Affordable hatchback alert: new Tata Tiago launches with three exciting models in SA

There’s seemingly no end to the stream of new cars entering the South African market as witnessed at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit last week.

Indian carmaker Tata Motors (and owner of Jaguar Land Rover), a recent newcomer, has hit the ground running with the launch of their entry-level hatchback Tiago.

While the hatchback market may be playing second fiddle to small Crossovers, there’s definitely still an appetite for affordable and compact cars in that segment.

Starting at R184 900, the Tata Tiago certainly falls into that bracket. 

Three options

The Tiago will be offered in three derivatives with varying levels of specification. The XM and XT are launching this month, while the XZ will be launched at a later date.

The XM comes with a 3.5-inch Next Generation Infotainment system, rear parking sensors and a fully digital instrument cluster.

The XT is upgraded with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four speakers, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Control, a reverse camera and a multi-function steering wheel.

The range-topping XZ adds 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, HD Reverse Parking Digital Camera, climate control, cruise control, push button start, a new advanced fully digital cluster and LED headlamps.

Exterior

The exterior features LED daytime running lights, chrome accented foglamps, dual-tone roof, shark fin antenna and boomerang shaped taillights.

Interior

Inside, it gets a dual-tone interior, illuminated steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, melange seats, a height-adjustable driver seat,  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and A & C USB charging ports.

Measuring 3.767 metres in length and 1.94 metres wide, boot space is said to be 242 litres.

Engine

Powering the Tiago is a 1.2-litre Revotron, three-cylinder engine that produces 63kW and 113Nm coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Automated Manual Transmission.

Tata claims fuel consumption figures of 5l/100km.

Suspension comes in the form of independent front suspension consisting of a lower wishbone and McPherson struts, as well as rear twist beam with coil springs.

Safety

With a 4-star Global NCAP rating (2020 test certification), safety is taken care of with dual airbags, hill hold control, ABS with EBD and Electronic Stability Program, a high-strength body structure and an HD reverse parking camera.

The Tata Tiago comes with a two-year/30 000km service plan and a five-year/125 000km warranty

Pricing

• Tata Tiago 1.2 XM MT: R184 900.
• Tata Tiago 1.2 XT MT: R209 900.
• Tata Tiago 1.2 XT AMT: R224 900.