Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer on the basis of revenues, has launched its highly anticipated affordable hatchback —Tata Tiago. The automaker’s latest offering boasts of an introductory price tag of Rs. 3.2 lakhs for the base model, while the premium variant is priced at Rs. 5.54 lakhs (ex. showroom New Delhi). Tiago hatchback is Tata Motors’ first new launch since Nano. Its petrol version features a cutting-edge 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder Revetron engine while the diesel variant comes with a 1-litre engine.
Tata Tiago has been designed based on the new product introduction process originally developed by Jaguar Land Rover and features inputs from almost 1,000 prospective buyers. Even the base model of this hatchback is loaded with a range of features such as rear parking sensors, multi-drive mode, navigation, touch screen infotainment system and more. Key safety features incorporated in the premium Tiago variant include load limiter, seat belt pre-tensioners and dual airbags.
Tata Motors’ Tiago is priced substantially lower than its competitors in the same segment such as Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Suzuki Celerio among others. This is the key reason why this new launch is expected to give stiff competition to existing market players in the segment. However, some experts are skeptical that Tata Motors would be able to maintain its low introductory price in the long term.