Maruti Suzuki Ignis is one of the newest hatchback in town from the country’s leading automaker. Launched in January 2017, the premium hatchback has already raked up the company’s business to a great extent. It is presently being retailed through the Maruti Suzuki Nexa showrooms. The company had already sold 4,830 units by the end of January itself.
The Tata Tiago, on the other hand, can be tagged as one of those hatchbacks that marked the existence of Tata Motors in the small passenger car segment. Right from its launch in 2016, the car has been ranking as one of the top cars in the domestic circuit.
Ironically, Maruti Suzuki Ignis was initially made in rivalry with the Mahindra KUV100, as they both shared similar physical and mechanical features. However, with kind of stardom that the Tiago gained for itself and the kind of momentum that Ignis succeeded to attract, they both have been giving a tough competition to each other.
Since they were not made to be thrown against each other, here in this comparison, we will find many such parameters that show how much different the two hatchback are from each other. Yet, both being popular in the hatchback department is what calls for a comparison.
Maruti Ignis vs Tiago – Comparison
Exteriors
The Maruti Suzuki Ignis comes with a boxy and butch exterior profile, unlike any conventional hatchback. The projector headlamps are covered with U-shaped DRLs. The front grille is uniquely styled as a fine strip of air intakes surround the headlamp cluster as well. It has a wheelbase of 2,435 mm with an overall kerb weight of 825 kgs to 960 kgs depending on the trim level. Often, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis is termed as a compact SUV, which is what makes it popular among a market which is crazy for SUV and the likes.
On the other hand, the Tata Tiago has more of the external features which is inclined towards a conventional hatchback. The front is highlighted by honeycomb front grille. The overall kerb weight (1,080) is more than the Ignis. The 14-inch alloy wheels are smaller than that of its counterpart. Being poles apart, the Tiago is just a conventional hatchback and is styled accordingly.
Interiors
Inside the cabin, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis appears to be more futuristic than the Tiago. The interiors are spacious with good legroom and headroom for all the passengers. The instrument console consists of a SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system with steering audio control and automatic climate control. The mechanics includes power windows and keyless entry. ABS and dual airbags are given as standard in the Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
The Tata Tiago is more subdued in terms of interiors than Ignis. The infotainment system consists of a 2-Din Audio System and steering mounted controls. There is no automatic climate control as we get in the Ignis. The air conditioning system is also manual along with remote key entry. That said, the Tiago has a modest boot space of 242 liters compared to the 260 liters of the Ignis.
On this parameter, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis overhauls the Tata Tiago hands down.
Power and Performance
Both Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Tata Tiago are available in petrol as well as diesel variants. Considering the diesel variant, the Ignis comes with a 1.3-litre engine which is capable of producing 74 bhp of power and 190 Nm of torque. The company claims that the diesel Ignis offers a fuel economy of 26.8 kms per liter. On the other hand, the petrol variant comes with a slightly more powerful 1.2-litre engine which is capable of making 83 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque, along with a claimed mileage of 20.89 kms per liter. Both the trims are mated to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission gearbox.
On the contrary, the Tata Tiago comes with a 1.05-litre diesel engine which is tuned to make a maximum power of 69 bhp and a peak torque of 140 Nm. The other petrol variant comes with a more powerful 1.2-litre engine which is capable of making a maximum power of 84 bhp and a peak torque of 114 Nm. AMT gearbox units are given a complete miss in the Tiago and is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox only.
Thus, we find that both the hatchbacks are comfortable placed to compete with each other. Ignis is marginally more powerful. However, the Tiago punches hard with a fuel efficiency of 27.28 km per liter for diesel and 23.84 kms per liter for the petrol unit.
The price factor
The overall conclusion of the comparison can be drawn as – Maruti Suzuki Ignis is more efficient for you to choose. But yes, the Tiago has a strong point to make. The hatchback from Tata Motors is far cheaper than Ignis. In fact, the high end trims of the Tiago is lesser in price than that low variants of the Ignis. Pretty one sided right?
Of course, if a company offers a car at half the price of the other, we will have to compromise on certain factors. But that’s not all. Despite being cheaper, the features in the Tiago are well placed to compete with the Ignis any day.
Conclusion
Even after the entire comparison chart, it always depends on the sole discretion of the prospect buyers to choose a car according to their needs. If you want an eye catching car, with premium features and bold and muscular design, Maruti Suzuki Ignis is definitely made for you. But yes, this style statement comes at a significantly higher price. The Tata Tiago, on the other hand, is quite rich in features and boosts on a retail price tag which half the price of its competitor. Hence, if you need a compact hatchback, with a highly affordable price tag, Tata Tiago is your way to go.