Tata Tiago JTP: Launching on 10th October?

Edit: Tata Motors has informed us that the Tiago JTP will not be launched on the 10th of October. Instead, a special edition version of the Tigor is likely to be launched on that day. The Tiato JTP is expected to arrive a few weeks later.

October promises to be a very busy month for car launches in India. From Ford and Hyundai to Tata Motors and Mahindra, top car makers in India have lined up multiple new offerings. Tata Motors has just sent out an invite for a new car launch on the 10th of October, which is likely to be the Tiago JTP. We’re saying this based on the recent announcement made by the president of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicles business Mayank Pareek on the sidelines of the Tiago NRG launch. Back then, Mr. Pareek said that the Tiago JTP would follow soon, and the latest ‘block your date’ invite from Tata Motors add credence to this.

The JTP version of the Tata Tiago will give driving enthusiasts in India a powerful, affordable option, which is much cheaper than the likes of the Volkswagen Polo GT twins and the Maruti Baleno RS. In fact, the Tata Tiago JTP’s prices are likely to start from under Rs. 6 lakhs, making it India’s most affordable hot hatchback.

First shown at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo, the Tata Tiago JTP will be based on the regular Tiago but will receive a slew of changes, both mechanical and stylistic. The biggest change will be to the engine, which will be a 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol unit with 108 Bhp-150 Nm.

The 5 speed manual gearbox will get revised gear ratios for better performance across the rev band. The suspension will also be stiffened up to make the car more fun to drive. Tata Motors has collaborated with Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotive for the Tiago JTP’s development. This explains the JTP badge, which expands into Jayem Tata Performance.

As for visual changes, the Tiago JTP is expected to get a lowered stance thanks to suspension tweaks, a body kit that will again add to the lowered stance, contrast roof and wing mirror housings, new alloy wheel design, revised grille and JTP badging. On the inside, contrast stitch for seats and door trims, drilled pedals and a few other visual changes are likely. The Tiago JTP will be followed by its similarly specced compact sedan sibling – the Tigor JTP.