Tata Tiago EV claims, “Now everyone will go EV.” – But should everyone buy it? Read the review

Tata Motors is a brand known for reliance, dependability, and design. They have dominated India’s EV market with star products like Nexon SUV and Tigor sedan. Now, they have shifted their attention to hatchbacks, presenting the Tata Tiago EV to you. 

The vehicle was launched with a hard-to-ignore price of Rs 8.49 lakh-11.79 lakh (ex-showroom), which was applicable for the first 20,000 buyers. With that mark surpassed, the price has increased by Rs 35,000. Is it still worth the price? Let’s understand by reviewing every detail. 

Fundamental Introduction Of Tata Tiago EV

The technology is based on the same platform, the internal combustion engine (ICE) version. Thus, it shares many parts and components with the Nexon SUV and Tigor sedan. It is a classic move by the manufacturers to benefit from the economies of scale.

The Tata Tiago EV is available in two versions- MR, i.e., medium range, and LR, i.e., Long Range. The MR comes with a 19.2kWh lithium ferrous Phosphorus (LFP) battery mated to a 61 hp electric motor with a range of 257 km. LR uses a 24kWh LFP battery coupled to a 75 hp electric motor with a claimed range of 315 km. Furthermore, MR is available in two trims, XE and XT, where the latter (XT) is more prevalent in sales. LR generally books most bookings and hence offers them in five trim levels.

The above description is just a minor technicality. But what about interiors? We live in a social media world where every commodity should be Instagram-worthy. So, let’s hit the show on the road.

Tata Tiago EV: exterior

As mentioned earlier, the car is based on the ICE version, but it has incorporated some EV-guidelines styling touches, mainly concentrated at the front. The grille area has a black enclosed panel with an EV badge, and the front grille is marked up with blue as the fog lamp surrounds it. The front air dam features a neat tri-arrow patterned body-coloured encasing. The variants also get two-tone plastic wheel caps. 

But that is not all; the car features a black roof with black mirror casings. The door handles also have a black lining to give the car a sporty touch. Though the vehicle is based on the 2016 design language, it still looks chic with its proportioned shape and clean-cut lines. Overall, the Tata Tiago EV is a good-looking hatchback.

Tata Tiago EV: interior

The Tiago EV has been marketed to two-tone black and off-white themes, with light blue highlights scattered around. The off-white leatherette upholstery with delicate blue stitching brightens up the car. However, it will need special attention to keep spotless over time. Other specific EV changes include new buttons for electric lid release and braking generation levels. 

Apart from this, there is a rotary drive selector, digital instrument cluster, climate control, flat-bottom steering, and seats, similar to the Tigor EV. There is a fantastic-sounding eight-speaker Harman system, which is the USP of the interior, with a plush seating arrangement. There are other plus points of interiors:

• multi-drive modes, 
• cruise control, 
• cooled glovebox, 
• 45 ZConnect features with smartwatch compatibility, 
• four speakers and four tweeters,  
• TPMS, 
• auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, 
• a rearview camera with parking sensors, 
• electric auto fold ORVMs, 
• powered boot opening, 
• ABS with EBD, and 
• dual front airbags.

Tata Tiago EV: range and performance

The Tata beast comes with two drive modes; city mode is the default setting limiting the torque. But with Sport, the car unlocks its full potential. While acceleration isn’t ‘roaring’ during city mode, it does feel incredibly smooth. With a bit of throttle and the motor’s ability to generate instant torque, the drive feels peppy enough. More so, each charge gives a guaranteed 315 km range. 

The only dissatisfying feature is having a weird ‘electric’ response, which Tata said was an intentional blunt to reduce battery drain. Also, when climbing steep structures, the car tends to move backwards rather than forward. Remember to use Sport mode, as it will unlock the full throttle, or use the parking brake. 

Now comes the show’s star, which is suspension, as it can absorb the nastiest of the road shocks. The steering can be light and has a smaller turning radius, but Tata Tiago can quickly nip in and out of traffic and parking spots. 

The Technicalities which Can Be Improved

• The brake pedal could have been more sharp. 
• The drive selector is taken from Nexon EV Prime and Tigor EV. Responding could be faster, particularly when taking three-point U-turns and parking. 

Tata Tiago EV: battery

Earlier, we mentioned that the LR version is powered by a 75hp permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSP). But it draws energy from a 24kWh LFP battery placed in the fuel tank and beneath the boot floor. Apart from this, the EV has a 320V architecture (vs the Tigor EV’s 350V system) that’s said to be more energy efficient. 

Should you buy/ Not worth the hype?

First, let’s get to the Pros and Cons

Final verdict

The pre-bookings of first buyers can validate the popularity of the EV. Overall, the EV has mandated features while excelling as an everyday car. We have said that the interior, ample tech and equipment, solid build, and safety credentials take the cake. Yes, the performance could have been better. But for everyday driving scenarios, it is peppy enough and an ideal city car with a real-world range of 193 km.