Tata Motors back with a bang
Tata Motors has re-entered the Southern-African passenger vehicle market with the 2025 Tiago, a budget-oriented hatchback positioned as an affordable and practical option for urban commuters and first-time buyers. Launched in September 2025, the Tiago targets the likes of the Renault Kwid, Suzuki Celerio and the Toyota Vitz starts at R184 900 for the base 1.2 XM five-speed manual variant, making it one of the most accessible new cars available.
Power and Performance
As with its other competitors, power and performance is not the main aim. Rather, the aim is to get from point A to B at the lowest possible price. All three model variants of the Tiago comes with a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 63kW and 113Nm. It must be said that the engine is fairly nippy along the coast, yet the lack of a turbo might reduce this power significantly within the higher altitudes.
While Tata plans on brining a third manual model (dubbed the XZ+) soon, three models are currently available, with only the flagship XT model getting an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). However, in our experience, the five-speed manual XT model, at R15 000 less (R209 900) will be a far better choice for efficiency and ultimate driver safety. With this in mind, we still achieved a manageable 6.5L / 100km.
Compared to its main rivals, the Tiago certainly has a higher fuel consumption, yet delivers more power. This is mainly due to the fact that both the Renault Kwid, as well as the nearly identical Suzuki Celerio / Toyota Vitz comes with a 1.0 Liter engine, which delivers 50kW / 91 Nm and 49kW/89Nm respectively. Thanks to this smaller engine capacity, all three models will deliver a fuel consumption, closer to the 5.0 Liter/100km mark. Yet, the Tiago should fare far better when fully loaded.
This difference is also felt on the highway as the Tiago can comfortably stay at 120km/h without revving too high. The competitors struggle somewhat to keep up with this comfort.
Interior and practicality
The Tiago’s cabin mostly uses hard plastics throughout, combined with fabric seats. The quality is, however, solid with minimal rattles. The Kwid migh also be 22mm longer than the Tiago, yet we found legroom to be better in the latter, whilst the boot capacity of 242 litres seems adequate to fit groceries and weekend gear. However, this is where the Kwid seems to excel with its 279 liters.
Road handling is also adequate. Whilst not perfect, especially on the highway, it is far better than the likes of the Kwid, where wind noise and road stability is certainly problematic.
The entry-level Tiago XM also includes power steering and manual air conditioning, while our XT test model came with an additional 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. The forthcoming XZ model is said to have a larger 10.25-inch screen and cruise control.
Ride, Handling and Safety
Road handling is also adequate. Whilst not perfect, especially on the highway, it is far better than the likes of the Kwid, where wind noise and road stability is certainly problematic. The Tiago also has very light steering and certainly one of the best turning circles in the segment, making it an easily maneuverable urban vehicle.
Furthermore, it has a 170mm ground clearance, which might be lower than the likes of the Kwid, yet proves to be one of the major reasons as to why the Tiago has stable handling (Especially in the windy cities along the coast).
The Tiago does, however, lag somewhat behind when it comes to standard safety features, which include ABS with EBD, dual front airbags. Luckily, the XT models are further equipped with electronic-stability control and hill-hold assist, bringing its NCAP rating up to 4-stars.
Verdict
While Tata has never really left South Africa, it has certainly come back with the aim of challenging the affordable segment of the market, with the likes of Punch, Curvv, and flagship Harrier, with the Tiago being their entry-level product.
And whilst certainly not perfect, the Tiago is certainly providing ample competition in the small and affordable hatchback segment. Ranging between R184 900 and R224 900, it might be somewhat more expensive, yet provides more power and in our mind, improved road handling.
Cars within this segment should be considered mainly for in-town driving, yet if required, the Tiago seems to have more on road stability and power to keep to 120km/h and be less affected by the Cape Doctor (south—eastern winds).
For budget-conscious buyers, searching for a new car, we would recommend the Tiago. The Kwid might win when it comes to outright affordability and luggage volume, yet the Tiago seems to be a better rounded-off product.
It is also backed by a five-year/125 000km warranty and a two-year/30 000km service plan, with service intervals every 15 000km.
As of March 2026, the pricing for the Tiago range is confirmed as following:
- Tiago XM Manual – R189 900
- Tiago XT Manual – R209 900
- Tiago XT AMT – R224 900