Tata Tigor: Engines and Gearbox Explained

The Tata Tigor is the third subcompact and sub 4-meter sedan to have been launched by Tata Motors. Tata Motors is the manufacturer that originally invented the subcompact sedan segment with the Indigo CS and the new Tigor is the prettiest on of the lot so far. Just like the Indigo CS (that then became the eCS) and then the Bolt, the new Tata Tigor gets both petrol and diesel engines. Both the engines have been carried forward from the Tiago hatchback and are from the new generation Revotron and Revotorq three cylinder engine family that might eventually find their way on some other cars in the future too. You can read about all the variants of the Tata Tigor here.

Tata Tigor Specifications

(Tata Tigor petrol engine)

Lets start with the petrol engine. The new Tata Tigor Petrol engine is a 1.2 litre, naturally aspirated, three cylinder engine. The emgine makes 84 bhp of peak power and 114 Nm of peak torque. The engine might appear to be quite powerful on paper but on the road, the petrol engine does struggle a little bit. The power delivery comes in much later in the rev range and is not very usable especially around the higher revs and the engine does seem to have a slightly higher degree of NVH as compared to its peers. That said, once you do get it going, mid range power is acceptable and the Tigor will have no issues maintaining cruising speeds on the highways.

(Tata Tigor diesel engine)

The diesel engine is also a three cylinder unit. With 1.05 litres of displacement, the turbo diesel motor makes a modest 69 bhp. That said, it does make 140 Nm of peak torque due to the turbocharger. The diesel engine is low on power as compared to its peers but does feel quite spirited and easy to drive. The diesel turbo engine also feels a little more responsive than the petrol and a lot more drivable especially around the city.

(Tata Tigor gearbox)

The Tata Tigor comes only with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both the petrol and diesel motors have easy to operate clutch pedals with adequate free play and a good bite point. The actual gear shift too is good and not as rubbery as some of the other older Tata products had. The shifter is just a big clashy in some gears but clicks well and is well weighed. The advantage of a lighter clutch and a diesel engine that trundles along in lower RPM all day is that the Tigor does not tire you out even when in traffic.

Although Tata Motors does not have an automatic Tata Tigor in the range yet, the Tigor is expected to get an AMT gearbox in the next few months on the petrol engine option similar to the one on the Tiago hatchback. Its main rivals will be the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Ford Aspire and the Vokswagen Ameo.