Tata Motors Rebrands Tigor as Aeris with Fresh Styling and Lower Pricing

Tata Motors has renamed its sole sedan offering from Tigor to Aeris, introducing a refreshed exterior design, a redesigned cabin, and extra features to boost its standing in the compact sedan market. Reviewers tested both the petrol and CNG variants of the new Tata Aeris in and around Faridabad to evaluate its comfort, performance, and everyday practicality. The petrol variant of the Tata Aeris starts at Rs 5.29 lakh, while the i-CNG range begins at Rs 6.29 lakh, with all listed prices on an ex-showroom basis. These base figures undercut its primary segment rival, the Maruti Dzire, by Rs 1.02 lakh for petrol models and Rs 1.89 lakh for CNG versions, though buyers must evaluate differences in standard equipment between the two vehicles. Tata has confirmed it will not launch a dedicated taxi model of the Aeris, unlike Maruti which offers the commercial Tour S based on the Dzire. Retaining the coupe-shaped sub-4-meter body style of the Tigor, the Aeris adopts the updated face of the new Tiago while dropping the vertical fang elements in favor of cleaner C-shaped styling. Exterior additions include a gloss black grille insert, new LED headlamps with DRLs, LED fog lamps featuring a cornering function, a black roof and ORVMs, and connecting LED ribs between the rear tail lights. The car also features a wide high-mount stop light, chrome door handles, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a launch color named Dandeli Drizzle. The cabin borrows heavily from the new Tiago layout, featuring lighter interior shades and fabric inserts on the dashboard and door trims. A prominent 10.25-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, accompanied by a rectangular LCD instrument cluster and a newly designed steering wheel with paddle shifters on AMT models. Single-zone auto climate control functions effectively, while the center console houses a wireless charging pad and revised gear selectors for both manual and automated manual transmissions. Front seats are ventilated and paired with semi-leatherette upholstery, a front center armrest, and 65W USB-C ports located in both rows. Rear passengers benefit from adequate legroom, adjustable-height seating support via tall fixed headrests, a center armrest, and dedicated AC vents. The boot space remains unchanged from the previous model, but the i-CNG variant accommodates a standard check-in suitcase due to its external hinges rather than swan-neck ones. A 360-degree camera provides clear 3D visuals, though reviewers noted that the inverted power window controls are initially confusing to operate. Under the hood, the Aeris continues with the same 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine available in both petrol and bi-fuel CNG configurations. The engine produces noticeable vibrations and thrum inside the cabin, indicating room for better NVH refinement. The manual transmission features short throws and slick shifts, while AMT versions use a new circular e-shifter with physical stops. Ride quality received positive remarks for bump absorption at medium and high speeds, alongside stable high-speed handling and predictable clutch operation, though the steering exhibited some dead-centre play and was slightly off-center on test vehicles. Reviewers also noted minor body roll, mild nose dive during heavy braking, inconsistent panel gaps, rough trim edges, and a stuck passenger headrest on the test vehicle.

Context

Compact sedans are a popular segment in India due to tax benefits for vehicles under four meters in length, making them a common choice for buyers seeking personal mobility with boot space. Three-cylinder engines are frequently used in this category to maximize fuel efficiency, though they often trade away some smoothness compared to larger engines. The introduction of practical CNG solutions with usable boot space addresses a major historical drawback of factory-fitted gas systems in sedans.