The TagAz Tiggo 1.8 (130 Hp) represents a significant offering from the Russian automotive manufacturer TagAZ, which operated the Taganrog Automobile Plant. Produced from 2005 to 2014, this compact off-road vehicle was primarily aimed at markets seeking robust, affordable, and practical transportation, particularly in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. While not widely available in Western markets like the United States, the TagAz Tiggo carved out a niche as a versatile crossover SUV, blending utilitarian design with accessible performance. It was a vehicle designed to navigate diverse road conditions, from urban streets to less-maintained rural paths, embodying a pragmatic approach to personal mobility during its production run. The Tiggo’s inception was rooted in a strategic partnership, allowing TagAZ to produce a vehicle based on an established platform, thereby offering a contemporary design and features package at a competitive price point within its target markets. This approach enabled the TagAz Tiggo to become a familiar sight across Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, serving as a reliable family vehicle or a practical workhorse for small businesses, demonstrating its adaptability and broad appeal within its segment.
Engine and Performance of the TagAz Tiggo 1.8 (130 Hp)
At the heart of the TagAz Tiggo 1.8 (130 Hp) lies a naturally aspirated, 1.8-liter (112.59 cu. in.) internal combustion engine, meticulously engineered to provide a balance of power, reliability, and efficiency suitable for its intended applications. This four-cylinder gasoline engine is configured in a front, transverse layout, a common design choice for front-wheel-drive vehicles that optimizes interior space and weight distribution. It delivers a respectable 130 horsepower at 5750 revolutions per minute (rpm), a figure that translates to a power output of 70.5 horsepower per liter, indicating a well-tuned and efficient atmospheric engine for its era. The torque output stands at 125.39 lb.-ft. (170 Nm), available across a broad range from 4300 to 4500 rpm. This torque curve ensures responsive acceleration in city driving and adequate pulling power for highway cruising, a critical attribute for a vehicle often used for varied purposes.
The engine utilizes a multi-port manifold injection system, a proven technology that precisely controls fuel delivery to each cylinder, optimizing combustion for both performance and fuel economy. With a compression ratio of 10.5:1, the engine is designed to operate efficiently on standard gasoline fuel types available in its primary markets. The choice of a naturally aspirated engine, devoid of turbocharging, simplifies the powertrain, potentially enhancing long-term reliability and reducing maintenance complexity and costs – key considerations for buyers in its segment. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission, offering the driver direct control over gear selection. This combination of a robust engine and a well-matched manual gearbox provides a straightforward and engaging driving experience, allowing drivers to extract maximum performance and efficiency from the powertrain. The front-wheel-drive architecture, coupled with the engine’s characteristics, makes the TagAz Tiggo 1.8 (130 Hp) a competent performer for daily commutes and light off-road excursions, living up to its “off-road vehicle” designation in a practical sense rather than extreme capability.
Design and Features
The TagAz Tiggo is categorized as an “Off-road vehicle,” though in the modern context, it is best understood as a compact crossover or SUV, designed with a practical, five-door body type to accommodate up to five occupants. Its design language, while perhaps not groundbreaking, emphasized functionality and a sturdy appearance, resonating well with consumers looking for a dependable and spacious vehicle. The exterior dimensions contribute significantly to its utility: a length of 168.7 inches (4285 mm), a width of 69.49 inches (1765 mm), and a height of 67.13 inches (1705 mm). These dimensions strike a balance, making the Tiggo maneuverable in urban environments while providing a commanding road presence and ample interior volume. The wheelbase of 98.82 inches (2510 mm) supports stable handling and contributes to the comfortable ride quality for which the Tiggo was known in its class.
Inside, the TagAz Tiggo prioritizes practicality. The five-seat configuration offers comfortable seating for adults and children, making it a suitable family vehicle. Storage capacity is another strong point, with a minimum trunk space of 13.84 cubic feet (392 liters), which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, enhancing its versatility for carrying luggage or larger items. The chassis and suspension systems were engineered to cope with varying road conditions typical of its primary markets. The front suspension features an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, providing a good blend of comfort and precise steering response. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link spring suspension, also equipped with a stabilizer, further enhancing ride comfort and stability, particularly when traversing uneven terrain. Braking performance is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, a standard and effective setup for a vehicle of this size and weight, ensuring reliable stopping power. The steering system is a rack and pinion type, offering direct and predictable control. The vehicle rides on 215/65 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims, providing a good balance between on-road comfort, grip, and a degree of off-road capability for light trails. Overall, the TagAz Tiggo’s design and features underscore its role as a practical, accessible, and robust utility vehicle, crafted to meet the diverse demands of its target demographic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | TagAz |
| Model | Tiggo |
| Generation | Tiggo |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 (130 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 year |
| End of production | 2014 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 5750 rpm. |
| Power per liter | 70.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 125.39 lb.-ft. @ 4300-4500 rpm. (170 Nm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 112.59 cu. in. (1845 cm3) |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.19 in. (81 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 3.52 in. (89.5 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 13.84 cu. ft. (392 l) |
| Length | 168.7 in. (4285 mm) |
| Width | 69.49 in. (1765 mm) |
| Height | 67.13 in. (1705 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 98.82 in. (2510 mm) |
| Front track | 60 in. (1524 mm) |
| Rear (Back) track | 59.8 in. (1519 mm) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
