Introduction
Lately, the EV segment in India has been buzzing with new models. Be it in the luxury space, performance group, or even in the popular SUV segment. However, there is a new EV that has tapped into the affordable end of the spectrum. It’s the third EV by Tata Motors and also the most affordable one in the country right now, the electrified version of Tata’s entry-level hatchback – the Tata Tiago EV. It’s finally here in the metal so, let’s take a good close look at it.
Exterior
To start off with, the Tiago EV shares its overall design and silhouette with the standard Tiago. However, to signify its electric nature are the EV-specific elements like the blanked-off grille with the signature tri-arrow pattern and a blue stripe that runs across the width of the bonnet. Lower down, the pattern is more prominent on the bumper and the fog lamp housing gets a stylish blue outline along with the daytime running lights.
Over to the side, there has been no change to the dimension and things look pretty much the same though you have the new 14-inch dual-finish wheels which have a completely new style and look nice and modern. However, these aren’t alloys but rather steel wheels with fancy-looking wheel caps. For a contrasting look, the roof, ORVMs, and even the door handles are done in gloss black.
Around the back, the changes to the rear are limited to the new ‘Tiago.EV’ badging at the centre and the tailgate can now be electrically operated with the press of a button. The boot space at 240-litres is more or less the same as you get in the standard Tiago. However, unlike the Tigor EV, that gets a spare wheel, the Tiago EV makes do only with a puncture kit and some of the storage here is taken up by the portable charger pouch.
The colour options for the electric hatchback are Pristine White, Daytona Grey, Midnight Plum, Teal Blue, and the new Tropical Mist.
Interior
On the inside, the overall layout and design remain identical to the standard Tiago. However, there are subtle changes bringing in its EV theme and it features blue accents around the aircon vents and inside the digital instrument cluster. The second change is this gear dial that replaces the conventional gear lever that frees up some space around the centre console area.
However, the biggest update here are the City and Sport drive modes and the three-level multi-mode re-gen functions that can be accessed using the buttons on the dashboard. There’s also a lighter interior theme with cream-coloured leatherette upholstery with tri-arrow which cools very cool.
As for the features, the top-spec XZ+ Tech Lux trim comes loaded with projector headlamps, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a cooled glovebox, a height-adjustable driver seat, and over 45 connected car features.
The Tiago EV is decently equipped with safety features and offers a reverse parking camera, ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a puncture repair kit, and an impact-sensing auto door unlock function.
Powertrain and charging options
With the Tiago EV, customers will be able to choose from 2 battery options. The 19.2kWh battery or the medium range version as Tata likes to call it develops 60bhp and 110Nm of torque. Tata also claims a 0-60kmph time of 6.2 seconds with a claimed electric driving range of 250km.
Meanwhile, for buyers looking for a more powerful alternate, there’s a long-range version that packs in a 24kWh battery that generates 74bhp and 114Nm of peak torque with a claimed range of 315 kilometres on a single charge.
The Tata Tiago EV supports regular as well as fast charging. The XZ+ and XZ+ Tech Lux variants are offered with a 7.2kWh AC fast charger that can juice up the battery from 10 to 100 per cent in 2.6 hours (19.2kWh battery) and 3.6 hours (24kWh battery). Other charging options include a 15amp and 3.3kW wall box charger of which the latter is offered as standard in XE and XT variants. In order to boost buyer confidence in this EV, Tata is offering an 8 years/1.6 lakh kilometre warranty on the battery pack and the electric motor.
Prices and competition
The medium range of the Tata Tiago EV that is offered in XE and XT variants are priced at Rs 8.49 lakh and Rs 9.09 lakh, respectively. Meanwhile, the long-range version that can be had in XT, XZ+, and XZ+ Tech Lux variants has a price range between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 11.79 lakh.
However, it is to be noted that these are introductory prices and are applicable only for the first 8,000 bookings. The bookings will commence from 10 October while the deliveries are slated to begin next year in January. With these competitive prices, the Tiago EV faces no direct rivals and is an electric alternative to a range of premium hatchbacks and even select variants of the sub-4-metre compact SUVs.
(All prices, ex-showroom)
Photos by Kaustubh Gandhi
