Tata Tiago has become an ideal hatchback for Indian buyers, renowned for its wonderful build quality, pleasing appearance, and a four-star Global NCAP safety rating. Much of its long-term success is down to its huge array of powertrain options, which cater to an extremely wide range of buyers. From the established petrol engine to the new iCNG twin-cylinder technology and its modern Tiago EV, it has an answer for all kinds of drivers. But with all those variants, a common worry of future buyers is: what is each variant’s real-world Tiago mileage, and which one gives better value for money in the long run?
This in-depth 2025 buyer guide is created to help you approach this choice with confidence. We’ll go behind the official hype to give you a transparent, data-backed point of view about how each variant performs in real-world fuel economy (or range). We’ll compare long-term running expenses, the initial premium cost, and real-world practical advantages and disadvantages of each powertrain. As a first-time buyer with limited funds, a city-commuter who needs to save money, or an environmentally aware driver who’s ready to join the future, this guide will assist you in selecting just the right Tata Tiago for your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Three Powertrains
The Tiago’s strength lies in its ability to offer three completely different technologies under one nameplate.
1.2-litre Revotron Petrol
This is the typical engine of the Tiago, a 1.2L, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine. It’s a tried and tested, reliable engine that provides a healthy balance of performance and fuel economy for its size. It comes with both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), making this variant a comfortable choice for both urban and highway usage. The petrol variant is the weakest point of entry to the Tiago family, and that matters a lot for price-sensitive buyers.
1.2-litre iCNG
You get the same 1.2L petrol engine in the Tiago iCNG, but it has a factory-fitted CNG kit. Tata’s innovative “twin-cylinder” tech is a high point here, in that it places two miniature CNG cylinders beneath the boot floor. Brilliantly, this solution addresses CNG cars’ largest disadvantage, which is tiny boot space, as it frees up much of the trunk. The variant in iCNG is a dual-fuel car, meaning it can operate on both CNG and petrol, providing immense range and flexibility. It comes equipped with both a 5-speed manual and an AMT transmission, which is an unusual feature in the CNG segment.
Tiago EV (Electric)
A total departure from its ICE variants, the Tiago EV is constructed on a state-of-the-art EV platform. It boasts a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a high-capacity battery pack. The Tiago EV can be specified with two batteries: a Medium Range (MR) variant that packs a 19.2 kWh battery and a Long Range (LR) model that carries a 24 kWh battery. This is a zero-emissions car that delivers instant torque and a quiet, smooth ride. It’s perfect for city drivers who can charge from home.
Official vs. Real-World Mileage (as of 2025)
The ARAI-claimed figures are a standardized benchmark, but real-world performance is where the true story unfolds. The figures below are a compilation of owner feedback and professional tests.
| Variant | ARAI Mileage/Range | Real-World City | Real-World Highway | Combined Average |
| Petrol Manual | 19.01 km/l | ~13-15 km/l | ~17-19 km/l | ~15 km/l |
| Petrol AMT | 19.00 km/l | ~12-14 km/l | ~16-18 km/l | ~14 km/l |
| CNG Manual | 26.49 km/kg | ~20-22 km/kg | ~24-26 km/kg | ~22 km/kg |
| CNG AMT | 28.06 km/kg | ~21-23 km/kg | ~25-27 km/kg | ~23 km/kg |
| Tiago EV (MR) | 250 km | ~180-210 km | ~160-190 km | ~190 km |
| Tiago EV (LR) | 315 km | ~220-250 km | ~200-230 km | ~230 km |
Both variants, CNG and EV, have considerable advantages over the petrol variant when it comes to efficiency and cost. The CNG AMT variant, however, is a real boon, taking the efficiency of CNG and adding an automatic transmission for ease of use. Real-world range is a key statistic for the EV, and it’s a considerable reduction from the claimed figures, although more than enough for even typical day-to-day traffic. Something worth considering is that an EV’s range can be reduced more on highways than in cities, as high speeds are maintained continuously.
Financial Breakdown: Cost per Km and Break-Even Analysis
The most crucial part of the comparison is the long-term running cost. Let’s use approximate mid-2025 fuel and electricity prices in Delhi.
- Fuel Prices:
- Petrol: ₹94.77/litre
- CNG: ₹76.09/kg
- Electricity: ₹8/kWh (home charging)
- Cost per Km (Based on Real-World Averages):
- Petrol Manual: ₹94.77 / 15 km/l = ₹6.32/km
- CNG Manual: ₹76.09 / 22 km/kg = ₹3.46/km
- Tiago EV (MR): (19.2 kWh * ₹8/kWh) / 190 km = ₹0.81/km
- Tiago EV (LR): (24 kWh * ₹8/kWh) / 230 km = ₹0.83/km
The running cost difference is phenomenal. The EV version of the Tiago is extremely cheap, with running costs just one-sixth of its petrol counterpart. The CNG version is an excellent in-between; its cost-saving vis-à-vis petrol is considerable.
