Tata Tigor CNG Automatic Review: Is The Ease Of Use Worth The Price?

With the Tiago and Tigor CNG cars with 5-speed AMT, Tata Motors aims to bring in more convenience at a modest price hike.

With an officially claimed fuel efficiency figure of 28.06 kmpkg, Tata Tigor is also efficient and vastly cheaper to run.

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

Cars powered by compressed Natural Gas (CNG) are steadily climbing up in the popularity charts, with several carmakers bringing factory-fitted CNG kits. These factory-fitted CNG cars bring in peace of mind to the consumer. Moreover, with diesel engines evaporating from the sub-Rs 10 lakh space, CNG is the only cost-efficient alternative. Here's where Tata's Tigor CNG AMT seeks to make a mark.

Tata Motors seeks to make its own space in the market with the recent launches of India's first automatic CNG cars. With the 5-speed AMT Tiago and Tigor CNG cars, Tata Motors aims to bring in more convenience at a modest price hike. In the CNG mode, the Tigor develops 73 PS and, just like all of the new Tata CNG cars, a direct start enables you to get into the CNG mode right away.

With the AMT though, the driving experience is much easier. It also feels more comfortable to drive the Tigor CNG AMT in the city. At low speeds and bumper-to-bumper traffic, the automatic transmission is smooth and the creep function also works well. At low speeds, there is nearly no jerk and it is easy to drive.

With an officially claimed fuel efficiency figure of 28.06 kmpkg, it is also efficient and vastly cheaper to run. However, at higher speeds, the gearbox is slow to respond and has the pause, which AMTs usually get. Hence, instant downshifts or upshifts are best left to the manual mode but again, it is best for city speeds and relaxed cruising.

You do not feel a big drop in power in CNG mode, though and that is one of the highlights. Another big advantage is the fact that the boot space is not a compromise since the twin cylinders are neatly tucked away within the boot floor. Equipment levels are quite good for the price, with a clear rear camera, 8-speaker Harman audio system, 7-inch touchscreen, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, and auto headlamps. However, 6 airbags are still needed since other cars in this price bracket have the same.

Tata Motors has also added a new colour to the Tigor line-up. The price of the Tigor AMT CNG starts at Rs 8.8 lakh to Rs 9.5 lakh, which we think is good value since no other car offers an automatic with a CNG combination. Hence, in terms of cost efficiency and also convenience, the Tigor AMT currently has no rival and we feel it is better value than the manual simply due to its ease of use.