Dilemma: Get a Tata Tiago EV or a used premium hatchback under 12L?

We have a 2015 VW Polo 1.5 TDi, done 1,25,000 KM and its still munching miles as if it is new.

BHPian CPJ recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello BHPians!

Need your help in deciding a Second Car for our household.

A Little Background:

• Me and my wife both love to drive cars.

• We have a 2015 VW Polo 1.5 TDi, done 1,25,000 KM and its still munching miles as if it is new.

• This car has been rock solid and we plan to keep it for another 3 years.

• Now the need for a second car has arised, as my wife’s office is going to resume, starting March 2023.

Requirements of Second Car:

• Automatic Hatchback, want to avoid AMT.

• Monthly running: 750 KM to 1000 KM.

• Mostly city use.

• Should be reliable with low cost of running, as we plan to keep this car for atleast 7 years.

• Safety: Good Build Quality with standard safety features like airbags & ABS with EBD.

• Budget: OTR 12 Lakhs (PUNE).

• Open to Preowned vehicles as well.

Cars Shorlisted

Tata Tiago EV XZ+ Lux Variant LR:

• Meets most of our requirement, but worried about long term reliability.

• Test drive vehicles have not yet reached showroom, so not sure about drive and feel of the car.

• Long Waiting Period, actual delivery might take place in April or MAY 2023.

• Overall fit and finish as comapred to Polo (Based on seeing Tigor EV in the showroom)

Preowned Hyundai Elite i20 CVT (2018 Make Onwards)

• A quick search on used car website, revealed a price range of around 8 to 9 Lakhs in Pune.

• A segment above Tiago, with good interior fit and finish.

• Major con: higher cost of running and maintenance.

Preowned VW POLO 1.0/1.2 TSI (2019 Make Onwards)

• A quick search on used car website, revealed a price range of around 8 to 9.5 Lakhs in Pune.

• Knows Devil: I’m okay with the After Sales Service based on my experince with VW Pune.

• Major con again: higher cost of running and maintainence.

So considering the above scenario which car you feel is a safe bet for the next 7 years?

Thanks and looking forward to your suggestions.

Here’s what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

The Tiago EV is a new car, and could come with a few niggles, though should be relatively reliable given the decent word of mouth around the other Tata EVs. The biggest downside with Tata is the after sales support so check if there is a reliable dealer around you, and similarly about the EV – the worry of battery replacement is always there.
Optimistically as more people adopt EVs, the costs of a battery replacement should come down by the time you are in the market to replace yours but it is a risk you’ll have to take.
If you’re willing to overlook that – it could be a great option.

From the list, I am not too excited by the i20. I feel the price is too high and a new Jazz could be a better bet for a bit more. Yes, it is going to be discontinued, but that aside it’s a Honda – meant to give you miles and miles of company.

I’d also avoid another Polo : Simply because you already have one in the house!

Here’s what BHPian IshaanIan had to say on the matter:

Why not just save a chunk of money and go for a Brio AT instead? Parts will be available for another 10 years so you will not have any issues on that front and the gearbox is super reliable. Plus it is one of the few cars that has avoided the recent snobbish pricing trends in the used car market because it makes no snobby pretensions

S-Cross 1.5 AT is the best car out there for the task but it was only sold for 2 years I think? So finding one for a fair price might be difficult but if you do, then swoop on it. It is far better than the Brezza and easier to drive as well. But if you cannot find one, then the Brezza can be considered as well.

Here’s what BHPian BeantownThinker had to say on the matter:

As you are looking a second car, I would recommend the Tiago EV. Just ensure you have the space for setting up the charging port at home. I would also recommend you to test drive the Nexon EV and see if you can manage to fit your budget.

In general, for people in metros, EVs make a lot of sense as a second car.

Here’s what BHPian 07CR had to say on the matter:

I would suggest a Pre owned Jazz CVT (2018 or 2019 make). You could get it for around 6-8L for V/VX variant.

Spacious, well built, 4 star NCAP rating, excellent CVT GB for city use, reliable and efficient.

Don’t worry about the parts availability as it’s a product that’s been on sale for years.

For your shortlisted products-

Tiago EV- battery performance for long term is suspect.

Elite I20 CVT- Safety is a huge concern. Dead and lifeless steering is a no no. Performance too is lethargic.

Polo- Avoid, because you already have one! VW products maintenance and niggles is already well known. I am glad your Polo has been a spectacular performer, but you won’t be always lucky

Here’s what BHPian freakmuzik had to say on the matter:

I would like to suggest the Tiago EV ideally as you’re looking at a 9k – 12k kms a year. The EV would give you great savings as well. Please read about the battery type and ideal charging routines and see how it suits you as in this case, you’d be making a big switch to an EV lifestyle from an ICE one.

On the other had, since your Polo has done 1.25 L kms already, would you be looking at a replacement soon for that? Then, I guess, the whole equation could change.

Jazz CVT is such a no-brainer but the Tiago is even more compact and you can hop into the EV age as well.

Keyword: Dilemma: Get a Tata Tiago EV or a used premium hatchback under 12L?