Now, let’s look at the original purchase cost, which is an important component of the break-even analysis.
- Price Premium (Ex-showroom, approximate):
- CNG vs Petrol: Approximately ₹1 lakh higher.
- EV (MR) vs Petrol (top-spec): Approximately ₹2-3 lakh higher.
- EV (LR) vs Petrol (top-spec): Approximately ₹3.5-4.5 lakh higher.
The break-even point is the distance you need to drive to recover the higher upfront cost through fuel savings.
- CNG vs Petrol:
- Price Gap: ₹1 lakh
- Savings per km: ₹2.12
- Kilometers to Break Even: ~47,170 km. This is achievable for a high-mileage driver in under 4 to 5 years.
- EV (LR) vs Petrol:
- Price Gap: ₹2.75 lakh (top-spec variants)
- Savings per km: ₹4.38
- Kilometers to Break Even: ~62,560 km. This is a very achievable number for a high-mileage daily commuter, especially considering the long-term cost benefits.
This shows that both the CNG and EV variants, despite their higher initial cost, have a very practical and achievable break-even point.
Performance, Practicality, and the Driving Experience
Petrol
84.48bhp and 113 Nm of torque are produced from its 1.2L petrol engine. City driving is fine, but on highways, it feels strained. The AMT variant, although handy, has an identifiable head-nod effect while changing gears. Its biggest positive is its large 242-litre boot space.
CNG
Engine power output reduces to 74.41bhp and 96 Nm on CNG. It experiences a noticeable dip in performance. It is good enough for city commuting but requires careful planning for hilly passes on highways. The twin-cylinder technology is revolutionary, and its 242-litre boot capacity is respectable, much better than any earlier CNG car.
Electric
The Tiago EV is a completely different entity. It delivers instant torque (110 Nm for MR, 114 Nm for LR) from when you depress your accelerator pedal. This delivers a silent, smooth, snappy city drive. Its 73.75bhp, 114 Nm torque LR variant is an out-and-out pocket rocket, which accelerates from 0-60 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Boot size is a respectable 240 litres, as its battery resides in its floor.
The Verdict: Which Tiago is for You?
For the Budget-Focused First-Time Buyer:
- Best Pick: Tata Tiago Petrol.
- Why: If your primary concerns are a low initial price and a simple, hassle-free ownership experience with moderate usage, the petrol variant is the most sensible choice.
For the Daily Commuter with High Mileage:
- Best Pick: Tata Tiago iCNG.
- Why: If you travel long distances regularly, this CNG version provides ideal low-cost running, a spacious boot, and versatility with dual-fuel flexibility. You’ll achieve huge fuel bill reductions each month.
For the Eco-Conscious, Tech-Savvy Driver:
- Best Pick: Tata Tiago EV.
- Why: The EV is the undisputed winner for owners who prioritize minimizing their running expenses, being driven silently but powerfully, and enjoying all the latest features. Its real-world range is effortlessly greater than needed for city and suburban use, and the payback is relatively speedy.
Short answer: your ideal Tiago depends on how you prioritize things. The most affordable way is through the petrol version. For frequent drivers, the CNG version is a perfect long-term money-saving investment. The EV version is a forward-thinking product that offers a wonderful drive experience as well as an unsurpassable cost of running.
FAQs About Tata Tiago Mileage
What is the real-world range of the Tiago EV?
The Medium Range variant typically gives a range of ~250 km, while the Long Range variant gives ~315 km. This depends on driving conditions and AC usage.
Does the CNG variant have boot space?
Yes, thanks to Tata’s twin-cylinder technology, the Tiago iCNG retains a usable boot space of around 242 liters, which is a major advantage over older CNG cars.
How big is the performance difference between Petrol and CNG?
The CNG variant has a noticeable drop in power and torque, which is most felt during highway overtakes. For city driving, the difference is less significant.
Which variant is cheapest to run per kilometer?
The Tiago EV is the cheapest, with a running cost of under ₹1 per km when charged at home.
Is the AMT transmission good in the petrol and CNG variants?
The AMT offers ease of city motoring, but it has a noticeable lag between gears, usually referred to as “head-nod.” It is only suitable if ease of traffic motoring is more important than smooth, prompt gear changes.
