Tata commences booking for new Tata Tiago. Here are some previews about Tiago.

India’s largest automobile manufacturer by value Tata Motors has commenced bookings for its much awaited compact hatchback, Tiago from 10th March, 2016 onwards. The company has also launched an opportunity for all car enthusiasts and Lionel Messi Fans in India to own the Tata Tiago and meet the international sports icon.

Customers above 18 years of age can book a Tiago either online or at any of the Tata Motors’ authorised dealership with a payment of Rs 10,000. The participating customer will be further requested for a response to the question ‘I love Tata Tiago because…’ and basis the most creative response, the company will shortlist the first set of qualifiers.

The final five winners, selected through a lucky draw, would be eligible to take any one person of their choice to visit Barcelona and meet the football legend, Lionel Messi. The winning entries will be announced after 30 days from date of closure of the promotion period on www.tatatiago.com. Tata Motors will also roll-out a national BTL campaign in a phased manner, from March 15, 2016.

Struggling high to retain its market position in non commercial passenger segment, Tata eyes its new launch to attract small segment customers as market history indicates the manufacturer having strong hold on small car’s segment finds easy to expand market share. Tata cars were generally preferred by taxi services providers due to Indica, Indigo, Sumo models, but Toyota’s Innova, Chevrolet Enjoy and other manufacturers reduced Tata’s market share that’s why Tata inclined to small cars segment. If you plan to buy a new small segment car soon, Tiago might be liked by you. Let us try to find out how this car can meet the expectations of small car segment users –

Tata Motors has been working on building an image of family cars manufacturer by launching some family vehicles. Nano, Bolt, Zest are some recent examples. Under ‘Project Kite’, Tata has developed a budget hatchback and a budget compact sedan to be positioned under the Bolt hatchback and Zest compact sedan. Tata Motors teased the budget hatch Tiago in the first ad video featuring their latest brand ambassador Lionel Messi, revealing Tata’s big plans for the Tiago.

Exterior – The Tiago hatchback follows Tata’s HorizonNext design language with a wide mesh grille and swept back headlamps that resemble the Tata family face seen in the Bolt and the Zest. Though the side profile is reminiscent of the Indica, the tail is redesigned for modern and fresh looks with horizontal tail lamps.

Interior – With the Zest and Bolt, Tata have taken car interiors seriously and we expect the Tiago to be no less. Tata cabins have always been roomy but now it will get a touch of good quality and build along with equipment. The top end car should come with the ConnectNext infotainment system like the Nano with Bluetooth compatibility if not the touch-screen unit from the Bolt.

Engine and gearbox – The Tiago will most certainly get the 1.2-litre Revotron engine sans the turbocharger mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesel engine will be a turbocharged three-cylinder mill with a cylinder chopped off from the old 1.4-litre Indica engine. We expect the car to weigh under a tonne and in that case, a torquey engine developing close to 60-65bhp should be enough to power the car. The Tiago may also get an Auto-Manual transmission (AMT) as it gains popularity in the lower segments.

Price and Competition – The Tiago will be positioned between the Nano and the Bolt with the old Indica continuing sales only for the fleet and cab market. The Tiago will compete with the likes of the Renault Kwid, Datsun GO, Maruti Alto K10 and the Hyundai Eon 1.0 and will be expected to be priced between Rs 3 to Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom ) between the Nano and the Indica.

With wars in the market to sell even a single unit of the vehicle, Tata will surely strategically move to attract and maintain maximum customer base. With our review I would like to end up by stating that none of Tata’s vehicle has disappointed users in past so hope with Tiago, Tata’s strategy works.