CNG and electric-powered automobiles attraction to these patrons searching for clear and reasonably priced operating, however these come at a premium over petrol-powered automobiles. It’s additionally fascinating to notice that there’s a stark distinction of their model picture as effectively– as EVs are seen as a extra premium and upmarket product, whereas the CNG enabled automobiles, are considered extra rudimentary and for the cost-conscious people. Even lining as much as gasoline at completely different pumps principally behind public transport automobiles has actually dented the market attraction of those automobiles. But Tata Motors is trying to change this opinion, and for this very cause, launched new CNG merchandise within the Indian market, that’s in truth borrowed from their passenger automobile outfit. Adding icing to the cake is the very fact that also they are supplied in a fully-specced, top-end variant of their respective siblings. We lately acquired to spend time with the Tata Tiago CNG, or iCNG, as the corporate likes to name it and have tons to report. So, let’s start, lets?
Tata Tiago iCNG Design:
Let’s begin with the design modifications on the Tiago iCNG first. Now, the Tiago iCNG is available in 4 trims- XE, XM, XT, XZ+ (ST), and XZ+ (DT), primarily based on the facelifted Tiago launched in 2020, and so receives no main beauty modifications to its exterior. The solely distinction right here, nevertheless, is the addition of the ‘i-CNG’ badge on the tailgate. The remainder of the weather are carried over from the top-spec trim that it’s primarily based on. We have the XZ+ variant with us at the moment, wrapped within the ‘Midnight Plum’ shade, which not solely provides its personal distinctive contact but additionally appears fairly dapper.
Based on the facelifted mannequin, the Tiago iCNG receives no main beauty modifications.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
The chrome end for the grille, inside door handles, and on the boot lid are a few of the components we discover on the top-spec model. Speaking of the boot, sadly you get a decreased cupboard space of solely 80-litre in comparison with the 242-litre of its petrol sibling, because it homes the CNG tank right here.
The ‘i-CNG’ badge is positioned on the tailgate.
Photo Credit: Vikash Singh
We really feel, if Tata is making a declare of going premium with this product for a CNG purchaser who has thus far not had any choices, then they need to have additionally spent some cash on R&D to develop an underbody CNG tank or another answer to have the ability to provide boot area as effectively. Other notable components embrace the projector headlamps with built-in LED DRLs and the 14-inch metal wheels that it runs on.
Thanks to the CNG tank, the boot area is decreased to 80-litre from 242-litre, with barely anywhere for baggage.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
Tata Tiago iCNG Interior:
Inside, other than the black and beige dashboard, and the upholstery, not a lot has modified. The match, end, and high quality of supplies are very like the usual model. The commonplace digital instrument cluster is barely tweaked to accommodate the CNG icon on the left part of the display, whereas the correct part matches the gasoline gauge for each modes of gasoline.
Apart from the black & beige dashboard, and the upholstery, not a lot has modified inside.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
The readability of the knowledge displayed can also be fairly clear and vibrant. The remainder of the cabin is untouched. You get the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system full with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker Harman audio system, automated local weather management, electrically adjustable, and foldable wing mirrors. Go decrease down the trim order, and the Tiago nonetheless will get a good variety of options that might attraction to a purchaser choosing the bottom variant, and even the marginally greater ones.
The digital instrument cluster is tweaked to accommodate the CNG icon on the left part of the display.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
Apart from the usual security options one receives on the top-spec model, you additionally get handbook AC controls, black & grey interiors, all 4 energy home windows, rear parking sensors with show, handbook central lock, piano black ORVM, and a cooled glovebox , that are all a part of the opposite trims.
Tata Tiago iCNG: How Is To Drive?
The Tata Tiago iCNG options the identical 1.2L Revotron, 3-cylinder petrol engine that’s adequate to supply 73bhp and 95Nm of peak torque, which is 13bhp and 18Nm lower than its petrol sibling, whereas, transmission is dealt with by the identical 5- velocity handbook field. We drove the top-spec XZ+ Tiago for greater than 100km, and our preliminary impression is that it retains the enjoyable, zippy drive that the Tiago is understood for.
