Tata Tigor vs Rivals: Specification Comparison

With the Tata Tigor, life has come a full circle for Tata Motors as it has launched the subcompact sedan at Rs.4.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It was Tata who introduced the concept of a compact sedan with the launch of the Indigo CS (CS for compact sedan). Although the company introduced the Zest in 2014, it kind of bombed. But with company's new philosophy, the story should be different this time. Here is everything you should know about the Tigor. Going ahead, it will not be easy with the Tigor with its rivals being Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. Honda Amaze, Ford Figo Aspire, Hyundai Xcent and the Volkswagen Ameo. So let's see how the Tigor compares to its rivals on paper. Click here to read our first impressions of the Tata Tigor.

Tata Tigor Review

Engine and Performance:

The Tigor is essentially a notch-back version of the Tiago hence; it gets the same engines as the Tiago does. The petrol engine on the Tigor is up there with the rest of its rivals but it is the diesel engine which makes the least amount of power at 69 bhp, amongst the others. This could a spot of bother for those who are looking to buy a diesel subcompact sedan. Tata hasn't revealed the fuel efficiency of the Tigor petrol and diesel models yet and that could a pleasant surprise nullifying the under-powered 69 bhp diesel engine. Also, the Tigor is the only model here which does not get an automatic model in any form, not yet! We do believe that Tata will launch an AMT version of the Tigor sometime later. Going purely by the claimed fuel efficiency figures, the Dzire is the most fuel efficient of them all, be it the petrol or the diesel. The Ford Figo Aspire is the only car to get three engine variants, a 1.2 Litre petrol, a 1.5 Litre diesel and a 1.5 Litre petrol with a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox as well. It definitely packs a punch. The Ameo diesel too has a 7-speed DSG unit as an option.

(The Ford Figo Aspire and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire are two formidable rivals of the Tigor)

Dimensions:

Since all of them are below 4 metres in length, the overall dimensions are within each other. The model with the maximum wheelbase of 2491 mm in this spec comparo is the Figo Aspire. Also it is the model with the maximum ground clearance of 174 mm. The Tigor in comparison is not far behind with a 41 mm shorter wheelbase and 4mm lesser ground clearance. Nevertheless, almost all cars offer a similar sense of space inside.

(The VW Ameo and the Ford Figo Aspire look really good)

Design:

All the cars here are derived from their hatchback siblings and therefore, share their front-end looks with them. Purely by the looks, the Figo Aspire stands out with its big grille up front and those striking headlamps. The Tigor too looks handsome and with its different 'style-back' design, it has most good-looking rear among the competition here. The Dzire and the Amaze look the most dated in this group. However, it needs to be mentioned that Maruti Suzuki will soon launch the new-generation Dzire later in the year.

(Tata Tigor Dashboard)

Features:

Straightaway, the Dzire and the Amaze are cars with the least features. Comparatively, the Figo Aspire and the Tigor are loaded with features such as a multi-function display unit, infotainment system smartphone and app connectivity apart from the regular USB, Bluetooth and other media. The Hyunda Xcent too gets features such as 1GB memory for songs along with reverse-parking camera too. The Ameo, again, gets a lot of features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone and app connectivity along with reverse-parking camera and sensors. All cars here have steering mounted controls for audio and Bluetooth telephony. The new-gen Dzire will boast of a longer list of features compared to the current model.

(The Ford Figo Aspire is the only car in the segment to offer up to six airbags)

Safety:

All the cars in this group get ABS with EBD at least as an option in all variants. The Ameo is the only car which gets ABS with EBD and dual airbags as standard across all variants. Rest other cars at least have an option for airbags, if not standard. The Xcent has dual airbags as standard only in the top two trims. For other trims it gets a single airbag as standard. The Amaze is the only car which does not get airbag/s even as standard in the 'E' and 'S' trims. The Figo Aspire is the only car here to get up to six airbags as an option. Kudos to Ford! The exact safety specifications of the Tigor are not known yet, but since the Tiago gets dual airbags as optional and as standard on all but the base variant, we are guessing, Tata will follow the same suit for the Tigor as well. Also, the Tiago gets ABS with EBD only on the top trim so we guess it is going to be the same for Tigor as well.

All in all, we believe if Tata is able to get its pricing right for the Tigor, it can go on to be in a segment of its own without any direct rival. Having said that, it will be interesting to see how Tata plays this card.