Tata TiagoThere is no clutch and brake pedals in an automatic transmission car. But Tata Tiago AMT is not a conventional automatic car, it has just got an automatic gearbox in the form of a 5-speed AMT.
Unique features
First of all, Tata Tiago AMT promises great fuel efficiency, more or less similar to manual models. In fact, it delivers better mileage numbers than any automatic transmission cars available in India at present. Secondly, low maintenance costs. For the record, maintenance cost for autos is perceived to be high. The gearbox converted into an automated manual transmission (AMT) is simple and as smooth as a manual gearbox. For the average user, it requires the least amount of maintenance and repair. Thirdly, Tata Tiago AMT is priced competitively. It costs only a bit more than the manual transmission variants.
The Magneti Marelli connection
Magneti Marelli, a subsidiary of Italian automobile major Fiat, is an international leader in the design and production of state-of-the-art automotive systems and components. The AMTs used by car manufacturers like Maruti and Tata are developed by Magneti Marelli. AMT is not rocket science. To put it simply, an AMT does not have a clutch pedal as there's only an accelerator and a brake pedal, just like a regular automatic. Shifting process in manual gearboxes is done by hands whereas in AMT, censors, computers and hydraulic electro-hydraulic mechanism do the job. The electronic transmission control unit helps in engaging and disengaging the clutch and gear in accordance with the vehicle’s speed and RPM.
Tiago joins the list
Tata TiagoTata’s two models – Zests and Nano – already have AMT units. Tiago is the new entrant in the league. At a time when even the Japanese carmakers deploy ugly cost-cutting strategies to make their products cheaper, Tiago’s quality is not compromised, despite being a cheaper model.
Keeping it simple
Tiago comes across as a well-packaged, well-rounded vehicle with elegantly designed alloy wheels, signature hexagon grill and a new multi-faceted Tata emblem. Fabric seats are better shaped and comfortable. High-quality plastic components contribute to the car’s more substantial and premium feel. Dual-tone dashboard and trims stand out. Body-colored inserts around the AC vents on the dashboard too are attractive. Like the other Tata models, its great design is paired with a spacious interior and loads of state-of-the-art features. The seats are big and comfy. Tiago has a boot space of 240 liters.
A musical ride
Tata TiagoThe Tata Tiago comes with an integrated Harman music system with eight speaker output, something which cannot be found even in some of the premium models. It has been loaded with features like a Navigation App, Juke-Car App, which allows connecting multiple smartphones to the music system simultaneously, and a multi-drive mode – City and Eco.
Rest to the left leg
Tata TiagoTo the kind attention of drivers: don’t use your left foot at all! You should not move it while driving come what may. Use only your right foot for brake work and dedicate it solely to the accelerator as well. Put the automatic transmission into ‘Neutral’ when you’re stationary and switch to the drive mode before pressing the accelerator. You can feel the vehicle automatically change gear ratios as it moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually. The shift indicator on the console will display which gear your transmission is engaged in. Once you get used to it, driving will be simple and thoroughly enjoyable.
Minimal use of the clutch
Tata TiagoIf you want to control the vehicle manually, move the gear shifter to the left to engage manual mode. Don’t worry; you need not to press the clutch to switch to the manual mode. You can manually move the gear shift upwards or downwards to reach the remaining gears. The vehicle will shed speed automatically if it happens to slow down while in the fifth gear. However, it will not switch to upper gear positions automatically, making overtaking extremely hassle-free.
Tiago draws its power from the 1199cc Revotron engine with a torque delivery of 85 PS. It scores highly in terms of fuel efficiency with a mileage figure of 23.84 kmpl for the petrol model.
Competitive pricing
Tiago’s AMT variant costs about half-a-lakh more than the manual model. The on-road price is Rs 6.42 lakh. Cars with similar features will cost at least an additional Rs 1 lakh.
For test drive, contact MK Motors on 8281151111.
