Tata Tiago XM CNG

Namaste, car enthusiasts and future car owners! Are you on the hunt for a new set of wheels that ticks all the right boxes without emptying your wallet? When buying a car in India, we usually think about a few key things: How much does it cost? Is it safe for my family? What will be my monthly running cost? Does it have the latest features? And, is the company service reliable?

Well, if these questions are buzzing in your mind, then you’re in the right place! Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into a car that’s gaining a lot of attention for its smart blend of affordability, safety, and efficiency: the new Tata Tiago XM CNG. Let’s see if this popular hatchback from Tata Motors is the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Tata Tiago XM CNG is its proven 1.2-litre Revotron engine. It's a three-cylinder unit designed to offer a good balance of power and efficiency. Here are the key numbers:

• Engine Type: 1.2L Revotron, 3-cylinder
• Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
• Power Output (Petrol Mode): 86 PS (Power) at 6000 rpm
• Torque Output (Petrol Mode): 113 Nm (Torque) at 3300 rpm
• Power Output (CNG Mode): 73 PS at 6000 rpm
• Torque Output (CNG Mode): 95 Nm at 3500 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI Certified - CNG): Around 26.49 km/kg

With its impressive CNG mileage, the Tiago XM CNG is truly a pocket-friendly option for your daily commute.

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Tata Tiago has always been known for its smart and youthful design, and the XM CNG variant carries that forward. It’s a compact hatchback that looks modern and appealing on Indian roads. You get a confident stance, stylish headlamps, and a neat front grille that carries Tata’s signature design language. The overall look is sporty yet practical, making it easy to navigate through city traffic and fit into tight parking spots. While the XM variant keeps things simple, the core Tiago design ensures it doesn't look basic.

Interior Design

Step inside the Tata Tiago XM CNG, and you'll find a cabin that feels surprisingly spacious for its segment. Tata has done a great job with the interior layout, making it ergonomic and easy to use. The dual-tone dashboard adds a touch of premium feel. The seats are comfortable, offering decent support for both city drives and longer journeys. While the XM variant focuses on practicality, the overall fit and finish are quite good for its price point, reflecting Tata's improved build quality.

Key Features (XM CNG Variant)

The XM variant is positioned to offer essential features at an attractive price. Here’s what you can expect:

• Infotainment: A 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth, USB, and Aux connectivity. It's a no-frills system but gets the job done for your music and calls.
• Steering Mounted Controls: For easy control of audio and calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
• Manual Air Conditioning: Keeps the cabin cool efficiently.
• All Four Power Windows: A convenient feature for all occupants.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: Provides clear and easy-to-read information to the driver.
• Integrated Headrests: Both front and rear.

Please note that advanced features like a large touchscreen, sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging are typically available in higher variants of the Tiago, not the XM CNG.

Ground Clearance

The Tata Tiago XM CNG offers a healthy 168 mm of ground clearance. This is quite good for a hatchback in India, helping you tackle rough patches and speed breakers without much worry.

Boot Space

One common point of consideration for any CNG car is its boot space. The Tata Tiago XM CNG, with its twin-cylinder iCNG technology, offers a boot space of around 80-90 litres. While the twin cylinders help free up more space compared to a single large cylinder, it’s still significantly less than the petrol version’s 242 litres. This is a trade-off for the excellent fuel economy.

Dimensions

Understanding a car's size is important for parking and maneuverability. Here are the dimensions of the Tata Tiago:

• Length: 3765 mm
• Width: 1677 mm
• Height: 1535 mm
• Wheelbase: 2400 mm

Powertrain Options

The Tata Tiago is primarily offered with the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine. For those looking for lower running costs, the iCNG variant, which we are discussing today, offers the flexibility of running on both petrol and CNG. The XM CNG specifically comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety Features

Tata Motors has a strong reputation for building safe cars, and the Tiago is no exception. The Tata Tiago XM CNG comes equipped with a good set of safety features:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Corner Stability Control (CSC)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Puncture Repair Kit
• High-Strength Steel Body Structure
• Seatbelt Reminder

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a paramount concern for Indian families. The Tata Tiago has performed remarkably well in crash tests.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Comments
Global NCAP	4 Stars	4 Stars	Rating for the standard petrol Tata Tiago (pre-2022 protocol). The sturdy platform ensures excellent structural integrity for the CNG variant too.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated (Expected)	Not Yet Rated (Expected)	As Bharat NCAP is new, specific Tiago CNG ratings are awaited, but it's expected to perform well given its strong Global NCAP track record.

Rivals of Tata Tiago XM CNG

The Tata Tiago XM CNG faces competition from other popular CNG hatchbacks in the Indian market. Its main rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG: Known for its fuel efficiency and Maruti’s widespread service network.
• Maruti Suzuki WagonR CNG: A segment leader, known for its spacious cabin and tall-boy design.
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG: Offers a more premium interior and a refined engine.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros of Tata Tiago XM CNG

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: With around 26.49 km/kg, your running costs will be incredibly low.
• High Safety Rating: A 4-star Global NCAP rating provides great peace of mind for you and your family.
• Robust Build Quality: Tata cars are known for their strong build, and the Tiago is no exception, feeling sturdy on the road.
• Smooth CNG Integration: Tata’s iCNG technology ensures seamless switching between petrol and CNG modes.
• City-Friendly Size: Compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park in congested city conditions.
• Reliable After-Sales Service: Tata Motors has an expanding service network across India.

Cons of Tata Tiago XM CNG

• Limited Boot Space: The twin CNG cylinders significantly reduce usable boot space, making it challenging for large luggage.
• Performance Dip on CNG: Like most CNG cars, there’s a slight drop in power and torque when running on CNG compared to petrol, which can be noticeable on highways or inclines.
• Basic Feature Set (XM Variant): The XM variant is more about value and essential features. Those looking for a touchscreen, alloy wheels, or other premium features might need to look at higher Tiago variants.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate for four adults, taller passengers might find rear knee room a bit limited on longer journeys.

Conclusion

So, should the Tata Tiago XM CNG be your next car? If you’re a prospective car buyer in India looking for an affordable, safe, and incredibly fuel-efficient hatchback primarily for city use, then the answer is a resounding yes! It strikes a fantastic balance between running costs, essential features, and the peace of mind that comes with a high safety rating.

While the reduced boot space is a compromise, the savings on fuel and the robust build quality more than make up for it. The Tata Tiago XM CNG is a practical, smart, and trustworthy choice for families and individuals who prioritize safety and economy. Visit your nearest Tata dealership for a test drive and experience the Tiago XM CNG for yourself!