For city commuting needs, hatchback models offer a smart combination of compact size and decent passenger and cargo space. Tata Motors' Tiago and Maruti Suzuki's Swift are popular, budget-friendly hatchbacks vying for buyers' attention. Let's overview what each vehicle offers buyers in terms of performance, amenities, roominess, and pricing.
An Overview of Tata Tiago
Tata launched the Tiago hatchback in 2016 as a stylish, feature-packed, and wallet-friendly vehicle targeting young Indian buyers. Its competitive pricing, appealing looks, comfortable cabin room, and engine options that deliver ample mileage and performance have established Tiago's appeal.
For buyers prioritizing space, efficiency, or smooth urban drives, the Tiago is an excellent option. It's a well-rounded vehicle with multiple trim choices available to meet specific feature needs. Moreover, there's also an electric variant of the hatchback, the Tiago EV. The Tiago EV's on-road price is attractively set to appeal to environmentally conscious drivers looking for an efficient yet affordable electric vehicle option.
An Overview of Maruti Suzuki Swift
Maruti Suzuki models have dominated India's hatchback segment thanks to trusted badges like the Swift, which has delivered reliability, great fuel economy, and relatively low ownership costs for decades. Now in its 3rd generation, featuring sleeker styling, the Swift continues to woo youthful enthusiasts seeking an affordable, lively hatchback that adds modern interior and navigation conveniences to Maruti's familiar value hallmarks.
For city commuting or even budget road trips, the Swift aims to retain its crown as the top-selling hatchback.
Design and Aesthetics
The Tiago has a more aggressive and masculine front design with sharp headlamps, a prominent grille, and muscular bumpers. In contrast, the Maruti Swift features a more subtle and curved front fascia, which looks premium. Both cars have a sporty stance from the sides, but the Swift's floating roof design makes it look more dynamic.
At the rear, the Tiago's wraparound tail lamps and roof spoiler give it a sportier look compared to the Swift's conventionally styled rear. The Swift's overall design theme looks more fluid, while the Tiago appears muscular and macho.
Engine Specifications
The Tiago offers a 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 86 hp and 113 Nm of torque. There's also a CNG variant with 73 hp and 95 Nm of torque. The petrol engine provides adequate punch for city usage, although it slightly lacks refinement. The CNG feels less powerful but still works well for regular urban commutes, prioritizing efficiency.
In contrast, the Swift features a 1.2L 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 90 hp and 113 Nm of torque. This engine feels more refined and energetic than the Tiago's engine. The power delivery has a stronger low and mid-range punch, making the Swift more engaging to drive.
Features and Interiors
The Tiago offers a dual-tone black and beige cabin, which looks premium. The plastic quality is decent, and the steering wheel, dials, AC vents, etc., feel built to last. Space is good for four passengers, but the Swift offers slightly more knee room at the rear.
In terms of features, the top-end Tiago XZ+ variant comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, auto AC, a cooled glovebox, push-button start, rear parking sensors, and more.
The Swift also offers a well-appointed cabin, but the all-black theme makes it look sportier than Tiago's dual-tone shade. The flat-bottom steering wheel and circular AC vents enhance its appeal. Also, the space is better than the Tiago.
Feature-wise, the Swift ZXI+ has a 7-inch touchscreen, auto AC, push-button start, auto headlamps, rear parking camera, and folding ORVMs.
Mileage
Regarding fuel efficiency, both the Tiago and Swift offer respectable mileage numbers per ARAI tests. However, the Swift has a clear edge over the Tiago.
For petrol manual variants, the Swift delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of 23.2 kmpl, while the Tiago stands at 19.01 kmpl. So, the Swift provides over 4 kmpl more fuel economy than the Tiago in the petrol manual guise.
The advantage tilts even more in Swift's favor when comparing the automatic variants. The Swift AMT offers 23.76 kmpl per ARAI, while the Tiago AMT is 19 kmpl. Here, the Swift leads by almost 5 kmpl.
Finally, the Swift CNG again dominates for the CNG variants with an ARAI figure of 30.9 km/kg versus 26.49 km/kg for the CNG Tiago.
Conclusion
The Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift present strong cases as appealing, affordable hatchbacks for young urban buyers. The Tiago shines with its muscular styling, sufficient punch from its engine, and a feature-loaded cabin with decent space for four. But the Swift strikes back with its iconic premium design, segment-leading mileage across variants, lively driving experience, and a bit more rear knee room. The Swift may clinch victory for most buyers by excelling across more crucial parameters, cementing its position as the hatch to beat. However, the Tiago still puts up a valiant fight while costing less.
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