Tata Motors, a significant player in the Indian automotive market, ventured into the iCNG segment with the Tiago and Tigor in January 2022.

Since then, Tata Motors has introduced several updates to enhance the Tiago’s appeal, including a switch from a single large CNG tank to twin smaller units, and more recently, the addition of an automated manual transmission (AMT) option.

This detailed review explores the Tata Tiago iCNG AMT, assessing its design, interior, powertrain, dynamics, and overall value proposition

Design and Interior

Exterior Design

The Tata Tiago iCNG retains its familiar design, which, while still smart-looking, is beginning to show its age.

The exterior has remained largely unchanged since the 2020 facelift, and unlike the petrol Tiago, the CNG variant does not come with the 15-inch alloy wheels even on the top-end model.

Instead, it features 14-inch wheels with stylized covers. The Tiago’s design is well-proportioned, but the aesthetic is starting to look a bit dated.

Interior Layout

Inside, the Tiago iCNG’s cabin design and layout have remained unchanged since the car’s debut in 2016.

Despite the age, the cabin benefits from updates over the years, including a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen.

The overall layout is clean and functional, but it cannot escape its ageing design roots.

The AMT version is available in the mid-spec XT and top-spec XZ+ trims. The XZ+ variant, which we reviewed, comes well-equipped with features such as auto headlamps and wipers, auto climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a reverse camera. However, some omissions are notable – the CNG variant lacks a rear parcel shelf and the 15-inch alloys from the standard Tiago.

Practicality and Boot Space

One significant update in the Tiago iCNG is the shift to twin smaller CNG tanks, which frees up boot space compared to the previous single large tank.

The boot floor is raised to accommodate the twin tanks, but this setup still offers more space – 107 litres, up from the previous 80 litres.

While this is less than the 242 litres available in the petrol Tiago, it is enough to fit a medium-sized suitcase or a few soft bags while still accommodating five passengers.

This improvement addresses a common pain point for CNG vehicle owners who often struggle with limited luggage space.

Powertrain and Dynamics

Engine Performance

The Tiago iCNG AMT is powered by the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine as its manual counterpart. It delivers 73 bhp and 95 Nm of peak torque in CNG mode, and a peppier 85 bhp and 113 Nm in petrol mode.

Despite these modest figures, the performance is adequate for city driving.

The engine provides ample low-end torque, making it easy to move off the line, and it is comfortable at higher speeds, although it becomes quite audible inside the cabin.

Transmission and Driveability

The addition of the AMT significantly enhances the Tiago’s convenience, especially in congested urban environments.

The AMT unit in the Tiago iCNG is smooth for the most part and includes a handy creep function. However, like all AMT systems, it has its limitations.

Gear shifts can feel lethargic, particularly under hard acceleration or when driving on inclines. The transition between gears is noticeable, which can detract from the overall driving experience.

One issue noted during our test was the length of the first gear. In automatic mode, the transmission waits until near 20 kmph to shift into second gear, resulting in a jerky experience at low speeds.

Switching to manual mode can mitigate this issue, though the system does not allow shifting below 15 kmph without beeping.

During deceleration, the AMT holds onto the second gear until the speed drops into the low tens, ensuring smoother acceleration from low speeds.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for CNG vehicles. The Tiago iCNG AMT delivered around 18.86 km/kg in city driving and close to 20.07 km/kg on the highway during our tests.

These figures are subject to variation based on driving conditions, traffic, and driving style.

In practical use, the Tiago iCNG’s twin tanks, which hold about 8 kg of CNG, provided a range of up to 145 km on some days, though it could drop to under 100 km under different conditions.

Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Tata Tiago iCNG AMT is priced from Rs 7.90 lakh to Rs 8.80 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-spec XZA+ variant, making it approximately Rs 55,000 more expensive than the manual version.

This premium offers the convenience of an automated manual gearbox, which is unique among factory-fitted CNG hatchbacks in the market.

Pros

Convenience: The AMT makes city driving significantly easier by eliminating the need for constant gear changes.

Features: The top-spec XZ+ trim is well-equipped with modern amenities such as auto headlamps, climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system.

Practicality: The twin CNG tank setup improves boot space compared to the previous single tank configuration, making it more practical for daily use.

Efficiency: The Tiago iCNG offers good fuel efficiency, reducing running costs compared to petrol variants.
Cons

Ageing Design: Both the exterior and interior designs are starting to show their age, lacking the modern appeal of newer competitors.

Transmission Lag: The AMT’s gear shifts can feel slow and unresponsive, especially under hard acceleration or on inclines.

Noise Levels: The engine noise is quite prominent inside the cabin, which can affect overall driving comfort.

The Tata Tiago iCNG AMT represents a compelling option for those looking for a practical and economical city commuter with the added convenience of an automated transmission. While it has its downsides, such as an ageing design and the inherent limitations of an AMT gearbox, these are not significant deal-breakers. The car’s strengths in fuel efficiency, practicality, and feature set make it a worthy contender in the CNG segment.

For buyers prioritizing convenience and looking for a cost-effective solution for their daily commutes, the Tiago iCNG AMT is certainly worth considering. Its unique combination of features and practicality, coupled with Tata’s reputation for building robust vehicles, ensures that it remains a viable choice in the competitive Indian automotive market.

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