TATA Tigor - Design Review - First Impression

TATA Motors unveiled the Kite5 (Codename) sedan, now officially named Tigor at the Geneva Motorshow. Tata Tigor is the latest offering from the Indian automobile manufacturer in the sub 4m category. Tata motors have gone all out in terms of design and refinement of their new products. This is evident in Hexa, Tiago and now the latest Sub 4m sedan Tigor with its outstanding, neat, almost no Tata-ish design which stands out and easily Amaze-d us.

(Please note – We were not called by Tata Motors for the Tata Tigor Media Drive, and the images captured are solely our own efforts)

At the front, Tata Tigor carries the Tiago face with minor tweaks like smoked projector headlamps, LED DRL and dual tone bumper.

Front even though is identical to its sibling Tiago, the Tigor still manages to stand out with its unique rear styling. Tata claims this is the first ‘Styleback’ in India. The sloping C-pillar is similar to a Sportback (Like BMW X6, not the same segment, though). The roofline integrates with the c-pillar giving it a coupe-like appearance.

Rear styling does make it stand out from other sub 4m in the segment, It can be easily dubbed as the most stylish sub 4m sedan atleast for now, till Hyundai, Maruti and Honda come up with their facelifts

Split LED tail lamps and chrome boot line gives the Styleback a clean look.

Another, eye catchy rear element includes a black spoiler with LED high mount stop lamp running across the length of the spoiler. Certainly, the younger generation would love to catch a glimpse of this. I must admit at first we thought that the designers have overdone, but, I am wrong, it looks extremely stylish.

The side profile is slightly lifted with stylish window line covered in chrome.

Diamond cut alloys also uplift the side profile. These alloy wheels no doubt look lovely as against the older dab looking alloys which used to be on offer previously. But, the diesel misses out on diamond cut alloys, instead get clean silver alloys. Also, diesel variants get 14-inch alloys as compared to 15-inch offered on the petrol variants.

On the inside, Tata Tigor looks identical to Tiago, with some additional features. The cabin fit and finish is exceptional. But, the use of Grey dashboard trim spoiled it all. Expect the grey colour to lose its shine when parked under direct sunlight. Except for this, you would not find any sore points inside.

Chrome, Piano black and orange has been used in the cabin. Chrome door handles and customizable air vents looks good.

Interior detailing has been well taken care of and the cabin is well designed to provide ample storage spaces for the front as well as back passengers. Tata claims it has 24 intelligent storage spaces. All the doors are capable of carrying

Tata claims it has 24 intelligent storage spaces. All the doors are capable of carrying 1-litre water bottle.

Glovebox comes with a small push to open button and opens with a nice damped movement.

The centre console gets a glossy finish with silver accents on the buttons and knobs. Though it looks good, it is prone to scratches.

The Climate control module already had scratches on it.

In terms of features, Tata Tigor gets a 5-inch touch screen Infotainment system developed by Harman connected to 8 speakers, which definitely provides an outstanding audio experience. The infotainment system has the usual connectivity sources like AUX, USB, SD Card and Bluetooth and can be operated through voice command system through the steering mounted controls.

Steering and Driver seat both are height adjustable.

Tata Tigor also gets ample boot space. The 419-litre boot is the biggest in its segment. In order to save space Tata cleverly integrated hydraulic mounts for the boot.

Considering the large boot, you might think the cabin leg space is compromised, instead, the designers have designed it very well. Also, the Tigor has the longest wheelbase in its segment.

Let me remind you that Tata was the first manufacturer to experiment and introduce a compact sedan – Indigo CS in India. In no time other manufacturers came up with certainly improved compact sedans of their own and Tata Motors never could catch up with them, except, for the cab market. But, all of us certainly go through rough times and only get to learn something when we actually go through it. Tata Motors learnt it the hard way and they are bouncing back with good platforms, better features, fit and finish is top notch, even the NVH levels are phenomenal now. This has been seen in their recent offerings like Hexa and Tiago, and then we cannot forget their foray into affordable sports car RACEMO, which was recently revealed at Geneva Motorshow. Tiago at the speculated price point around INR 4 Lakhs will easily undercut the competitors. And surely, this product has a spectacular build quality as well as styling factor to cater to the young millennials.