The Tata Tiago, particularly the facelifted 2020 model with the 1.2L Revotron engine and automatic transmission, represents a significant entry in the Indian automotive market, and increasingly, a point of interest for global observers of budget-friendly vehicle engineering. While not officially sold in the United States, the Tiago exemplifies the growing sophistication of Indian automotive manufacturing and its focus on providing affordable, feature-rich transportation. This hatchback is designed to appeal to first-time car buyers and urban commuters seeking a practical and economical vehicle.
Tata Tiago (Facelift 2020): An Overview
The Tiago was introduced by Tata Motors as a replacement for the Indica and Nano, aiming to offer a more modern and competitive product in the rapidly evolving Indian car market. The 2020 facelift brought with it updated styling, improved safety features, and refinements to the interior. The 1.2L Revotron engine, available with either a manual or automatic transmission, is a key component of the Tiago’s appeal, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate performance for city driving. The Tiago competes with other subcompact hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios in the Indian market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2020 Tata Tiago facelift is the 1.2-liter Revotron gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated, inline three-cylinder engine produces 86 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 113 Newton-meters of torque (equivalent to 83.34 lb.-ft.) at 3300 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving conditions, particularly within urban environments. The power-to-liter ratio stands at 71.7 hp/l. The engine utilizes a multi-port manifold fuel injection system and is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This combination prioritizes fuel economy and ease of use over outright acceleration. The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further enhances fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights.
Design & Features
The Tata Tiago is a five-door hatchback designed to maximize interior space within a compact footprint. Its exterior styling is characterized by a contemporary design language, with a prominent front grille and swept-back headlights. The 2020 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the front fascia, including a redesigned grille and bumper. Inside, the Tiago offers seating for five passengers and a reasonably spacious cabin for its size. The interior features a functional layout with a focus on practicality. Key features include an electric power steering system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, and available options like a touchscreen infotainment system. The Tiago’s ride height of 170 mm (6.69 inches) provides adequate ground clearance for navigating typical Indian road conditions. The vehicle’s dimensions – 3765 mm (148.23 in.) in length, 1677 mm (66.02 in.) in width, and 1535 mm (60.43 in.) in height – contribute to its maneuverability in congested urban areas.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tata |
| Model | Tiago |
| Generation | Tiago (facelift 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2L Revotron (86 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | BS6 |
| Power | 86 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 113 Nm @ 3300 rpm / 83.34 lb.-ft. @ 3300 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Revotron |
| Engine displacement | 1199 cm3 / 73.17 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l / 3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt |
| Coolant | 4 l / 4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l / 9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal |
| Length | 3765 mm / 148.23 in. |
| Width | 1677 mm / 66.02 in. |
| Height | 1535 mm / 60.43 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm / 94.49 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 170 mm / 6.69 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut, Coil spring, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14; 175/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 14; 15 |
In conclusion, the 2020 Tata Tiago 1.2L Revotron Automatic represents a compelling offering in the subcompact hatchback segment, particularly within the Indian market. Its combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practical features makes it a popular choice for urban commuters and first-time car buyers. While not available in the US, the Tiago showcases the advancements being made in automotive engineering and manufacturing in emerging markets.
