Tata’s winning little hatchback has now got an automated manual gearbox option. It is restricted to the top-spec XZ trim and takes the price tag up to Rs 5.73 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. But then automatic transmission and top-spec trims of its competitors are expensive as well. And then for that price, there are more options depending upon what you need. Allow us to bring all the options to your plate.
First up for the Tata Tiago, you have the Celerio ZXi AMT at Rs 5.42 lakh (ex- Delhi). It matches the Tiago spec-to-spec but the Tiago offers a bit more space inside. Also with its fresh looks, the Tiago matches all modern cars for their quality, fit and finish. The next of the budget Marutis is the Wagon R. The car is virtually the same for over a decade and still sells in scores. The Tiago might not be able to match the Wagon R for its cabin space, but scores much more in terms of ride and handling along with the touch-screen infotainment and navigation.
The next set of Marutis we have competing with the Tiago AMT is Swift and the all-new Ignis. The Swift is a proven product and you get the VXI trim at the price of the Tiago AMT. VXI is a mid-trim and does not get the touch-screen music system or alloy wheels or rear parking sensors like the Tiago. But if you do not need an automatic, the Swift is a bigger car and so is the Ignis. The Delta AT trim of the Ignis is what will fit in the price of the Tiago if you are ready to extend your budget a little. But again, the Delta is the second to base trim and the Ignis is ideally not too bigger than the Tiago.
Next up, we have the Hyundai’s, the i10, the Grand i10 and the Xcent. The i10 is an old car like the Wagon R but as effective. It is plainly practical and has a lot of space inside. You get a top-spec car with LPG which will more economical to run, but no automatic gearbox and half a lakh cheaper. On the other hand, you have the Grand i10, the newly launched Hyundai hatchback that seems to have gone from good to better. Like the Swift, you get a bigger car but a not a fully specced one and without automatic. Last on the line is the base variants of the Hyundai Xcent compact sedan. If you want one, wait for some time till they launch the facelift.
Amongst other manufacturers, you get the Chevrolet Beat diesel at the same price or the Mahindra KUV100. The Mahindra KUV is a super compact SUV that hasn’t been able to wow the Indian car buyer. It is big but too bulky for its size while the Chevrolet beat on the other hand has grown obsolete over the years with absolutely no changes to it. The Beat gets a super frugal diesel engine though.
Last but not the least, you have another Maruti peeking in, the Baleno premium hatchback. You also get the Volkswagen Polo or the Ameo as well as the Honda Brio. But all these cars would be entry level trims, stripped down to keep the price tag low.
