Tata Tiago JTP vs Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT TSI: Spec Comparison

Agencies Updated at: 14 Feb 2018 01:30 PM (IST)

The Tata Tiago JTP will soon be entering the Indian hot hatch territory. How does it fare against the competition on paper?

Tata Motors is joining forces with Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotives aiming to enter the niche performance segment in the Indian car market. The first products of the 50:50 joint venture are already here in the form of the spruced up versions of the Tiago and the Tigor. Both of these receive the suffix JTP (Jayem Tata Performance). Once launched, the Tigor JTP will be the most powerful petrol sedan in its league whereas the Tiago will lock horns with the Baleno RS and Polo GT TSI which sit a segment above the small Tata. We’ll bring you a spec comparo for the Tigor JTP as well, but in the meanwhile, let’s see how its smaller sibling fares against its competition.

Dimensions (mm)	Tiago JTP	Maruti Baleno RS	VW Polo GT TSI
Length	3746	3995	3971
Width	1647	1745	1682
Height	1502	1510	1469
Wheelbase	2400	2520	2469
Ground Clearance	161	170	165

As the chart suggests, the Tiago JTP is the smallest and the lowest riding among the three. Space inside is also the least but we cannot really hold that against it since it sits a segment or two below the Baleno and the Polo. The Polo charts a middle ground with its dimensions but it is the Baleno RS which is the biggest and the highest riding car in the competition. For a detailed view into the Tiago JTP, read our first look report here.

	Tiago JTP	Baleno RS	VW Polo GT TSI
Engine	JTP 1.2-litre turbocharged, 3-cylinder	1.0-litre, 3-cylinder Boosterjet engine	1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, TSI
Power	110PS	101PS	105PS
Torque	150Nm	150Nm	175Nm
Transmission	5-speed Manual	5-speed Manual	7-speed DSG

The triplet is closely matched here in terms of performance figures. However, the Tata and the Maruti are fired by a 3-cylinder engine setup whereas the VW has a 4-cylinder motor under the bonnet. As far as power figures are concerned, the Tiago JTP is on top while the top honours in terms of torque is bagged by the Polo, followed by the Tiago and Baleno RS. Related: Top 5 Hatchbacks At Auto Expo 2018 – New Swift, 45X, Elite i20, Future-S & Tiago

Only the Polo GT comes with an automatic transmission, making life easier for users on daily routines while helping gather speed effortlessly during highway runs. You just have to decide whether you need the convenience of an automatic or the fun of a manual gearbox.

Auto Expo 2018

	Tata Tiago JTP	Maruti Baleno RS	VW Polo GT TSI
Prices (ex-showroom Delhi)	Rs 6.75 to 7 lakh(estimated)	Rs 8.45 lakh	9.20 lakh

The hot hatch territory is still a niche one and most buyers are still sceptical of spending nearly Rs 10 lakh on a powerful hatchback, as the above table suggests. This is where the Tiago JTP could pitch in since Tata can price it lucratively, helping it undercut it competitors. This will give buyers a good chance of purchasing a small, power-packed performer at an attractive price.