here, sitting in a segment lower than the others. The Tiago JTP is 3,756mm long, 1,647mm wide and 1,531mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,400mm. The Tigor JTP is obviously longer, by way of its sub-four-metre sedan body style, at 3,992mm. Some of this translates into a 50mm wheelbase stretch over the Tiago. There isn't a whole lot separating them in terms of width and height. The Baleno RS is the longest car here at 3,995mm and also the widest at 1,745mm. It's also the roomiest car here with a 2,520mm wheelbase. The GT TSI sits in the middle with its 3,971mm length. Its 1,682mm width, 1,469mm height and 2,469mm wheelbase reiterate this.

Drivetrain

In keeping with current hot-hatch tradition, all the cars here come with small capacity turbocharged petrol motors. The JTP twins are powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol which puts out 114PS at 5,000 rpm and 150 Nm (2,000 to 4,000 rpm). The Baleno RS uses a smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo which makes 102PS (5,500 rpm) and 150 Nm (1,700 to 4,500 rpm). The GT TSI is slightly different with its four-cylinder motor, but it's of similar 1.2-liter displacement. This motor puts out 105PS(5,000 rpm) but is the torquiest here at 175 Nm (1500 to 4100 rpm). Uniquely, the Tiago and Tigor JTP cars get two drive modes, City and Sport. In City mode, torque is limited to 114 Nm and a more sedate engine map and throttle response is available.

Both the JTPs and the Baleno RS get five-speed manual transmissions. The GT TSI has a distinct advantage here with its seven-speed dual clutch. The Baleno is 159 kgs lighter than the Polo and 66 kgs and 101 kgs lighter than the Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP. This advantage is clearly visible in the 0 to 100 kmph times. The Baleno is the quickest, completing this run in 9.7s. The Polo does this is 10.2s. JT Special Vehicles claims the JTP cars finish this run in 10s.
The Baleno RS is the only one with rear disc brakes.

Features and safety

The Baleno RS is the best equipped of the lot. It gets a seven-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There are auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, push-button start and climate control. The GT TSI gets most of these amenities but loses out on auto headlamps and a rear-view camera but adds cruise control, hill-hold function and an ESP. The Tigor JTP misses out on auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, push-button start and cruise control. The Tiago further loses the rear-view camera and auto climate control. However, the two Tata cars get the best sounding eight-speaker Harman music system. The Tigor is the most practical of the lot, given its sedan body style.

Safety-wise, the GT TSI has an advantage, coming equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program). Otherwise, all four cars get two front airbags and ABS.

Pricing

The Tata Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP have a distinct advantage here. The Tiago JTP massively undercuts the other cars here. It is priced at Rs at Rs 6.39 lakh while the Tigor JTP, even with the sedan body style, will set you back by Rs 7.49 lakh. This is a whole Rs 89,000 less than the Baleno RS' Rs 8.38 lakh and a Rs 1.73 lakh less than the GT TSI's Rs 9.22 lakh. This difference increases further for the Tiago JTP to Rs 1.99 lakh and Rs 2.83 lakh for the RS and GT TSI respectively. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.