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Petrol, EV, or CNG Tiago: Which wins?
15 Jun
Summary
- Tiago EV is India's most affordable electric car.
- iCNG variant now offers usable boot space with twin cylinders.
- Petrol variant offers no powertrain updates, focusing on design.

The 2026 Tata Tiago has been significantly updated, offering three distinct powertrain options: petrol, CNG, and electric. The Tiago EV is positioned as India's most affordable electric car, with prices starting at Rs 6.99 lakh. It offers two battery choices, providing a real-world city range of approximately 200 km for the long-range variant, though highway efficiency is reduced.
The interior of the Tiago EV has been refreshed with premium touches, but the exterior design is described as somewhat toy-like, except for the rear. Its electric drive offers brisk acceleration and a quiet ride, making it ideal for city commutes.
The Tiago iCNG variant now features Tata's innovative twin-cylinder technology, which resolves the previous lack of boot space by using two 30-liter cylinders. This makes the boot practical for luggage.
This iCNG model is available with an automated manual transmission (AMT), bridging the gap between low running costs and city driving comfort. The transition between petrol and CNG is seamless, and Tata claims the CNG variant offers extended engine life.
The 2026 Tiago petrol variant remains unchanged mechanically, focusing on a lower initial purchase price. It retains the existing 1,199cc engine and is presented as a reliable, hassle-free city car with no range anxiety.
Each variant presents a different value proposition, from the budget-friendly EV and practical iCNG to the conventional petrol model, catering to diverse buyer needs.