It probably doesn’t matter how I start this speedy review because the only thing you care about is the price, right?
You should know: Well, the brand-new Tiago range starts at 190k, this XT model is 210,000 bucks, while the automatic version is around 225k. This 2025 press vehicle was coated in Daytona Grey (metallic) and had a pleasant two-tone grey interior, although I suspect that most Saffas would prefer black. And pleather.
More info: Like most Indian vehicles, the Tiago is blessed with good ground clearance, fat tyres and a semi-soft suspension. This means it won’t corner on rails but – hallelujah – prioritises passenger comfort over looks or sportiness. Clutch control is fairly easy, visibility is decent, and the flat piano black steering wheel with its back-lighting is, umm, weird.
Power comes from a lumpy 1.2L in-line 3-cylinder petrol engine which emits traditional throaty V6 imitation noises while throwing all of its 63kW or 113Nm to the 175/65R14 front wheels via a 5-speed gearbox. We did 0-100km/h in 14.1 seconds, reversing the process took roughly three seconds and 43m.
Why you shouldn’t: All those performance and braking values are floating just under acceptable levels and will probably receive criticism in the current fad of dissecting the safety ratings of new budget vehicles for Africa. While that seems admirable, it also seems terribly contrived for the sake of clout, and forgets a giant elephant in the room: affordability.
Why you should: Should you finance one of these chisel-browed units at prevailing rates, your bank balance should lighten by roughly R3,000 per month. Tata S.A. advertises R2,450 for the base model but that is far stretched and includes a massive 40% balloon payment; which we would advise against.
What else? For these low-low prices you get a few power goodies, the basic safety and convenience items, plus a decent infotainment system. Start climbing the model range and you’ll get bigger tech, more features and plenty of bling. Highlights include LED headlights, alloy wheels, steering wheel controls and an air-conditioned glove box!
As for safety and convenience, you get dual front airbags, stability control, auto lights and wipers, a rear-view camera, hill hold assist plus ISOfix child seat anchors. Its boot swallows 242L, Tata says it’ll average just 5L/100km from the 35L tank, ground clearance is a generous 170mm and the turning radius is… amazing.
In summary. This compact but stylish Indian-made hatchback is currently available in four colours, comes with a decent 5-year/125,000km warranty and some sort of sample service plan, at just two years or 30,000kms. Yeah, it’s a bit rough around the edges and not as safe as an S-Class but – in keeping with our obsession of prices – it also costs about 14 times less that that.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,199cc i-3 petrol |
| Transmission: | 5-speed Manual, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 63kW @ 6,000rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 113Nm @ 3,300rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 5L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 14.10 seconds (no claim) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R209,900 |