Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? We all think about so many things: how much it will cost to buy, how safe it is for our family, what the monthly maintenance will be, if it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company service is. In today’s world, electric cars are becoming a super attractive option, and for good reason! They are clean, quiet, and can save you a lot on fuel bills. But which one is right for you, especially if you are looking for a practical, family-friendly option?
Today, we are going to dive deep into a car that is making a lot of waves in the Indian EV market: the new Tata Tiago EV XT LR. Tata Motors has been a pioneer in electric vehicles in India, and the Tiago EV aims to bring electric mobility to a wider audience. The XT LR variant, in particular, tries to hit that sweet spot between features, range, and affordability. Let us break it down for you.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
- The Tata Tiago EV XT LR is powered by a powerful electric motor.
- Max Power: 55 kW (about 74 bhp)
- Peak Torque: 114 Nm
- This setup gives you smooth, instant acceleration, which is perfect for city driving and surprisingly capable on highways too.
Design Overview
Exterior:
- The Tiago EV keeps the familiar and appealing design of the regular Tiago but adds some electric-specific touches.
- You will notice blue accents on the grille and fog lamp surrounds, highlighting its electric nature.
- It gets stylish alloy wheels that look modern.
- The charging port is conveniently located on the front fender, making it easy to plug in.
- Overall, it is a compact yet robust-looking hatchback, perfect for navigating Indian city traffic.
Interior:
- Step inside, and you will find a smart and practical cabin.
- The dashboard has a clean layout with a dual-tone finish (often black and white/beige combination) that gives it an airy feel.
- The seats are comfortable for four adults, though five might be a bit of a squeeze on longer journeys.
- Quality of materials feels good for this segment, and everything is logically placed for easy access.
Key Features (XT LR Trim)
The XT LR variant is designed to offer a good balance of essential and modern features:
- Infotainment System: 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Connectivity: Tata's ZConnect connected car technology with over 45 features, including remote AC control, vehicle diagnostics, and safety alerts.
- Climate Control: Automatic climate control for comfortable cabin temperatures.
- Cruise Control: A very useful feature for highway driving, helping reduce driver fatigue.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Helps you keep an eye on tyre health for safety and efficiency.
- Multi-mode Regen: Allows you to adjust the regenerative braking intensity, helping extend range.
- Steering-mounted controls: For audio and calls, ensuring you keep your hands on the wheel.
- Note: Features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging are typically found in higher-end variants or are not offered on the Tiago EV. The XT LR focuses on core practical features.
Ground Clearance
- The Tata Tiago EV XT LR offers a ground clearance of 165 mm (unladen). This is quite decent for Indian roads, helping you clear most speed breakers and minor undulations without much worry.
Boot Space
- The boot space is 240 litres. While not massive, it is practical enough for your daily shopping, a couple of suitcases for a weekend trip, or school bags.
Dimensions
- Length: 3769 mm
- Width: 1677 mm
- Height: 1536 mm
- Wheelbase: 2400 mm
- These compact dimensions make the Tiago EV a breeze to drive and park in congested city environments.
Powertrain Options
The Tata Tiago EV is available with two battery options, but the XT LR variant comes with the larger, long-range battery pack:
- Battery Pack: 24 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack.
- Range (MIDC): Tata claims a Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) range of 315 km. In real-world conditions, expect slightly less, depending on your driving style and traffic.
- Charging: Supports both 3.3 kW AC charging (standard with the car) and 7.2 kW AC fast charging (optional upgrade). It also supports DC fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery from 10% to 80% in about 57 minutes at a 50 kW fast charger.
Safety Features
Safety is a big priority for Tata, and the Tiago EV is no exception:
- Dual Front Airbags
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Cornering Stability Control (CSC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Reverse Parking Sensors and Camera (with dynamic guidelines)
- Seatbelt Reminder for all occupants
NCAP Rating Table
While the Tata Tiago EV has not been specifically tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet, it is built on the same platform as the petrol-powered Tata Tiago, which has a proven safety record.
| Rating Agency |
Model Tested |
Adult Occupant Safety |
Child Occupant Safety |
| Global NCAP |
Tata Tiago (ICE) |
4-Star |
4-Star |
| Bharat NCAP |
Tata Tiago EV |
Pending (Expected high rating due to strong platform) |
Pending (Expected high rating duen to strong platform) |
Rivals of Tata Tiago EV XT LR
In the Indian electric hatchback segment, the Tata Tiago EV XT LR faces competition from a few key players:
- MG Comet EV: A smaller, two-door urban EV with a more compact range.
- Citroen eC3: While positioned as a micro-SUV, it competes in a similar price bracket for a practical electric family car.
- Other potential rivals could be higher variants of the Tiago EV itself, or the lower variants of the Tata Nexon EV Prime, depending on pricing.
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Let us weigh the good and the not-so-good about the Tata Tiago EV XT LR:
Pros:
- Affordable Electric Mobility: It is one of the most accessible long-range electric cars in India.
- Decent Real-World Range: The 24 kWh battery provides enough range for daily commutes and even occasional inter-city trips.
- Good Features for the Price: The XT LR trim offers key modern features like connected car tech, cruise control, and auto climate.
- Compact and Easy to Drive: Its size makes it ideal for city traffic and parking.
- Tata's Wide Service Network: Being a Tata product, you benefit from their extensive service network across India.
- Low Running Costs: Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to run compared to petrol cars.
- Instant Torque: The peppy acceleration is a joy in city driving.
Cons:
- Charging Infrastructure: While improving, public charging infrastructure can still be a concern in some areas, making home charging essential.
- Rear Passenger Space: While adequate, it is not overly spacious for three adults in the rear on long journeys.
- Charging Time: AC charging (3.3 kW) can take a considerable amount of time for a full charge. A 7.2 kW charger or DC fast charger is highly recommended.
- Limited Premium Features: This XT LR variant does not offer some premium features like a sunroof, wireless charging, or ventilated seats, which some rivals (or higher variants) might.
- Boot Space: The 240-litre boot is average, not class-leading.
Conclusion
The Tata Tiago EV XT LR is a highly compelling package for anyone looking to enter the world of electric mobility in India. It successfully brings together affordability, a practical long range, and a decent feature set, all backed by Tata's commitment to safety and a growing EV ecosystem.
If your daily commute is within the advertised range, you have access to home charging, and you are looking for a compact, feature-rich, and safe electric hatchback without breaking the bank, the Tiago EV XT LR should definitely be on top of your list. It is a smart, economical, and environmentally friendly choice for the modern Indian family. Go test drive it and experience the future of mobility yourself!
