Power To The People

The Tata Tiago and Tigor JTPs do make more horses than anything else in the price range, but are they as capable on other fronts?

- Ravi Ved

It’s true that, for enthusiasts looking for affordable performance, there aren’t many options to choose from. There’s the Volkswagen GT-range, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, and, if you’re bold enough, even the Fiat Linea T-Jet – although now it’s really showing its age. All of these cars are priced at around 10 lakh, or more. But if your budget is below a million bucks, you’ll find yourself in a tough spot – for there isn’t much to choose from. And this means that there’s huge void in the market, but that’s about to change – for Tata aims to fill it with performance-focused versions of the Tiago and the Tigor. The idea is simple – make performance available to a larger audience. Tata’s intention is indeed commendable, but how are the cars themselves?

Buyers who want a performance offering – even an affordable one – expect the exterior to be in line with the sporty nature of the motor. While most other manufacturers take the easy way out, with just a few bits and pieces added, Tata has put in some serious work to ensure that the Tiago and Tigor JTPs stand out. At the front, there’s a redesigned bumper with larger air dams, a JTP-badged honeycomb grille washed in gloss black and projector headlamps with chrome surrounds. Along the sides, both cars get a new set of alloys and side skirts. And the ride height has been reduced as well to give them a sporty stance. The best highlight of the car is at the back though – courtesy of the twin-barrel exhaust, which easily gives the car a more purposeful look. While it doesn’t have a loud exhaust note, it sounds pretty sweet nonetheless.

Same, but different