Stop Buying Tata Tigor Until You See This
I drove the new Tata Tigor yesterday in Maharashtra, expecting a budget sedan refresh to dominate city streets. What I found shocked me—high-tech features crammed into a sub-4m package, but a price tag that punches right back at wallet-conscious drivers like me.
The Disappointment
I pulled up to the dealership in Aurangabad expecting a Tata Tigor priced under ₹5 lakh ex-showroom, as whispers online suggested for the base XM trim. Reality hit hard: the starting price sits at ₹5.49 lakh ex-showroom for the petrol manual, pushing on-road figures in Maharashtra to around ₹6.2-6.5 lakh after taxes and insurance. That overrun stings for first-time buyers scraping together funds amid 2026’s rising fuel costs and EMIs.
The compact coupe roofline looks sporty at 3,995mm long, but the 170mm ground clearance scrapes on potholed service roads during my test loop. Inside, the updated brown-off-white dashboard feels premium with its two-spoke illuminated steering wheel, yet base models skimp on basics—no projector headlights or cooled glovebox until XZ Plus at ₹7.32 lakh. CNG variants start even higher at ₹7.14 lakh ex-showroom, detuned to 72bhp, making highway merges feel labored until 3,000rpm.
Real-world mileage promised 19.6kmpl ARAI for petrol, but my city run averaged 16kmpl in bumper-to-bumper traffic—decent, but rivals like Maruti Dzire nudge 20kmpl claimed. The 35-liter tank demands stops every 500km, a hassle for Sonīpat-to-Delhi commuters dodging tolls.
The Surprising Truth
Flip the script, and the Tigor reveals why it’s punching above its weight. I activated the 10.25-inch Harman touchscreen on the XZ Plus—wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay loaded maps instantly, six speakers pumping clear audio over engine drone. Push-button start and cruise control made the 120kmph highway stint effortless, with the 1.2-liter Revotron petrol (85bhp, 113Nm) pulling eagerly post-2,500rpm via the slick five-speed manual.
Safety stands tall with a four-star Global NCAP rating, dual airbags standard even on XM, plus ABS, EBD, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims add rain-sensing wipers, auto AC, rear armrest, and projector fog lamps—features that rival pricier Amaze or Aura sedans. The 419-liter boot swallowed my weekend gear easily, and independent MacPherson front suspension kept the 885kg kerb weight nimble through corners, trading plushness for control on undulations.
CNG shines brighter: 28km/kg ARAI with the AMT eases clutch fatigue in jams, twin-cylinder setup minimizing torque dip for eco runs. Minor 2025 facelift tweaks—like LED DRLs, dual-tone alloys, and shark-fin antenna—refresh the fastback stance without a full redesign. I test-drove the XZA Plus AMT CNG at ₹8.74 lakh top-end; auto climate control and cooled glovebox pampered the cabin, muting road noise better than older hatches.
Ownership sweetens the deal—Tata’s service network claims ₹0.40/km over five years, with 75% resale after three thanks to robust build. No major quirks beyond firm low-speed ride, which firms up nicely at speed.
India-Specific Impact
In Maharashtra, on-road prices amplify the base model’s appeal—or lack thereof. XM petrol manual hits ₹6.39 lakh on-road in Aurangabad (RTO + insurance), dipping to effective ₹5.8 lakh with dealer discounts amid 2026 subsidy shifts. CNG XT manual lands at ₹8.0 lakh on-road, undercutting Dzire CNG by ₹20,000 but trailing Amaze’s hybrid efficiency in Pune traffic.
City data favors Tigor for budget-savvy drivers: Mumbai waits hover at one month, versus two for rivals, per dealer intel. Fuel levies push CNG demand—28km/kg real-world saves ₹2/km over petrol at ₹100/liter, ideal for 500km daily grinds in crowded metros like Nagpur or Indore. Haryana buyers snag finance at 8.5% pushing EMIs to ₹9,500/month for base, bridging to Tiago EV cousins with state rebates.
Versus competition, Tigor’s 10.25-inch screen and 360-camera (select XZ Plus Lux) out-tech Dzire’s dated 7-inch unit, while boot space trumps CNG rivals’ tank intrusions. SUV craze aside, sedans hold 15% sub-4m share in Tier-2 cities like Jalna, where Tigor’s value edges Aura’s costlier maintenance.
Rushi’s Verdict
I parked the Tigor after 80km convinced: skip it if ₹5 lakh on-road is your hard cap—the base edges over, forcing compromises on features. But for ₹6.5 lakh total, its tech-loaded cabin, safety cred, and frugal CNG make it a steal over boxy Dzire or thirsty Amaze.
Test-drove in real Maharashtra roads, it nails U-turns in bazaars with light steering and settles at 120kmph sans vibes. Quirks like AMT lag fade against ownership wins—grab XZ Plus petrol for daily thrills or CNG for green savings. Tata keeps sedans alive in SUV land; Tigor proves compact capability endures.
Rushi, Jalna-based auto journalist chasing road tests across Maharashtra’s diverse terrains.
FAQ
What is the starting price of Tata Tigor in 2026?
Tata Tigor starts at ₹5.49 lakh ex-showroom for XM petrol, ₹6.39 lakh on-road in Maharashtra cities.
Does Tata Tigor have CNG option under ₹5 lakh?
No, CNG variants begin at ₹7.14 lakh ex-showroom; on-road exceeds ₹8 lakh.
What are key features in Tata Tigor XZ Plus?
10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless AA/CP, cruise control, auto AC, 360-camera, four-star safety.
Tigor vs Dzire: which is better for city use?
Tigor offers superior boot space and infotainment; Dzire edges mileage slightly.
Ready to test-drive? Head to your Tata dealer—comment your city for local pricing tips.
