Tata’s latest small car – the Tiago – has managed to ring the bells of success, after having received over 22,000 bookings since its April launch. Most of the buyers have been homing in on the petrol-engined variant. Plans of an automated manual transmission for the little car have been in the pipeline for quite a while now, until recently when a test mule was spotted doings its rounds on home turf.
We aren’t expecting any changes on the exterior of the car, except for an ‘XTA’ badge on the bootlid, which is more than certain. No alterations will be made to the interiors as well, but the car will boast of the all-new 5-speed AMT gearbox, synced to the present 85bhp, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The diesel engine will be offered with an automatic option as well, but only at a later stage. Features offered will remain the same as the ones on the manual car.
The idea of a small, frugal automatic hatchback from Tata Motors in a segment where Maruti’s Celerio is king of the hill, is sure to grip the market – as the demand for AMTs has seen a significant rise over the last two years. We’re just hoping it’s a gearbox that’s likeable. You can look forward to a festive season launch by the end of this year.
