At the Auto Expo 2018, Tata Motors unveiled the Tiago JTP hot hatchback developed with the help of Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotives. Tata Motors is also developing the Tigor JTP with the help of Jayem Automotives as part of the JT Special Vehicles joint venture between the two companies, which will bring performance versions of the two Tata cars at an affordable price for the petrolheads in India.
The Tiago JTP hot hatch has been spotted testing by Indian Autos Blog on the Coonoor-Kotagiri road near the city of Coimbatore as it is put through its paces and tested to the limit before it arrives on Indian roads. The Tiago JTP spotted on the mountain road in Tamil Nadu is partially camouflaged, with the front bumper along with sections of the bonnet and rear-end masked from photographers. The camouflaged bonnet does reveal what appears to be a vent, which should improve the breathing capabilities of the engine sitting underneath. The front bumper of the JTP will be more aggressive compared to regular Tiago and the rear-end of the test mule does show twin exhaust tips sticking out from under the bumper, as seen on the car showcased at the Auto Expo.
The Tata Tiago JTP will be powered by a more powerful version of Tata’s 1.2-litre petrol Revotron engine found on the regular Tigor. Under the hood of the Tiago JTP, the 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine cranks out 108.5bhp at 5,000rpm and 150Nm of peak torque between 2,000-4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission which sends power to the front wheels. To help enhance the driving experience thanks to the increased power, the Tiago JTP features a stiffer suspension setup and a lowered ride height and sits on larger 15-inch wheels as well.
Other than the performance upgrades, the Tiago JTP also features styling changes to help differentiate it from the regular Tata hatchback, including a more aggressive front bumper, blacked-out honeycomb mesh upper and lower grilles, smoked headlamps, faux vents on the fenders, sportier alloy wheels, a revised rear bumper, twin-tipped exhausts and red JTP badging on the rear.
While Tata Motors has not revealed when the Tiago will hit Indian roads, we do expect the hot hatchback to arrive by the end of the year.
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