The Tiago iCNG options the identical 1.2L Revotron, 3-cylinder petrol engine, however it’s tuned to supply 73bhp and 95Nm of peak torque.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
Its energy supply is sort of linear, and the engine by no means feels exhausted regardless of greater than 1,050kg of curb weight. It revs freely and strongly and accelerates simply even if you end up at the next gear at low speeds. The engine gives good low-end punch and metropolis drivability is okay however begin pushing the automotive a bit and you may discover that the mid-range is sort of boring and lacks the resolve.
The driving method of the iCNG variant is just like its petrol sibling.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
Things enhance when you attain the upper finish of the rpm spectrum. We did really feel a noticeable vibration inside, however that is not a deal-breaker when you get shifting. At decrease speeds, the automotive is simple to maneuver, although it isn’t fast to reply. The compact footprint additionally works wonders in clogged localities. The suspension is tuned extra in the direction of consolation slightly than carving out bends. Bumps and irregularities are taken care of with some composure and solely the sharpest of the ruts are felt inside. The 168mm of floor clearance takes care of the underbelly from hitting unhealthy patches. We weren’t admirers of the facelifted Tiago’s steering, and our views are comparable right here as effectively, with dreary suggestions, and a big quantity of understeer when pushed laborious.
Tata Tiago iCNG: How protected is it?
In phrases of security, the Tiago iCNG comes commonplace with dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, nook stability management, velocity alert, seatbelt reminder and speed-dependent door locks, follow-me-home lights, a rearview digicam with parking sensor, rear wiper with a wash characteristic, and rear defogger, to call just a few. To additional this, Tata has additionally included the engine to close off and will not begin up until the gasoline lid is closed. We tried this out, and it really works like clockwork.
Tata has additionally included the engine to close off, which will not begin up until the gasoline lid is closed.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
The tech may also detect leaks, at which level it would swap over to petrol robotically. We preferred the truth that the automotive will be began straight in CNG mode, which is a characteristic not supplied by any of its rivals. Tata remains to be awaiting a Global NCAP ranking, however bear in mind the petrol variant obtained a 4-star ranking and Tata will hope to retain that.
Tata Tiago iCNG: Price Wars
The Tata Tiago iCNG is priced from ₹ 6.10 lakh for the bottom XE trim, going as much as ₹ 7.53 lakh for the top-spec XZ+ trim. The beginning worth is equivalent to that of the Hyundai Santro CNG, however ₹ 3,000 cheaper than the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG. At the highest finish, the Tiago is pricier by round ₹ 1 lakh in comparison with its nearest competitor, the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG.
The Tata Tiago iCNG is obtainable in 4 trims together with a top-spec XZ+ variant as effectively.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
However, not like the others, the Tiago CNG is the one one within the section to supply 4 trims, together with a completely decked up top-of-the-line variant. Hence, patrons will not compromise on options over the petrol sibling, which isn’t the case with others within the section. Overall, the Tiago iCNG is priced competitively, however it’s value noting that these are introductory, so count on a hike within the time to come back.
Verdict: Should you purchase one?
The CNG-powered market goes to be one of many hotly contested segments within the coming future, primarily for 2 reasons- first, it would look to fill the void left by the shortage of newer diesel merchandise available in the market, and secondly as a result of premium options will quickly trickle down to those fashions, enhancing their premium quotient amongst potential patrons. With their CNG fashions, Tata will look to capitalize greater than 10 per cent on this section, as it’s nonetheless in a promising stage with alternatives to develop.
A mixed vary of round 1,000km might convert patrons to CNG automobiles.
Photo Credit: Prashant Chaudhary
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For us, the Tata Tiago iCNG fulfills many of the guarantees made by the corporate, by way of its driving functionality, affordability, and naturally options, which can be accessible even in its lower-end spinoff for patrons to contemplate a CNG product as their major automobile. Another plus level that goes within the Tiago iCNG case, is the less journeys required to rejuvenate it, since each the gasoline modes provide a mixed vary of near 1,000km.
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With inputs from NDTV
