Tata Motors recently introduced the Tiago EV at an introductory pricing of Rs 8.49 lakh, giving consumers a solid choice to counteract the sharply rising cost of petrol. For the same reason, they even released the Tiago CNG, which at a starting price of Rs 7.80 lakh, is another alternative that is among a handful of cars that comes with a CNG kit. While these two are essentially different versions of the Tiago hatchback, there are many key points of differences to take into account in order to make an informed decision. With electric, CNG, and petrol-powered Tiago all coming at affordable prices, it makes sense to compare all the Tiago models against each other.
Tiago Petrol vs Tiago EV vs Tiago CNG: Dimensions
| Tiago Petrol | Tiago EV | Tiago CNG | |
| Length | 3765mm | 3769mm | 3765mm |
| Width | 1677mm | 1677mm | 1677mm |
| Height | 1535mm | 1536mm | 1535mm |
| Wheelbase | 2400mm | 2400 mm | 2400mm |
| Boot Space | 242 Litres | 242 Litres | 240 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | 170 mm | 168 mm |
From the table above, it’s clear that the dimensions of these cars are almost identical, with the only differences being minor. While the EV edges past its ICE counterpart by 4 mm in terms of length, it doesn’t make any impact on the interior space, since the wheelbase remains identical at 2400 mm for these cars. A good wheelbase for the Tiago ensures good stability at high speeds and a comfortable rear legroom space for occupants. Moreover, each of these cars will remain the same in terms of driving dynamics as well as they are nearly identical in terms of size.
There is one important factor to keep in mind with the Tiago CNG. While the boot space on the Tiago CNG is rated for 242 litres, a majority of this space will be occupied by the CNG tank. In this case, the Tiago CNG provides the least boot space among the three variants.
Final Winner – Tiago
Tiago vs Tiago EV vs Tiago CNG: Engine & Transmission
| Tiago | Tiago EV | Tiago CNG | |
| Engine Options | 1199cc | 19.2 kWh | 24 kWh | 1199cc |
| Transmission | Manual/Automatic | Automatic | Manual |
| Power | 84 ps | 44 ps | 54ps | 72 ps |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 110 Nm/114 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Mileage/Range | 20.09 kmpl | 250 km | 315 km | 26.49 km/kg |
The battle between these cars all originated from here, with the three cars having completely different components under the hood. While the Tiago ICE is offered in petrol and CNG engine options, the Tiago EV is offered with two battery packs.
Talking about the Tiago EV, the long-range version promises a range of 315 km, while the short-range delivers a range of 250 km. In terms of performance, the Tiago EV might be the least powerful of the lot but provides a generous helping of torque. It comes with a clutch-free operation which makes it more apt for city traffic conditions. Also, the EV is the smoothest to drive as it provides instant power delivery when compared to its ICE siblings.
Albeit being 10 PS lighter, the CNG does a commendable job in matching the petrol Tiago’s performance. The performance gap between the CNG and the petrol Tiago isn’t visible when driven normally in city traffic. Now, in the context of running costs, the EV is considerably cheaper than its petrol and CNG counterparts. The EV long-range version saves Rs. 3.52 per kilometre when compared to the petrol-automatic. The CNG saves you about Rs 2.12 when compared to the petrol manual.
Tiago vs Tiago EV vs Tiago CNG: Features and Comfort
| Tiago | Tiago EV | Tiago CNG | |
| Infotainment System | 7-inch touchscreen | ZConnect | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Music System | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Seats | No | No | No |
| Adjustable Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Modes | Only with AMT | City/Sport modes | Only with AMT |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital | Digital | Digital |
| Sunroof | No | No | No |
| Adjustable seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 rear seat split | No | No | No |
| Cruise control | No | Yes | No |
The feature list in the Tiago runs long but doesn’t differ much when looking across the three variants. Many basic features come as standard, but the EV holds the edge when it boils down to some high-tech gizmos. Features such as a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman sound system, auto AC, height adjustable driver’s seats, rear wipers with defogger, dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera are shared across all three variants.
Although it comes at a premium price point, the Tiago EV comes loaded with a ZConnect infotainment unit with remote AC on/off, leatherette seats, a tire pressure monitoring system and multi-level regenerative braking over its ICE counterparts. The Tiago EV is also the only variant here which comes with cruise control as well which helps ease the driving experience. Thus, the EV definitely comes with a better package but be prepared to pay extra for the convenience.
