Tata has finally launched the hot hatchback and it has become the most affordable hot hatchback after replacing the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS from the line-up
The Indian car market is warming up very nicely for the performance cars and in recent times, a lot of manufacturers have launched their performance versions of the car regular cars. Starting with the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and the arrival of Fiat Abarth Punto and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS shows that the market is slowly tilting towards such cars.
Tata, who has been present in the Indian car market for a long time now had a hot hatchback version of their own in the form of the Tata Indica Vista D90. Fast forward it to 2018 and we have the Tiago JTP. The hot hatchback from Tata has become the most affordable hot hatchback in the segment and is priced at Rs. 6.39 lakhs, ex-showroom, Delhi. Will it make the life of Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS difficult? Let’s find out.
Exterior: Which one looks better?
The Tata Tiago JTP and Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS both have distinctive traits that differentiate them from the regular models. However, it should be noted that the Maruti Baleno RS belongs to two a segments above the Tata Tiago, which is why the Baleno is much bigger in dimension.
The Tata Tiago JTP in production guise gets lowered suspension and reduced ground clearance. It rides at 166mm, which is 4mm lower than the stock. Other changes that makes the JTP version different are the new front bumper with a new enlarged grille, new projector headlamps with chrome inserts, new 15-inch alloy wheels on bigger 185 cross-section tyres, side skirts and a rear spoiler. Tata has also added a contrasting colour to the roof, ORVMs and JTP badging. The Tiago JTP also gets air scoops in the hood and fender vents at the rear.
The Maruti Baleno RS, on the other hand, looks quite similar to the regular version of the car. The only few changes on the outside are the new aggressive front bumper, new grille design and body kit all around. Maruti Baleno RS comes with the regular alloy wheels but they are painted in black. In comparison, the Tiago JTP gets many more changes than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS.
Interiors
As the Baleno RS belongs to the upper segment, it offers much more space than the Tiago JTP. The Baleno RS is exactly identical to the regular versions when it comes to the interiors. It offers all-black interiors with regular rubberised pedals and RS logo floormats. There is nothing that differentiates the Baleno RS from the regular model. It gets a touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two airbags and ABS+EBD.
Tata has put a lot of efforts to make the interior sporty too. Tiago JTP also gets all-black interior with red highlights all over. It gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast red stitching. There is also a hexagonal logo stitched on the seat that gets double stitching. Tata offers 5-inch touchscreen system but there is no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in it. The JTP version of the Tiago offers also offers dual airbags in front and the ABS+EBD is standard.
Engine: Which one is quicker?
Both the Tata Tiago JTP and the Baleno RS get the turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. Maruti model gets the 1.0-litre version while the Tata Tiago uses the 1.2-litre version from the Nexon.
The Tiago JTP’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit produces a maximum of 114 Bhp and 150 Nm. It gets a five-speed manual transmission and can do 0-100 km/h in just 9.95 seconds. It is substantially quicker than the regular version of the Tiago.
The Baleno RS is powered by the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces a maximum of 102 PS and 150 Nm. It also gets a 5-speed transmission and can do 0-100 km/h in more than 10 seconds making it slightly slower than the Tiago JTP. The Baleno RS weighs only 950 kg while the Tiago JTP weighs 1016 kg.
Tata Tiago JTP vs Maruti Baleno RS: Who wins?
Tata Motors has always been known for launching value-for-money products and the Tiago JTP is no different. It is priced at Rs. 6.39 lakhs, which much cheaper than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, which is priced at Rs. 8.69 lakhs!
The Tiago JTP offers more power and more speed at a much lower price. Also, the Tiago JTP wins hands down when it comes to the overall looks of the cars. The Baleno RS is quick and offers much more space but if you’re looking for a value for money product, the Tiago JTP would be a clear winner.