10 Ways 2023 Tata Tigor iCNG Is A Game-changer In Its Segment

Tata has gone further than other carmakers to thoroughly engineer and integrate the CNG system in the Tigor

In 2023, you can get pretty much any subcompact sedan with a CNG kit straight from the factory. Yet, the Tata Tigor iCNG stands out in its segment by offering a bit more than what you expect from a CNG car. Other than a tank in the boot, the CNG sedan gets bespoke components, a bi-fuel engine, a retuned suspension that won’t be bogged down by the extra weight of the tank, along with offering a host of other unique features. 

Here’s how the Tigor iCNG is a game-changer in its segment: 

Let’s be honest, it’s good-looking

The Tigor’s sharp styling and coupe-esque roofline gives it a sleek, stylish stance. Up front, it has a distinct shark-nose grille flanked by halogen projector headlights and LED DRLs. Move over to the sides and the Tiago resemblances give way to a sleek coupe roofline that slopes downward all the way to the bootlid. The overall look works even better with the top-spec variants’ “Hyperstyle” wheels. 

Same engine, new tweaks 

The engineering teams at Tata have taken a stethoscope to the 2023 Tigor’s 1.2-litre Revotron engine and made it smoother and more refined than before. Now RDE-emissions-compliant and E20-ready, the engine is tuned for better driveability, refinement and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Even the Tigor iCNG ends up performing pretty much on a par with the petrol in regular driving, and you’ll never feel the need to switch to petrol power to make an overtake or climb uphill.

Tigor iCNG comes to the rescue of diesel buyers 

The CNG option has been a shot in the arm for the Tigor, at one time shooting it right up to the number two spot on the list of the best-selling sedans in India. Natural gas-powered cars have come to the rescue of buyers at a time when emissions norms have effectively wiped out diesels in the Tigor’s subcompact sedan segment. CNG cars may lack the punchy torque delivery of a turbocharged oil burner engine, but on the plus side, they offer an equally (if not more) economical engine option as diesel vehicles. That rings true for the Tigor iCNG as well, and the sedan gets an ARAI certified fuel economy of 26.49km per kg of CNG, but our test team actually managed to get an even better figure. 

Safest sedan in its segment! 

Even if you opt for the entry-level trim, the Tigor protects its occupants with dual airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS and corner stability control. All that safety kit is enclosed within a strong body shell, allowing the Tigor to achieve a four-star safety rating from Global NCAP, making it the safest sedan in its segment that you can buy in India today. Higher-spec trims get a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alongside an array of creature comforts and features.

The Tigor iCNG also gets its own set of safety features including high quality Stainless steel tubes and fittings which have been thoroughly tested across various temperatures and pressures to prevent gas leaks. There is also a Leak Detection Feature that automatically switches the engine to Petrol in case the system detects any leaks. These, coupled with a micro-switch that switches off the car when the fuel lid is open and also doesn’t allow the car to start unless the lid is closed, makes the Tigor iCNG extremely safe as well.

Cutting-edge features 

The Tigor has always taken the lead with its infotainment system, and although the competition is getting stronger, the Tata sedan’s eight-speaker Harman sound system still sounds great and works well with the cabin insulation. The seven-inch touchscreen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the Tigor also gets rain-sensing wipers, a segment-first feature. Other features that deserve to be highlighted are the automatic projector headlights, LED DRLs, front fog lamps, push-button start, steering-mounted audio controls, keyless entry, auto-folding rear view mirror, climate control, height-adjustable driver seat and optional leatherette seats - a lot of which are missing from its rivals.  

Room to spare in the boot 

The standard petrol-only Tigor already comes with a 419-litre boot - one of the largest in its segment. Despite some of that volume being understandably taken up by the CNG tank in the Tigor iCNG, the sedan’s coupe roofline ensures that the iCNG variants still have one of the largest usable storage spaces left compared to other CNG rivals. 

Robust three-year warranty 

Tata cars are more reliable than ever, but a generous standard warranty ensures peace of mind for the buyer. All variants of the Tigor iCNG get a three-year warranty as standard. You don’t have to stress over your odometer reading at each service – the one-lakh kilometre cap for warranty allows for daily use and ample road trips. 

Advanced CNG system 

The ‘iCNG’ in the Tigor’s name stands for ‘incredible performance’, ‘iconic safety’, ‘intelligent technology’ and ‘impressive features’. In terms of performance, the iCNG delivers 73PS and 95Nm. Importantly, the Tigor’s CNG system gets a segment-first ‘Direct Start’ that allows you to start the engine on CNG instead of petrol. Other CNG cars in the Tigor’s segment need you to crank up the engine on petrol and then switch to CNG after the engine warms up. 

Moreover, that single ECU allows for a more seamless switch between petrol and CNG modes, so the performance difference isn’t as noticeable as other CNG cars that have dual ECUs. Moreover, the Tigor iCNG has a system that automatically switches between fuels if either petrol or CNG is running low. 

The right springs for the job 

The Tigor iCNG gets a slightly different suspension setup and tuned dampers to handle the bulk of the CNG system. It gets dual-path struts at the rear for better cushioning against bumps, with a stiffer overall suspension setup that still leads the segment with its plush and mature ride quality. It also gets a decent ground clearance of 165mm, 5mm lower than the standard, petrol-only Tigor. 

Engine and variant options for everyone 

The Tigor iCNG can be had in three variants, XM, XZ and XZ+. The Tata sedan stands out among its rivals as it offers CNG even in the top-spec XZ+ trim level, which gets you leatherette seats, “Hyperstyle” wheels and all the features discussed in previous sections such as auto AC, seven-inch touchscreen and eight-speaker Harman sound system.

Under the bonnet, the 1.2-litre Revotron engine is offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, alongside the option of an AMT in the petrol-only model, which itself manages an impressive and improved fuel economy of 19.6kmpl! The iCNG variant, aimed at buyers looking to reduce their running costs, is manual-only. 

 Verdict 

The Tata Tigor iCNG is for everyone looking for a spacious family sedan that combines the low running costs of natural gas with the attention to detail that only Tata can provide. The numerous changes that the engineers have made should make the Tigor iCNG reliable in the long run, and it certainly stands out among its rivals for the attention to detail. Overall, the Tata Tigor is a great all-round package for the price, which ranges from Rs 6.19 lakh to Rs 8.70 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant.

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