Tata is on a roll when it comes to product as well, powertrain launches. The launch of CNG and then the twin cylinder CNG models which are already popular thanks to practicality on offer at first glance. The Tiago EV just hits the cord so right, that it was a runaway success. Owing to cities getting overly congested, this is the ideal way to commute, something the masses understand than ever before. Nothing like combining all of this together and make it available in times when fuel prices are high. All this sounds very rosy considering many aspects that come with the EV that suit the Indian consumers’ requirement, How is it? WE find out!
On the inside, the textured plastic, build and quality makes way for a very good feel-good ambiance. The stowage is good and practicality in the cabin as its peak. You get a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The sound system is excellent considering the segment. The dials are lifted of expensive cars of Tata’s portfolio. First seen on the CNG and now the EV. The horn button is really nicely placed on both sides of the steering wheel. Feature list includes projector lights, steel wheels with alloy wheel like covers on it, halogen lights, LED DRLs, manual IRVM, parking sensors, reversing camera, electric ORVM, armrest and start-stop button are on offer. Steering-mounted controls and a large feature list for a small car make the hatch a great purchase at this price point. The gear lever aka a dial is very slow to respond to inputs and needs super human patience when taking a U-turn in a crowded traffic spot.
The space is quite good too in true Tata hatchback tradition. The shoulder, head, leg, and knee rooms are segment standard and better as always than all its rivals. The boot space is midly compromised now instead of entirely. Road and wind noise are acceptable inside the car despite being an entry level car. The safety kit includes ABS and EBD with two airbags that come as standard. The car is four-star rated but EV require separate testing. After all, the Tiago was only tested with ICE engine only.
The battery-powered car is smooth and low on NVH as expected. Be it in any part of the rev range, there is some noise that creeps inside the cabin in the form of an A/c blower, road and wind noise. The automatic gearbox shifter is slow to respond and can be much quicker. It does look good but it needs a serious update ASAP. Low and mid-range are good and top-end isn’t that electrifying on electric cars anyways. Despite that, it can end up cruising at legal speeds, almost.
This makes the Tiago EV good enough for minimum highway duties and maximum for intercity duty. The Tiago EV can feel very easy to drive in the city thanks to light steering, low turning radius and compact dimensions. In our drive, we could do 190 km max before we found a fast charger of 30kw and it topped up from 20% to 80% in under one hour which was impressive enough. However, our home charger was getting the job done in 6 hours, most of the time for our trips, which was good enough.
Like most Tata cars, the low to medium ride quality is stiff, which lends great body control at low speed. However, the compliance is enough that we can rate this ride quality, excellent! Ground clearance was also well-matched for our roads despite it isn’t close to being an SUV. The suspension setup is spot-on in many ways thanks to a very sophisticated setup. However, the ground clearance can go for a toss if loaded with four people and luggage. SUV anyone?
The high-speed ride is rock solid on any given highway. Body roll increases as speeds get higher while taking a corner or changing lanes at high speeds. The car continues to be stable in the situation regardless of the road or corners. Steering is light, precise, and has great feedback on offer, which makes the car fun and 100% confidence-inspiring to push harder. The brakes are good but the pedal bite and feel could be better. Overall, very easy, mature and confident to drive compared to all its rivals.
2024 Tata Tiago EV Review, Verdict
There is no denying Tata cars have come of age. Tiago EV is one of the top considered and sold cars in the country right now. The amount of examples in major metro cities shows its huge impact. Fun to drive, contemporary looks, and solid pricing strategy along with recent price cuts makes it even more tempting. Tata quality and reliability in most EV’s out do their ICE part and hence the EV portfolio and separate branding and now showrooms too, are gathering momentum in fullest positive manner. Tiago EV shows that the EV momentum is here to stay and grow, and Tata might just retain pole position for years to come with bigger or even better smaller EV’s that are set to come.
