Tata Tiago Plus expected to launch this November

Tata Motors showcased the Bolt Sport hot hatchback at the Auto Expo in February with the intention of launching it later this year. However, the poor sales performance of the regular variants has prompted the automaker to rethink the strategy.

As things stand now, a Tata Tiago Sport makes more sense than the Bolt Sport and that’s exactly what the automaker is said to be working on. As per a source, Tiago Sport will be called Tiago Plus upon launch, which is expected to take place in November this year.

For the Bolt Sport to make financial sense, Tata must sell around 2,000 units per month but considering that the regular Bolt itself managed to clock only 8,800 units in the last financial year, it would be extremely challenging to reach that target.

On the other hand, the Tata Tiago has received more than 40,000 bookings so far and is now the best-selling Tata passenger vehicle. A Sport variant would act as a brand shaper and make the Tiago nameplate more aspirational.

It’s reported that the Tiago Plus will not adopt the Bolt’s 1.2-litre four-cylinder Revotron that was tuned to dish out 120 PS. Instead, it will be powered by a turbocharged version of the regular Tiago’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit which will also power the upcoming Nexon crossover.

The Tata Tiago Plus is also expected to receive stronger brakes, stiffer suspension, lowered ride height and aggressive body kits to do justice to the increase in power. The hot hatchback will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to the likes of Fiat Punto Abarth and VW Polo GT TSI.

This article first appeared on Rushlane.com