Tata Tiago
Tata TiagoCarDekho

It looks like Tata Motors has started dispatching its soon-to-be-launched Tiago hatchback to its dealerships in the country. A prototype of the new Tiago has been spotted at a dealership ahead of its possible launch by March-end.

Caught on camera by CarDekho, the prototype of the Tiago does not wear the new 'Tiago' badge on the model. Tata Tiago, previously named Zica, which was renamed following the Zika virus outbreak in many countries, is expected to be launched in India on March 28. The Tiago, then Zica, was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 in February this year, after its global unveiling in December 2015.

Meanwhile, a report of Autocar India said that the dealers of Tata have already started accepting the bookings for the Tiago with a down payment of Rs 10,000.

Under the hood, the Tiago will pack a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron petrol engine that will churn out 83.8bhp of power at 6,000rpm and 114Nm of torque at 3,500rpm. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder Revotorq diesel engine will produce 69bhp of power 4,000rpm and 140Nm of torque at 1,800-3,000rpm. Both engines will come mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Tata Tiago is also expected to get automated manual transmission (AMT) later.

Expected to get a price tag in the range of Rs 3.9 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh, Tiago will come donned in Platinum Silver, Pearlescent White, Sunburst Orange, Berry Red, Espresso Brown and Striker Blue colours.

As for features, the upcoming Tata hatchback will feature a Harman infotainment system with eight speakers, steering-mounted audio controls for telephony and a cooled glove box. The safety will be taken care of by front, the Tiago will come with an ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic BrakeForce Distribution) and Corner Stability Control.

Once it hits the market, Tata Tiago will take on the likes of Hyundai i10, Maruti Celerio and other models in its segment.