Tata Aeris

Nearly a decade after the Tigor sub-4 metre sedan was launched, Tata.Cars (also known as Tata Motors) is now gearing up to launch a major facelift of it, alongside a new name called Tata Aeris. Compared to the outgoing version, the Aeris will come with comprehensive updates to the design, interior and feature list while retaining the familiar powertrain options, also seen on the Tiago hatchback. 

With the sub-4 metre sedan segment now down to only four competitors, it remains to be seen how well the 2026 Tata Aeris is able to challenge the Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Aura and the Honda Amaze.

From the design patents accessed so far, we can see that the Aeris will feature an overhauled exterior design with an edgier and mature-looking design language compared to the curvier looks of the current Tigor. Most of the design updates are expected to be similar to the new Tiago that’s currently on sale. 

The fascia of the sedan will feature a slimmer grille, likely to be finished in gloss black, and rectangular LED headlamps. Lower down, the bumper will carry a sculpted look with a large lower air dam and slim fog lamps tucked away in the corners.

In profile, there aren’t any sheet metal changes and the signature, quirky, ‘notchback’-like roofline continues from the Tigor. It is also likely to feature a sharkfin antenna and a refreshed set of alloy wheels.

The rear-end will undergo major changes, which resemble its larger coupe-SUV sibling, the Curvv. Taking prominence is a new connected taillamp setup which adds to the road presence of the sedan, followed by the new bootlid. The number plate recess is gone, and it is instead mounted on the bumper, which is also reworked and features vertical reflectors and contour lines on either side.

Tata Cars is also expected to revise the colour palette of the Aeris with this update.

AI-generated images for representation

There’s not many details out there about the interior of the Aeris so far, but based on the Tiago, you can expect a new dashboard layout with sharp elements and multiple high-quality textures. 

A new two-spoke steering wheel alongside a free-standing infotainment screen and semi-digital driver’s display is also being speculated. 

The Tata Aeris’ feature list is expected to include equipment such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 4-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, rear AC vents, auto headlamps, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, power-adjustable and auto-folding ORVMs, steering-mounted audio controls and USB Type-C charging ports.

Tata may choose to add a few new features to the package too, such as ventilated front seats and a single-pane sunroof.

In the safety department, the Aeris is likely to feature 6 airbags (as standard) as the most notable addition, besides existing features such as electronic stability control (ESC), rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, hill hold control (HHC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and rain-sensing wipers.

If Tata does update it with 6 airbags, one can also expect the Aeris to get a 5-star crash test rating. For reference, the Tigor with dual airbags got a 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP in 2020.

Under the hood, you can expect the Tata Aeris to remain unchanged compared to the current Tigor which is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options. A factory-fitted dual-cylinder CNG kit will also be on offer. Here are the detailed specifications of these powertrains:

MT- Manual Transmission, AMT- Automated Manual Transmission

While the Tigor never became a blockbuster success like the Dzire, it catered to a niche following of buyers and found a reasonably large audience in the commercial segment. The Aeris is a second life to it of sorts, and with a grown-up personality, modern interior and some segment-first features, it may just give a tougher fight to the competition.