The Tata Aeris is the cheapest three-box model in India, bringing a number of updates compared to the outgoing Tigor
- Tata launched the new Aeris in the Indian market starting at $5.5k
- The small notchback features sharper styling and improved equipment.
- A dump truck buried the sub-4m model under gravel and stone debris.
The most affordable sedans in the US currently start from around $23,000, but in other places of the world buyers have access to much cheaper models. A great example is the new Tata Aeris, a small notchback that has just been introduced in the Indian market with a starting price of Rs 5.29 lakh ($5,500).
The Aeris might have a new name, but it is actually a heavily updated version of the aging Tigor that has been around since 2017 with facelifts in 2020 and 2025. The sub-4m model brings sharper styling and improved amenities inside the cabin, without losing its value-for-money character.
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Visually, the Aeris retains the characteristic notchback silhouette and the subcompact footprint of the Tigor, with a length of 3,995 mm (157.3 in) and a 2,450 mm (96.5 in) wheelbase. The front end adopts simpler and more aggressive headlights similar to the recently updated Tiago hatchback. These are combined with a fully covered gloss black grille and modern bumper intakes.
Tata / YouTube
The profile remains largely unchanged but gains subtle plastic cladding around the wheel arches and new 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. At the back, the highlight is the slimmer taillights with a full-width cluster and the revised rear bumper.
Improved Equipment
The interior has a similar layout with its predecessor, but the dashboard and the climate vents have been redesigned and the materials now include recycled content. Automatic variants feature a rotary gear selector and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
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High-spec trims are equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, a digital instrument cluster, dual wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, an integrated dashcam, ventilated front seats, and rear climate vents. Six airbags are standard across the lineup with systems such as Blind View Monitoring offered in the flagship trim.
Tata / YouTube
In terms of practicality, the subcompact model can hold up to 419 lt (14.8 cubic feet) of cargo behind the five-seater cabin.
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The Aeris rides on an upgraded version of the Tata XAlpha architecture, offering the option between two non-electrified naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter powertrains. The gasoline version produces 85 hp (63 kW), while the CNG generates 75 hp (56 kW). In both cases, power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.
Burying It Under Debris
In order to demonstrate the structural integrity of the model and the safety credentials of the CNG system, Tata subjected the Aeris to various durability challenges. After tackling deep water, and driving on gravel, a dump truck unloaded 20 tons (44,092 lbs) of gravel and stone debris on the roof of the vehicle, completely burying it.
Tata / YouTube
Once cleared, the roof was slightly deformed and the windows were broken, but the passenger cell remained intact, the doors opened, and the vehicle started and drove away under its own power. Of course, the 20 tons of debris landed on its roof progressively rather than all at once, but the stunt passed the message to the target demographic.
The Cheapest Three-Box Model
The Tata Aeris is available to order in India, with the first deliveries scheduled for October 11. Pricing starts at Rs 5.29 lakh ($5,500) for the cheapest Smart with a manual gearbox, and climbs to Rs 9.74 lakh ($10,200) for the flagship Accomplished trim with the CNG engine and an automatic.
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The entry price makes it the most affordable car with a three-box silhouette in the region, undercutting rivals such as the Hyundai Aura, the Honda Amaze, and the Suzuki Dzire. Still, those looking for the best bunk for their buck can always get the mechanically-related Tata Tiago hatchback which starts at Rs 4.69 Lakh ($4,900).
