How often have we seen two cars of the same segment, but from different companies being compared to each other once either or both of them gain popularity or once any of those is being launched or facelifted? These comparisons do help with choosing one among the many cars of that particular segment. But when it comes to choosing between two cars from the same company, it becomes a little difficult and calls for meticulous and detailed analysis to get the best choice.
Tata Motors has slowly started to get increasing market shares with its recent hatchbacks and their corresponding compact sedan. First, the Bolt being extended to the Zest and then the newer Tiago being extended to become the Tigor. Both these, Bolt-Zest and Tiago-Tigor, have been fiercely competitive to its peers.
But when it comes to comparing them with each other, things start to get a little tricky. After all, both of these run on the same platform, even though the Tigor is placed below the Zest. Then what is it that makes them different? The detailed review below will surely give you the answer.
Designing and physical traits
Tata Tigor, the newer of the two, is, of course, the one with a better design (arguably). It brings an all new style statement in the market, the “Styleback.” With a fresh coupe-like roofline, shorter boot and split tail lights at the rear, the car definitely brings a touch of elegance. Noticeably, the Tigor is not as curvy and sculpted as the Tata Zest. Yet, the newer car turns out to looks better and more attractive.
The Tata Zest, on the other hand, is older and is placed higher than the new Tigor. Both the cars have been built on the same platform. The Zest does appear very urban, sculpted and cool. The lines passing through the side section along with a curvy lower side profile looks good. The main catching point here is that we liked the regular sub-compact sedan’s design until we came across the Tigor.
However, the Zest is not an easy target to pin down. The rather modest 390-litre boot space is the only physical feature that pulls it down. Apart from that, the Zest is bigger, wider, has a longer wheelbase and a higher capacity fuel tank than the newer sibling. Moreover, the Zest also gets LED DRLs (daytime running lights) which are missing on the Tigor.
Interior feature
The Tata Tigor provides a good and comfortable feel inside its cabin. The legroom and headroom are ample even for taller passengers. Look up straight, and you will find a neatly designed infotainment system with proper and good quality buttons and other bits. On the dashboard, you get a Harman touchscreen infotainment cluster while the 8-speaker sound system promises decent audio quality. The screen also displays views from the rear parking camera. Dual airbags and ABS with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) are given as standard across trims.
On the other hand, even though the instrument cluster on the Tata Zest looks simple and plain, the addition of an arched shade running over the center AC vents and the analog meters looks quite impressive. Moreover, the rear seat headrests are adjustable, unlike the ones in the Tiago, which has the headrest integrated with the backrest.
However, the Tata Tiago seems to have the upper hand over the Zest in terms of some features like the Juke Car App, Bluetooth-based remote control, and the Tata Emergency Assist App. Moreover, the absence of a reverse parking camera on the Zest makes the Tigor feel more preferable.
Engine and drive quality
The Tata Tigor is a much more subdued one in terms of power. The 1.2-litre petrol engine makes a maximum power of 85 bhp and a peak torque of 114 Nm. On the other hand, the 1.05-litre diesel engine has a low power but high torque deliverance with 70 bhp and 140 Nm of maximum torque. The transmission duties are done by a 5-speed manual gearbox with no automatic option. We really miss the auto version since its corresponding hatchback version does get an AMT for top end trims.
The Tata Zest is a more powerful car out of the two. The 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine makes a maximum power of 90 bhp and a peak torque of 140 Nm. The diesel model, however, comes in two states of tune. The 1.3-litre diesel engine is offered with either 75 bhp and 190 Nm or 90 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. Transmission of choice for this one is the 5-speed manual gearbox on the low-end trims, and 5-speed automatic transmission on the two top end models.
Verdict
Tata Motors have always been known to keep the price of its passenger vehicles very competitive, and we have seen that with the Hexa SUV and the Tiago hatchback. Here, just when you might have thought that the Tata Tigor and Tata Zest are evenly poised on a head-to-head battle, there is that one factor that comes into action. If you know the fact that the Tigor is placed below the Zest, you might be aware that the Tigor is more affordable than the pricier Zest, even though the features are quite equally balanced. But the difference in price is something that will leave you in awe.
Tata Zest begins with a price range of Rs. 5.3 lakhs for the base variant and extends up to Rs. 8.7 lakhs for the top end trims. On the contrary, the entry level Tigor is available for Rs. 4.5 lakhs only and extends up to a meager Rs. 6.5 lakhs.
So now you know why the Tigor has created such a buzz in the market. The loaded features and a stylish body now fall in line with a very affordable budget. Something that you simply can’t miss.
