Tata Tiago was first launched in 2016. Since then it has been one of key models in transforming Tata motors images in the market. The BS6 facelift model was launched earlier this year and almost immediately established itself as a favourite entry-level hatchback in India. However, the Tiago had a service schedule of every 6 months or 7500kms; whichever comes earlier. But now, Tata motors extended the service interval of the Tiago to one year or 15,000kms.

As a result of this, all BS6 Tiago owners can get their cars serviced once a year instead of every six months as before.

However, it should be noted that the revised service schedule is applicable for the BS6 Tata Tiago only and doesn’t apply for the pre facelifted models.

Warranty:

The facelifted BS6 Tiago has a standard warranty of 2 years/ 75,000 km, whichever is earlier. An extended warranty is available which is valid upto either 3 years/ 75,000 km or 4years/ 1 L km or 5 years/ 1.25 L km.

The popular Tata Tiago entry level hatchback comes with only a BS6-compliant 1.2L Revotron 3cylinder petrol engine which produces 86PS of max power and 113Nm of peak torque through either a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. 

The BS6 Tiago is priced from ?4.7L to ?6.74L (ex-showroom) and competes against the likes of Maruti Wagon R, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and others in the entry-level hatchback segment.

Tata Motors will be launching their flagship Gravitas 7-seat SUV later this year. The Gravitas is essentially the 7 seats extended version of the Harrier 5 seat SUV based on the Land Rover derived OMEGA arc platform.

Based on the Harrier, the Gravitas will be around 60mm longer than the Harrier to accommodate the extra 2 seats while also being taller to provide better headroom for the 3rd row. Except for the larger dimensions and extra seats, the Gravitas will be largely similar to the 5-seat Harrier.

The tailgate will be more upright, giving the Gravitas a more boxy appearance and the

SUV will also feature long functional roof rails for lifestyle utility. The top-spec variants will receive 18” dual-tone alloy wheels with the design similar to the Harrier's whereas the lower-spec variants will carry forward the exact same 17” alloy wheels seen on the Harrier’s lower variants. Though it is not sure whether the Gravitas will be provided with an electric sunroof.

Other than these external differences, the Gravitas will carry forward the same features as on the Harrier:

• Xenon Projector headlamps with LED DRLs

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Rear wiper and defogger

• 18” Alloy wheels

• Automatic climate control

• Auto headlamps & wipers

• Cruise control

• 8.8” Touchscreen system

• Android Auto & Apple car play

• Harman audio system with 9 speakers

• Connect Next app suite

• Reverse camera

• 6-way Power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support

• Off White Leather upholstery

• Auto-dimming IRVM

• Ambient mood lighting

• Rear centre armrest

• Smart key with push-button start

• Follow me headlamps

• Terrain response modes: Rough, Wet and City

Safety:

       Safety features on the Gravitas will include:

• ABS with EBD

• All-wheel disc brakes

• Corner stability control

• 6 airbags

• Electronic Parking brake

• Electronic stability program

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• Hill descent control

• Rollover mitigation

• Electronic brake prefill

• Hydraulic brake assist

• Brake disc wiping

• Perimetric alarm system

• Pretensioner seatbelts

Powertrains:

The Gravitas, just like the Harrier will be available with a diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 2L Kryotec turbo diesel produces 170PS Power and 350NM torque. From the XM variant onwards, the Gravitas will be available with three drive modes; Eco, City and Sport.

Launch & price:

The new Gravitas is expected to be priced from ?15L to ?20L for the Manual variants and ?17.5L to ?21L for the Automatic variants. When launched later this year, Tata’s new flagship SUV will compete against the likes of the MG Hector plus and the next generation Mahindra XUV500. Stay tuned for further updates.

A smaller engine it is for sure when compared to the big 1.6 unit. However, the 1.0L engine is not really a tortoise. Generating 110 PS and 175 NM of torque, power figures aren’t that bad for such a small engine. After all, the engine is of a Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) type that offers all the power when you need it but otherwise remains fuel efficient as fuel efficiency claimed by Skoda is 18.24 KMPL.

Prices of the Skoda Rapid TSI start at 9.06 Lakhs and go all the way upto 14.72 Lakhs. Prices are Ex- showroom. Available in 5

manual transmission variants, the petrol only sedan comes with a choice of six colour options- Flash Red, Candy White, Lapiz Blue, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel and Toffee Brown. Some colours however maybe restricted to a few variants only.

For the kind of kit it offers for the price, the Rapid TSI competes with the Volkswagen Vento, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and Hyundai Verna. Though some cars like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Vitarra Brezza and Ford Ecosport are from a different segment, they could compete if buyers are not restricted to one segment since they are priced in a similar way.