The JTP’s vs rivals, Baleno RS, Polo GT, Punto Abarth and more
A quick look at the Tata’s JTP versions and its close rivals from Suzuki, Volkswagen Ford and Fiat stables with above 100 power figures. The Tigor and Tiago JTPs were much awaited since their appearance in 2018 Auto expo, mainly for their bigger performance numbers. Now 112 bhp and 150 nm of torque has caught the attention of every petrol head. Launched a day before and bookings open, the cars are also priced at a sweet spot making them easy to be grabbed with few lakhs less than the competition. Click here to schedule a test drive .
Tiago and Tigor JTP borrows the Nexon’s 1.2 liter Revotron engine but in a different state of tune. With a reduced power to weight ratio, the sprint to 100 kmph is achieved in 9.9 seconds in the Tiago and got a peak torque of 150 nm between 2000-4000 rpm which is great for a little hatch. With lowered and stiffened suspension and wider tyres, with features like corner stability control apart from ABS and EBD, the car will be an enthusiasts drive. Having said that mileage is expected to be in 10 -12kmpl which is not a number to be bothered about in these class of automobiles. Tiago JTP’s K expected chi ex show room price will be 6.5 lakhs while that of Tigor JTP is 7.6 lakhs
Click here to know more about the Tata’s JTP twins .
Baleno RS
Rally Sport abbreviated as RS is Maruti’s answer to the calls for a rally spec car, based on its successful Baleno. The car’s heart is a smaller 3 cylinder 998 cc Boosterjet petrol but it mean business. It churns out 101 bhp and 150 nm of torque at 5500 rpm and 1700 rpm respectively makes it slick to drive. The car is slightly bigger than Tiago and has a higher ground clearance and longer wheel base but does’nt get that road hugging look of the lowered Tiago. Baleno’s Kochi ex showroom price is 8.7 lakhs thus making a whooping difference on the price
Polo GT TSI
Volkswagen has introduced a powerful Polo, the GTI, 3 door pocket rocket with 180 bhp of power. However being a CBU,it was priced at above20 lakhs and discontinued it in around April. But for the fans, a more affordable car was offered in the GT badge with both petrol and diesel engine. The car in question is the GT TSI which is the 1.2 liter petrol avatar. This spits out 103 bhp of power and 175Nm of torque. Not just that, it got the 7 speed DSG gear box while rest got only 5 speed manual. It has got cruise control too. A true blue German, it is priced little on the other side at 9.39 lakhs, Kochi ex showroom but definitely a driver’s car.
Punto Abarth
Abarth was Fiat’s attempt to stall the dwindling sales and introduce its racing DNA but it ended up in a drastic way. In all the figures except sales, Abarth rules. A 1.4 liter T Jet petrol engine produces 145 bhp of power and 212 Nm of torque and it has got the fastest accelaration too. With big 16 inch wheels and 4 disc brakes and the Scorpion badge, the car is powerful among the long but did’nt pick up on sales as expected. It has an ex showroom price of 9.85 lakhs at Kochi.
Ameo 1.5 TDI
Not an exact competition, but the Ameo with its 1.5 liter turbo diesel engine makes it a wonderful machine to drive. 110 ps of power, 250 Nm of torque and 21kmpl makes it an attractive buy. The car retails at 7.6 lakhs ex showroom Kochi.
Figo Aspire 1.5 Petrol Titanium AT
Though this is not a car for exhilaration, the numbers make it to this list. 1.5l petrol produces 121 Bhp power and 150Nm torque at 4000 rpm and that too via a 6 speed automatic transmission. Being a car for comfort and economy it delivers a mileage of 16kmpl as well. Ford has planted the engine straight out of Ecosport and it is more than adequate for the lighter car. The car retails out at 8.5 lakhs ex showroom, Kochi.
The Verdict
Polo GTI TSI, though is well engineered with excellent road dynamics, its pricey while doesnt look different from its ordinary cousin. Baleno RS also suffers from identity issues. Abarth though being powerful, lacks the modern day refinement and suffers from Fiat’s poor service network. Ameo 1.5 being diesel, though has the torque figures but is not a match for the JTP’s sprinting. Aspire 1.5 petrol being fresh is quite a competition but only that it lacks a certain race badging. The JTP twins compares to be better, with its powerful and refined engine, the distinct and refreshing styling and the clever pricing. Tata Motors can expect some good numbers next month in its sales figures.
