Tata Aeris Compact Sedan Replaces Tigor with New Features and Ride Quality, But Lacks Engine Smoothness

Tata has launched the new Aeris compact sedan as a successor to the discontinued Tigor model to strengthen its position in the market. The car brings fresh sheet metal changes, a completely revamped cabin, and several new features while building upon the older platform.

Cabin and Features

The Aeris features a beige interior theme, fabric dashboard trim, and sturdy floating door handles borrowed from the Sierra. Rear passengers get good legroom, knee room, thigh support, and comfortable seat cushioning. Its 419-litre boot is the largest in its class and uses gas struts instead of a standard hinge mechanism to open. The car also stands out in its segment by offering front seat ventilation, a built-in dashcam recording system, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, and blind spot monitoring.

Ride and Engine

On the road, the Aeris delivers a comfortable ride over rough patches with the help of its suspension and a high 170mm ground clearance. At high speeds, the suspension remains stable during quick lane changes. However, under the hood, the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine produces 86 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque, but falls short of rival standards for smoothness. The engine feels slow to reach highway speeds, while the automated manual transmission offers jerky shifts and the manual gearbox lacks the slick feel found in models from Honda, Hyundai, and Maruti. Furthermore, cabin noise and vibrations are noticeable at low speeds and grow louder on the highway alongside wind and road noise.

Context

Automakers frequently refresh or rename older vehicle platforms to update their lineups and compete more effectively in crowded segments like compact sedans. Testing ride comfort, cabin space, and engine performance helps buyers weigh practical everyday features against mechanical performance on long drives.