Tata Motors has taken its Tiago EV back to the streets of India for a fresh round of testing. The company is not just polishing the paint‑job; it is preparing a full‑scale facelift for the model that will hit showrooms soon. The test runs are happening on a mix of city arteries and highway stretches, mimicking the conditions Nepali drivers will face. That matters because real‑world data drives final calibrations, and Tata wants to avoid any surprise after launch.
The most obvious change is the front bumper. The old, blunt design is replaced by a sleeker profile that houses a revamped headlamp cluster. The classic shark‑nose silhouette remains, preserving brand identity while signalling a modern touch. Below the lights, the lower grille has been subtly reshaped to improve airflow to the cooling system. The new look is not just cosmetic; it reduces drag marginally, which can aid range in city traffic. This changes things for a car that already promises up to 315 km on a single charge.
Step inside and the facelift feels like a different vehicle. A larger touchscreen infotainment system dominates the centre console, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay out of the box. The dual‑spoke steering wheel now bears a bright Tata logo, giving a premium cue that the EV is moving up the hierarchy. Behind the wheel, a fully digital instrument cluster replaces the analog gauges, delivering real‑time range, battery health and regenerative‑braking stats. The cabin layout stays compact, but the new tech gives the feeling of a higher‑end hatchback. That matters for buyers who compare the Tiago EV against the more expensive Renault Kiger EV.
Despite the visual overhaul, the powertrain is unchanged. Tata continues to offer two battery options: a 19.2 kWh pack for city commuters and a larger 24 kWh pack for those needing extra mileage. Both claim a maximum range of 315 km under the Indian test cycle, which translates to roughly 260 km in mixed‑city conditions in Nepal due to terrain and climate differences. The motor still delivers about 61 hp and 105 Nm of torque, enough for brisk city acceleration but not for high‑speed highway bursts. Keeping the same powertrain lets Tata retain existing supply chains and keep costs low, a strategic move as the sub‑compact EV market tightens.
Tata plans to roll out the facelifted Tiago EV in early 2026, with Nepal seeing the model within months of the Indian launch. The timing is deliberate. By mid‑2026, the Renault Kiger EV and Mahindra eKUV100 will have established a foothold in the Nepali market, and price wars are expected. Tata’s strategy appears to be offering a familiar, affordable hatchback with a fresh look and upgraded tech to win over first‑time EV buyers. The company also hopes to leverage its extensive service network across the subcontinent, which could be a decisive factor for skeptical consumers. This changes things for the overall EV adoption curve in Nepal, where infrastructure is still catching up.
The exact launch date in Nepal has not been announced, but industry insiders suggest a Q2 2026 debut at major dealerships in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Pre‑orders are likely to open a month before deliveries begin, mirroring Tata’s approach in India. Pricing will be positioned below the Renault Kiger EV, aiming for the sub‑50 lakh NPR segment, though the final figure remains under wraps. Early adopters can expect a limited‑edition colour palette, possibly a bright electric‑blue that highlights the EV’s modern ethos. That matters because early pricing will set the tone for the sub‑compact EV segment in the country.
Q: What battery sizes will the facelifted Tiago EV offer? A: Tata will continue to provide 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh battery packs, the same as the current model.
Q: Will the range improve with the facelift? A: The official range remains at 315 km under Indian test conditions; any improvement would be marginal, stemming from aerodynamic tweaks.
Q: When can Nepali customers expect to buy the new Tiago EV? A: Launch is projected for Q2 2026, with pre‑orders opening a month earlier.
Q: How does the Tiago EV’s price compare to rivals? A: Tata aims to price it below the Renault Kiger EV, targeting the sub‑50 lakh NPR bracket, but exact numbers are pending.
Q: What new interior features does the facelift bring? A: A larger touchscreen infotainment system, dual‑spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Q: Is the power output changing with the facelift? A: No, the motor still delivers about 61 hp and 105 Nm of torque, identical to the current version.