Tata Tiago Long Term Review – Second Report

Tata Tiago Long Term Review

Long Term Test No. 135

Car Tested: Tata Tiago XZ Diesel
Kms Done: 20,509 kms
Test Started at: 4829 kms
Test Concluded at: 25,338 kms
Mileage: 18.1 km/l, 22.4 km/l (best), 13.8 km/l (worst)
Fuel Consumed: 1133.09-litres
Fuel Cost: Rs. 70,251/-
Rs. per km: Rs. 3.59/-

The Tata Tiago is an amazing hatchback if you want practicality at a low cost

So my last long-termer was a sedan and I’ve been getting all the crossovers or some cars like that for a long term. This time, however, I was given a tiny little hatchback from Tata. A model that has been making buzz since the time it was launched, the Tata Tiago. However, we didn’t have the car for some time after the first report while it was away for service. With a very fuel efficient and not-so-powerful motor inside and a considerably tough body outside, the last 3 months with the Tiago have been very adventurous.

So my replacement for a petrol powered Multijet was a 3-pot Revotorq diesel engine. It produced exactly half the power but it was more than double in efficiency. As I first saw the car, I was happy with how it was as it appeared to be fun to drive in traffic. And within a few days, I was not just happy but actually enjoying the easiness the Tiago provided. Tiny yet tough body, a basic infotainment system but with amazing sound by Harman speakers, easy to handle and quick enough for the highways.

Coasting on the highway, driving on eco, the Tiago goes on a diet

The 1-litre oil burner wasn’t the best in performance but surely was the most efficient. The best I could take out was 22.4 km/l with 4 people onboard and a good amount of luggage in the boot. The Tiago had a sweet spot between 90-100 km/hr and put it on eco mode and the live fuel consumption would show over 30 km/l. Overtaking wasn’t much of a fun as you really had to give it the beans but calm cruising was just lit!

On the highway, the Tata Tiago was fun but it felt a lot better within the city. Although little low on power, it was apt and made for city driving and no kidding, I could take out almost 14 km/l in literally stop-go traffic. I used the eco mode very less as the power would go down even more, but it was apt for my dad as he likes to drive in a subtle manner and the mode would do just that. The 5-speed manual gearbox had small throws and it would shift quickly, however, the clutch on our long-termer was on the heavier side; not much fun indeed.

Tiny but tough, the Tiago’s interiors made us feel that we were in a nice cockpit

The interior was completely black with grey finishes all around. It felt premium and as if we were in a cockpit. The seats of the Tiago were good for the driver, shotgun and even for the passengers behind. The rear seat felt a little congested with more than 4 people but the comfort was on par. One common issue we had was that the air-conditioning wouldn’t work at all. But a quick replacement of the filter changed the whole scenario. The cabin would be cool within 5 minutes even during the noontime.

The steering wheel had few but useful buttons and these were the same that do the job on all Tata cars. Very neat and useful. Headlights of the Tiago were impressive too. And after almost 1 month, I found out that the switch next to the eco mode on the old-school dashboard was for the fog lights! Our Tata Tiago was the XZ Diesel which is the top-of-the-line diesel variant with alloy wheels and those tiny tyres. I always thought that with aggressive driving these puny tyres would give up on the grip, but that never happened. The tyres would grip really well and never did I ever have a puncture too in my long-term stint. Even the brakes were good enough and I could feel the ABS jitter under hard braking on loose soil.

During the 2nd month of the long-term, the battery went kaput. It kept losing power and I would literally have to push start the car. Took it to the service centre and they found out the battery was out of warranty. Replaced it with a new one, got a few service checks done too and it was good to go. As the service cycle didn’t come during my long-term, the car got its service right after the term ended. The only problem I ever faced with the Tiago was with the AC which was rectified and the battery issue. Everything else was up to the mark even till the end.

Tata Tiago Diesel Service Costs

1. Service Schedule – 15,000 kms/1 year (whichever is earlier)
2. Labour cost per paid service – Rs. 2500/-
3. Cost of Spares –

* Engine Oil Per Service – Rs. 1250/-
* Air Filter – Rs. 452/-
* Brake Oil – Rs. 350/-
* Oil Filter – Rs. 250/-
* Fuel Filter – Rs. 2223/-
* AC Dust Filter – Rs. 350/-
* Brake Pads (Front) – Rs. 1578/-
* Front Bumper (without painting) – Rs. 1907/-
* Headlamp Assembly (Each) – Rs. 2811/-
* Tail Lamp Assembly (Each) – Rs. 1392/-

(all costs above are inclusive of taxes)

For the last 100 days, the Tata Tiago Diesel was a great companion. A perfect hatch from Tata for the city and good enough to take on the highways. Most of my driving was on the local highways while my dad also took it out once in a while. He would take it within the city and drive it in traffic too. We were so impressed with the car, we actually went ahead and got a new Tiago XZ Diesel this month! Diesel hatches are apt for long-term stints. And the ones that can take on the highway as well as the city with a solid built quality seem to be the real deal.

What’s Cool

* The 1-litre diesel engine – fun, frugal and torquey
* Great ride and handling balance, comfortable and easy to manoeuvre
* Compact dimensions make it easy in congested streets, easy to park too
* Tata’s built quality is probably the best in the segment

What’s Not So Cool

* The 3-cylinder oil-burner is very vocal
* Too tiny to seat 5 people, feels cluttered and congested
* Some equipment missing like a touchscreen infotainment system, keyless go, push button start and reverse camera

Testers’ Note:

Further Reading –

Tata Tiago Long Term Review – First Report
Tata Tiago Long Term Video Review
Tata Tiago Review