The Tigor

The Tigor is Tata Motor’s latest entrant in the sub-compact sedan segment. Before you say that there are far too many cars out there in that segment, let me tell you one thing. The Tigor will be priced significantly cheaper than its competitors. How much cheaper is the car? Tata Motors announced that the Tigor’s pricing would range from Rs.4.7 to 6.19 lakhs for the petrol and Rs.5.6 to 7.09 for the diesel variants.

Part of the reason why Tata could bring down the price is because of the platform that underpins it. Unlike the Dzire, Amaze, Ameo, Xcent and Aspire, which are based on larger premium hatchbacks, the Tigor is based on the entry-level compact car from Tata – the Tiago. It will share the showroom floor with the Zest- a compact sedan based on the larger Bolt hatchback. Unlike the Bolt, Zest and, recently launched,Hexa, which are based on older cars (Indica Vista, Manza and Aria respectively), the Tiago and Tigor are both brand new cars and have been designed from grounds-up. The Tigor sits on a wheelbase 50mm longer than that of the Tiago and is almost 50kgs heavier.

The Tigor is an attractive car from most angles, which cannot be said about some of its competitors. The boot is very well integrated into the overall design of the car and doesn’t look like an afterthought. There are, clever, design touches like the rooflinewhich projects out like a rear spoiler to give more headroom on the inside. The front end is similar to the Tiago which gives it a familiar look.But, subtle changes, like smoked headlamps, help it to differentiate it from the hatchback. The petrol variant gets 15-inch alloys whereas the diesel settles for 14 inches.

Inside, it is all very Tiago with familiar dashboard, seats, steering, controls etc. The biggest additions are the auto climate control and new touchscreen audio system with reverse camera. The infotainment system was developed with Harmon Kardon and it sounds great. It is packed with features- can pair up with mobiles via an app, respond to voice commands and offer navigation based on the user’s phone app. The touch interface, on the other hand, isn’t the best.But, luckily, it can be operated via the switch and knobs – the old fashioned way. The plastic texture and knitted rooflining add to the quality feel of the cabin, although lower down the dashboard, you will find cheaper materials and some fit and finish issues. The front seats are large with good support and great visibility. The rear seats are set lower than the Tiago’s, so as not to compromise on the headroom. The seats have extended side bolstering to make it wider for three abreast seating. The front seats have their backrests carved out to liberate more knee room. Overall seating is comfortable with good recline angle and a central foldable armrest in place. The boot is a commendable 419litres and the boot-lid –to reduce intrusions- has been designed with a multi-hinge arrangement instead of the common, cheaper, gooseneck arrangement, to make it even more practical.

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