Tiago vs Tiago EV vs Tiago CNG: Safety Features
| Tiago | Tiago EV | Tiago CNG | |
| GNCAP Safety Rating | 4-star | 4-star | 4-star |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | No | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No | No |
| Automatic Headlamps | No | Yes | No |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | No | Yes | No |
| Hill Hold Assist | No | Yes | No |
| Hill descent control | No | Yes | No |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | No | No | No |
Safety is a huge factor for Indian buyers and Tata is well equipped in that department. All versions of the Tiago are fitted with an impressive safety list but do come with their differences. Each Tiago variant has earned a 4-star GNCAP rating, making it one of the safest hatchbacks in the country.
Apart from the two front airbags, it offers as standard, it also comes with some vital parking features such as rear sensors and a rear parking camera, thus making parking in tight spots and urban driving much easier. ISOFIX child seats also come as a standard across all three variants, which is a good addition to the safety list.
However, the car which comes with an all-round better package is the Tiago EV which has some advanced safety features like automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and much more. It also has hill hold and hill descent assist in its armoury, which is a vital factor in cars nowadays as it aids driving in tricky conditions. So, emerging clearly on top, the Tiago EV is very well equipped in terms of safety features here and is the best option if safety is the top priority for the user.
Tiago vs Tiago EV vs Tiago CNG: Price comparison (Which is more VFM)
| Tiago | Tiago EV | Tiago CNG | |
| Base Variant | XE – 5.45 lakh | XE Base – 8.49 lakh | XE – 6.35 lakh |
| Mid Variant | XT – 6.20 lakh | XT – 9.99 lakh | XM – 6.65 lakh |
| Upper Mid Variant | XZ Plus – 6.90 lakh | XZ Plus – 10.79 lakh | XT – 7.10 lakh |
| Top Variant | XZA Plus – 7.55 lakh | XZ Plus Tech – 11.29 lakh | XZ Plus – 7.90 lakh |
Now, it all boils down to the price range of the Tiago models. As one can see from the table, the electric and CNG Tiagos are priced much higher than the base petrol variant. With the alarming rise in fuel costs, the EV variant could sway the user to consider it as a serious option.
The CNG version of the Tiago is priced marginally higher when compared to the petrol but is easier on your purse strings as it doesn’t demand a high running price. What stands out about the CNG is how well Tata has tuned the hatchback as performance levels are reasonably similar to that of the more powerful petrol variant. All these factors are put together to make the Tiago CNG worth considering.
The EV is the only version which touches and goes way beyond the 10 lakh price point with the mid-variant XT costing Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom. However, it does provide the most power and comes packed with a host of useful features. Above all, it is still one of the cheapest electric cars on offer in the country. Plus, its operating costs are considerably lower than the other two and over long distances, will assist to recover the original cost of the vehicle.
The petrol variant is a reliable option for many but running prices of the fuel model do pose a problem. The most popular and highest selling variant is the XZ plus which offers good driving dynamics, has a long feature list and ticks most boxes.
Summary
The article extensively covers the pros and cons of the three variants of the popular Tiago hatchback. Although selling a lot of units of the Tiago petrol over the years, Tata decided to up the ante by putting up these different options in the market to further increase their sales.
The EV can prove to be a good alternative for those who are willing to invest the extra buck as it is considerably more expensive than its petrol and CNG siblings. Nevertheless, the EV’s relatively limited range and poor charging infrastructure facilities mean that it is not the best option for highway or long-distance travel. Moreover, for users ready to invest upfront, the EV is a very intriguing option as it offers great power, and driveability and is very much worth the high price for the advantages it puts up. Moreover, it triumphs when it comes to a feature-heavy package as it comes with all the bells and whistles one would expect for a premium price.
If one isn’t willing to pay upfront, the CNG does captivate users with its lower running costs and impressive performance and feature list. The Tiago CNG is without a doubt, the best all-round option amongst the three as it has a good balance in terms of pricing, running costs, performance and efficiency.
However, if fuel prices do not bother you, the Tiago petrol still remains one of the best performing hatchbacks in the country with what it brings to the table. It’s got adequate grunt, a smooth automatic gearbox and is highly frugal as well. It ultimately boils down to the user’s needs as Tata has done their part in offering some brilliant options with the Tiago.
