Read our Tata Tiago JTP review below to find out more....
Ever since Tata introduced the Tiago in our market, the car has created quite a stir among the younger generation. It looked like no other Tata that came before it, and came with astonishing levels of build quality. And now, for once, Tata have kept in mind that the budget performance car scene is lacking oomph – and hence, have felt the desire to come up with a go-faster version of the little hatchback. Something that is bound to give customers a taste of what the hot-hatch scenario will pan out in a few years from now. Add to that the convenience of parking in the quintessentially packed Indian suburbs, thanks to its diminutive dimensions. We delve further into the details of our Tiago JTP car review in order to help you decide if it is what you've always wanted.
Up-front, there's a sharper-looking front bumper with large air-dams, a gloss-black honeycomb grille with the 'JTP' badge in red, placed at one corner and newfangled projector headlamp clusters that look stunning with orange-markers integrated beneath them. Also new are the two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels and the air-inlets in the bonnet. A look at the rear can be very satisfying when you note the air-diffuser and the twin-tailpipes jutting out with the intent of being sporty. Tata have also lowered the car by 4mm, so yes - it does squat to the ground a fair bit.
The cabin of the Tiago JTP remains identical to the one on the regular car, barring a few nips and tucks. Quite a lot of red-contrast accents are apparent, like the bordering on the AC vents and floor mats. It also boasts of a leather-wrapped steering that feels nice and premium, and gets red stitching for the seats with 'JTP' embossed on them. The seats aren't as comfortable as we would've liked them to be, but the levels of fit, finish and solidity of materials are unimaginably good. Legroom at the rear continues to be a bit of a squeeze, but room at the front is in abundance.
Powering the Tiago JTP is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor, with a new intake and exhaust, revamped mapping and valve timings to give it a bump-up in horsepower. The engine, in JTP guise, produces 112.6bhp and 150Nm of torque, with power being channelled to the front wheels via a tuned 5-speed manual gearbox. Tata's performance wing - JTSV (Jayem-Tata Special Vehicles) claims a 0-100kph figure of 9.95 seconds for the little hatchback, as opposed to the regular car's 84bhp and 114Nm of torque as mentioned in our Tata Tiago review. While there is a smidgen of turbo-lag, acceleration is linear and the motor is pretty tractable. The Tiago JTP is a quick gun; of that there is no doubt, but the typical three-cylinder thrum is evident – and there is a subtle jerk in second and third gears, which we think could be the result of faulty fuelling.
The suspension and steering geometry have received minor revisions, and to ensure a more driver-centric experience, the suspensions are now firm, but somehow, we're left wanting for more. Around the twisty ribbons of tarmac, the Tiago JTP came across as a nimble and sure-footed pocket-rocket. There's hardly any road noise and no squealing at all when cornering, thanks to the Apollo Alnac tyres. Ride quality continues to impress, despite the alterations made to the suspension setup. Road pimples are dealt with surprising poise, but the steering – unfortunately – feels too light.
Our Tiago JTP review reveals that Tata Motors and Jayem Automotive have indeed come together to create what is easily the startling result of a magnum opus sprinkled with pixie dust on it, so as to appeal to the petrolhead lurking within us. Tata appears to have things covered on the service front with trained grease-monkeys on the task, while sales for the Tiago JTP will be initiated across 11 cities in India, at a price of ₹ 6.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Do look out for our in-depth Tata Tiago JTP review to find out more.
