LEADING THE CHARGE

The Tiago EV is India's most affordable electric car. But is it the perfect product for an average Indian car buyer to start their EV journey? We find out.

- SHIVANK BHATT

Meet the Tata Tiago EV - India's most affordable electric car. Now, given the robust and proven underpinnings of the ICE-powered Tiago and the popularity and success of the Nexon EV, it wouldn't be wise to bet against this brand-new EV.

Having said that, the Tiago EV can't simply get a free pass just because it happens to be related to Tata's family of high achievers.

So, to get a taste of what the Tiago EV is all about, we got to sample it for a full day in Goa.

COOL & CONVENTIONAL

There's no mistaking the Tiago EV for anything else because it doesn't look all that different from its regular counterpart. But to mark its green credentials, it's got some unique exterior elements - a completely blanked-off grille with blue accents below it, EV badges all around, blacked-out ORVMS, a black roof, and 14-inch Hyperstyle wheels (non-alloy). It's a good-looking hatch for sure.

Inside, it's more or less the same affair. The cabin layout, dashboard design, and feature list are all similar to the regular Tiago, but there are some crucial changes-the top-end trim gets leatherette upholstery, which looks and feels quite premium, and the gear-lever has been replaced by a rotary dial. Now, it does look cool, but I find it to be a little fidgety to operate, as it has some lag and doesn't feel natural at all. On the centre console, you've quick access buttons, including those for increasing or decreasing brake regen levels.

The space management inside is impressive, as the Tiago feels quite roomy both at the front and back. The rear bench has decent legroom and headroom, and the seat itself is quite comfortable. For a small hatchback, it's quite impressive, I must say.