Tata Motors has launched the performance oriented variants of the Tiago hatchback and the Tigor compact sedan. Called the Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP, the two models are priced at Rs. 6.39 lakh and Rs. 7.49 lakh, respectively (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
The said models have been developed under a Joint Venture partnership of Tata Motors and Jayem Automotive Pvt Ltd. This JV has been named JT Special Vehicles (JTSV) and is expected to come with sporty versions of the Nexon in the near future. The JTP badge will be to Tata Motors what the Abarth badge is to Fiat and the AMG badge is to Mercedes-Benz.
At the launch event, Tata Motors officials revealed that the JTP twins, Tiago and Tigor, were developed keeping in mind three fundamental pillars. These include sporty exterior and interior looks, improved engine output and performance, and better handling and sound. This is why Tata Motors has made significant efforts to differentiate the JTP iterations from the regular cars around these 3 parameters.
Design – Exteriors and Interiors
The JTP twins comes with some significant cosmetic alterations. Major changes include new front bumpers with larger, beefed up fog lamp housings, a new grille with the JTP badge on the side, projector headlamps, a functional hood scoop for better cooling, and contrast paint on the roof and ORVMs. The alloy wheels too get a new design and are shod with 185 section tyres.
On the inside, the Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP come with an all black cabin. Red surrounds have been added to the AC vents for aggressive detailing. The accelerator, clutch and brake pedals are made of aluminium for a sporty touch. Other changes include new seat covers with more cushioning, contrast coloured stitching, and a JTP logo. Even the instrument cluster has JTP logo in the two pods – tachometer and speedometer.
Features – Convenience and Safety
The Tata Tiago JTP and Tata Tigor JTP are based on the top of the line XZ trim of the regular models. However, both the JTP twins come with a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is mated to an 8-speed sound system. It also gets Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition compatibility. Occupant safety is taken care of by dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner stabilitiy control. All these safety features are available as standard on the JTP models. Tata also claims to have enhanced the braking capabilities of the Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP in order to aptly tame the increased power output.
Specifications – Engine, Acceleration
However, the highlight of the Tata Tiago JTP and Tata Tigor JTP are the changes made under the skin. Both these models are powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This powertrain setup is capable of developing 112 BHP and 150 Nm of peak torque. Tata claims that the JTP twins can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in around 10 seconds.
The suspension setup has also been tweaked to improve the ride and handling characteristics. The Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP thus come with tweaked suspension and steering setups. Additionally, the ride height has been lowered to improve cornering capabilities. This has resulted in a 4 mm drop in ground clearance, which is now 166 mm.