Tata Motors is set to launch the more powerful variant of the Tiago hatchback and the Tigor compact sedan. And they’re not doing it alone. The new cars are products of JT Special Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (JTSV), a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Motors and Jayem Automotives Pvt.Ltd. JTSV is working towards bringing a series of performance vehicles to the Indian market that will bring back the ‘Joy of Motoring’ to the Indian customers. So, will they pack enough punch for the Thrill of Driving? We don’t know yet, but here’s what will be on offer on the Tiago JTP and the Tigor JTP.
Powering the Tiago and Tigor JTP will be the Revotron 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 1199cc 3 cylinder unit makes 112.4bhp at 5000rpm and 150Nm of torque between 2000-4000rpm. It’s the same unit that propels the Nexon, but changes are made to the air intake and exhaust system to extract more power – the engine makes 28.6bhp and 36Nm more than the stock vehicle. Power is transferred to the front wheels with the same 5-speed manual transmission albeit with optimized gear ratios. The Tiago JTP is 86kg heavier than the standard hatchback while the Tigor JTP weighs 16kg more. And yet the company says the cars can race from 0-100kmph in 10 seconds and offer best in class acceleration.
On the safety front too there are no compromises as they carry dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and corner stability control that is also there in the Tiago NRG. The suspension too will be stiffer while the steering is re-calibrated for superior control. The ground clearance has been lowered by 4mm and now stands at 166mm. The tyres are beefier with 185/65 R15 being offered as standard.
On the design front, both cars are a significant step up towards the sporty side from the standard variants. They feature an aggressive looking front bumper and large trapezoidal lower grille. They also feature projector LEDs with chrome rings and 15 inch diamond cut alloys. Adding to the sporty appeal are the side skirts, contrast colored outside mirrors, dual tone exterior with glossy black roof and black rear spoiler and JTP badge on the front grille, fender vents and the rear.
On the inside too, both the cars shout sporty. The all black interiors come with red accents on the ac vents while the leather wrapped steering has contrast red stitching. There’s also the ConnectNext infotainment system by Harman that’s seen on the standard variants as well as on the bigger ones. The system will be connected to 8 speakers and will have voice recognition.
The Tiago JTP will lock horns with the likes of Polo GT TSI, Abarth Punto and the Baleno RS while the Tigor JTP doesn’t have a direct competitor yet. JTSP says that all their products will be built around three key elements- enhanced engine output and performance, sporty exterior and interior design and improved driving dynamics and aural experience. The Tiago JTP and the Tigor JTP will be the first products from the joint venture. Stay tuned with us for more updates and test drive reviews of the new cars.