The BS-VI emission norms will make diesel engines too expensive for entry-level cars. At Tata Motors, it will mean discontinuing the 1.05-litre Revotorq unit it offers in the Tiago and Tigor.
The launch of the Tata Tiago in April 2016 marked the introduction of the 1.05-litre Revotorq diesel engine. The in-house developed turbocharged three-cylinder unit develops 51.5 kW (70 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 1,800-3,000 rpm. In March 2017, the Tata Tigor followed with this engine option.
Most customers of the Tata Tiago and Tata Tigor are opting for the more economical, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 62.5 kW (85 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 114 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. Not only is the petrol option cheaper, but it also allows the customers to go for the 5-speed automated manual transmission that combats traffic with more ease. The diesel engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard.
“Around 80 percent of the demand in this segment (Tiago and Tigor’s segment) is for the petrol variants and thus the additional investment required does not make a viable plan,” Rajendra Petkar, Chief Technology Officer, Tata Motors, told Autocar India yesterday.
Also Read: Tata Altroz breaks cover at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show
During April-January 2019, only 14% of customers of the Tiago selected the diesel engine, while in the case of the Tigor, the number was 15%. Average monthly sales of the Tiago diesel and Tigor diesel stood at just 114 units and 360 units respectively during that period. These abysmal numbers indicate that the costly BS-VI upgrade for the 1.05-litre Revotorq diesel engine isn’t going to yield returns. Tata Motors will have no choice but to discontinue it before 31 March 2020.
[Source: autocarindia.com]
