Should You Buy This Rs 8 Lakh Sports Car?

2019 was a great time in the Indian market with many manufacturers and hot hatches on sale. From the humble Maruti Baleno RS to the extreme Fiat Abarth Punto, enthusiasts had various cars to choose from. Among them, Tata Motors shocked the market by launching the Tiago JTP versions in the country. Today, we are sharing the ownership review of this Rs 8 lakh sports car to decide if it is worth buying in the used car market!
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Tata Tiago JTP: As a Product

As the name suggests, this new product was a joint venture between Tata Motors and Jayem Automobiles. JTP, short for Jayem Tata Performance produced two models, the Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP. Both models featured cosmetic updates to the exterior including, a functional hood vent, bigger alloy wheels and a new grille. On the inside, the JTP models featured an all-black cabin with red accents. Key elements included a new Harman touchscreen infotainment unit, aluminium pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-speaker audio system and more.

Mechanically, Tata upgraded the models with a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine producing 114 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque. This unit comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox with shorter ratios for spirited driving. Additionally, the company has lowered the car and also provided it with sticker rubber to emphasise the sporty character.

Tata Tiago JTP: Ownership Experience

Despite just 250 units being sold, the Tata Tiago JTP has a large fan following on the internet. The owner community has a strong following on Team-BHP and shares problems and solutions regularly. Based on our experience, here are the pros and cons we found:

Pro’s

• One of the first things you will notice is its power. The 114 bhp feels plenty on the model, making it fun to drive. Additionally, the improvements to the chassis, suspension and brakes help improve the overall driving experience. Unlike other hot hatches, the Tiago JTP feels sure-footed, thanks to its larger tyres.

• Looks are another thing that will surely attract you towards the Tiago JTP. Unlike other models, the JTP features functional aero and cooling elements which help enhance the overall look of the hatchback. Additionally, the dual exhaust helps improve the overall aural experience when you are out driving.

• Despite being a performance-focused model, the Tiago JTP continues to offer creature comforts like automatic AC, height adjustable driver’s seat, a premium touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker sound system and more.

• The Tata Tiago JTP continues to maintain the 4-star safety of the regular model. Key equipment on offer includes dual-airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP and more.

Con’s

• One of the major complaints witnessed is the bad NVH levels on the model. While the engine note is good, the overall road and wind noise can be cumbersome during long rides.
• The shorter gear ratios and the vehicle’s ability to jerk forward can be problematic for new users. Driving within the city will need getting used to as the car tends to struggle under the 2000 rpm mark.
• True to its hot hatch underpinnings, owners of Tiago JTP have claimed bad fuel efficiency figures. Under mixed conditions expect 8-12 kmpl when driving spiritedly.
• Last but not least, service quality and availability of spare parts are major concerns. With only 250 units sold and the JV now dissolved, finding parts for the model could become increasingly difficult over time.

Should you buy Tata Tiago JTP?

If you want to have a fun-to-drive car that is inexpensive but also offers superior comfort and features, then the Tata Tiago JTP is the car for you! However, keep in mind only a few examples are available for sale in the used car market making them hard to come by. Currently, the expected price for a Tata Tiago JTP is around Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh in Mumbai.