2018 Tata Tiago JTP vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS: Specifications comparison

The Tata Tiago JTP has just gone on sale and the first impression is very positive. It drives like the sporty car it’s meant to be. And the best bit? Priced at Rs 6.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) it won’t break the bank either. Until such time the Ford Figo Sports Edition makes a comeback in updated form, the Tiago JTP’s closest rival in spec and price, alike, is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS. Let’s see how the two cars compare on paper.

Dimensions

In terms of size, the Tiago JTP is clearly the smaller car. No surprises there; given the Tiago belongs to a lower sub-segment in the hatchback space. The Baleno RS has the large cabin, and also the larger boot, with 97 litres of additional luggage room over the JTP. However, it’s the JTP that sits marginally lower to the ground. It’s 4mm lower than both the standard Tiago and the Baleno RS. Shorter springs are part of the JTP’s suspension upgrade to make it a keener handler.

Dimensions	Tiago JTP	Baleno RS
Length	3746mm	3995mm
Width	1647mm	1745mm
Height	1535mm	1510mm
Wheelbase	2400mm	2520mm
Ground Clearance	166mm	170mm
Boot Capacity	242 litres	339 litres

Powertrain

Under the hood, the Tiago JTP gets a substantial upgrade over the standard model. The JTP’s 1.2-litre, 3 cylinder, turbo-petrol motor comes from the Nexon SUV, albeit with some tweaks. Peak power and torque figures are a healthy 114hp and 150Nm, respectively. The Baleno RS, on the other hand, is powered by a smaller 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine from Suzuki which puts out (12hp) less power but the same torque figure as the JTP. Both cars are available with only 5-speed manual gearbox options.

Powertrain	Tiago JTP	Baleno RS
Type	3 cyls, Turbocharged	3 cyls, Turbocharged
Displacement	1198cc	998cc
Valvetrain	4 valves per cylinder, DOHC	4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
Power	114hp	102hp
Torque	150Nm	150Nm at 1700-4500rpm
Transmission	5-Speed Manual	5-Speed Manual

Equipment

As both the cars are in different segments, their equipment levels vary. The Baleno gets more premium features such as keyless entry with push-button start, Xenon projector headlamps with LED DRLs, automatic climate control and a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Tiago is well-equipped for its price with features like a Harman-sourced 5.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, projector headlamps and 15-inch alloy wheels. Drive modes that alter the car’s performance are exclusive to the JTP. On the safety front, both get dual airbags and ABS with EBD but the Baleno RS gets the added benefit of rear disc brakes in comparison to the JTP's drum units.

Equipment	Tiago JTP	Baleno RS
Touchscreen	5.0-inch	7.0-inch
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto	Android Auto Only	Yes
Drive Modes	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	15-inch	16-inch
Dual airbags with ABS and EBD	Yes	Yes

Prices

Both cars are available in just one fully-loaded variant. The RS gets all the kit from the standard Baleno Alpha variant while the JTP gets a few more goodies over the regular Tiago in its range-topping XZ trim. However, it’s the Tiago JTP that gives you more of a bang for your buck. Priced at Rs 6.39 lakh, the JTP is a full Rs 2 lakh cheaper than the Baleno RS. Only a real-world comparison will reveal the better and more fun car. For now, at least on paper, the JTP is surely more appealing to buyers looking for affordable performance.

Prices	Tiago JTP	Baleno RS
(ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 6.39 lakh	Rs 8.47 lakh

 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2RnU3fu
via IFTTT