2019 Tata Tiago Facelift caught testing before launch

Tata Tiago started the brand’s journey towards creating a line-up of all-new cars in the Indian market. The Tiago was first launched in 2016, and after attracting a lot of attention in the market, Tata has started testing a new, facelifted version of the hatchback. The hatchback was caught testing for the first time and can be seen heavily camouflaged.

Pictures taken by GaadiWaadi show that the heavily camouflaged model gets a number of changes. Even the front headlamps of the Tiago have been removed, and new makeshift lamps have been put in place. It is highly likely that Tata will change the way Tiago looks from the front and will add more creases to the body, giving it a stronger character.

It is entirely possible that Tata is testing the new Tiago before the new BNVSAP crash test norms are set in place from October 2019. It is not known if the current Tiago will pass the upcoming standards and it is possible that the brand is working on a new model that will meet the forthcoming crash norms. We can see structural changes to make the vehicle more stable and compliant with the new rules. Tata Tiago is currently available with a high-performance JTP version and a crossover version, which is known as the NRG.

From July 2019, all the vehicles on sale in India will have to offer mandatory safety equipment like the driver-side airbag, ABS, rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminder and speed warning. None of these features is available with the current version of the Tata Tiago. Tata may also take the opportunity to update the interiors of the Tiago and add more premium features. Currently, the Tiago offers various features like Eco-Drive mode, an 8-speaker system by Harman and a capacitive 7-inch touchscreen display.

Mechanically, the upcoming Tiago will remain unchanged from the current version of the model. It will continue to get powered by the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates a maximum of 85 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 114 Nm at 3,500 rpm. It currently gets a five-speed manual transmission and a five-speed AMT automatic transmission. Both the options will be available with the updated Tiago too. The diesel variants of the Tata Tiago are powered by 1.05-litre three-cylinder Revotorq engine that generates a maximum power of 70 PS at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm between 1,800 and 3,000 rpm. The diesel version only a 5-speed manual transmission.

The upcoming Tiago can get features like new alloy wheels, new front and rear bumpers, new smoked headlamps, a new grille and new features inside the cabin. Tata may show a glimpse of the upcoming Tiago at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show where the manufacturer will also unveil the 45X premium hatchback that will take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20.