Tata Motors is all set to launch the new Aeris on September 25, and ahead of the launch, the car has been spotted completely undisguised. The car seen here is the iCNG version with a 5-speed manual gearbox, giving us a clear look at the production-spec model.
The Aeris is essentially the next-generation version of the Tata Tigor, but Tata has given it a new name, a heavily updated design and a more modern cabin. The company is expected to continue with the Tigor’s petrol and CNG powertrains, while an electric version remains uncertain for now.
The biggest change is the design. Up front, the Aeris gets slim LED headlamps connected by a black strip, along with a Tata logo in the centre. The bumper is completely new and gets C-shaped elements and a wide lower air intake. The car also gets new alloy wheels and pull-type door handles.
The rear gets an even bigger makeover. The tail-lamps stretch across the boot and give the Aeris a wider look. The Tata logo sits in the centre, while the new Aeris lettering is placed below it. The number plate has been moved to the bumper and the rear bumper gets vertical reflectors.
The spotted car is the iCNG version, which gets an iCNG badge on the boot. The CNG system is expected to be similar to the one used in the Tigor. The outgoing Tigor iCNG uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine producing 76 PS and 97 Nm in CNG mode. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while Tata also offers an AMT option on the Tigor CNG.
The petrol version is expected to continue using the same 1.2-litre petrol engine. In the Tigor, this engine produces 86 PS and 113 Nm and is available with both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The Aeris is expected to carry forward these options with minor changes, if any.
Inside, the Aeris gets a much more modern cabin compared to the Tigor. The dashboard seen in the leaked images has a two-tone finish, a free-standing touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The centre console gets three rotary controls for the air-conditioning along with physical buttons, while the manual version gets a conventional gear lever.
The cabin appears to borrow quite a few elements from the updated Tata Tiago. Higher variants are expected to get features such as a larger touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless charging and a 360-degree camera. Six airbags and electronic stability control are also expected.
The Aeris will continue to be a sub-4-metre sedan and will take on the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze. It will also replace the Tigor in Tata’s line-up.
Image Source: Autobros India on YouTube
