Tata's Tiago is the new kid on the budget car block in this hotly contested segment. In this article, we'll compare its pricing with that of a mainstay in the South African market, namely the Suzuki Celerio.
For the purposes of this comparison, we'll look at the mid-range variants of both the Tiago and Celerio: the 1.2 XT and GL.
Related: Tata Tiago 1.2 XT Manual (2026) - Review
Tata Tiago
Powertrain
The Tiago range is powered by the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol Revotron engine. It makes 63 kW / 113 Nm, and that power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or an AMT, should you choose. This is a 980kg kerb weight shell.
Claimed Fuel Consumption: 5.0 L/100km
Real World Consumption: 5.8 L /100km
Claimed Range: 700km
Notable Standard Equipment (XT variant included)
- 7-inch Harman Audio Infotainment Screen
- 4 speakers
- Drive-away locking doors
- Follow me home headlamps
- 45W Type C USB charger
- 14-inch steel wheels with Hubcaps
Notable Safety
Global NCAP Ratings
Adult: ★★★★☆
Child: ★★★☆☆
Equipment:
- Twin Airbags
- ABS, EBD, ESP
- Hill-Hold Assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear camera with parking guidance (XT models only)
- ISOFIX
Practicality
The Tiago is a 5-seater compact budget hatchback. The Boot area is 242 litres, and that can be extended with the folding rear bench. There is a 15-inch space saver spare in the boot.
Price and Value
At the time of publishing, the 1.2 XT Tiago comes in at R209 900, and that price includes a 2-year/30 000km service plan and a 5-year/125 000km warranty.
Suzuki Celerio
In comes the Tiago's competitor: the Celerio range comes with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder VVT petrol engine that makes 49 kW / 89 Nm, with that power sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or AMT, should you choose. This is all in an 830kg kerb weight shell.
Claimed Fuel Consumption: 4.4 L /100km
Real World Fuel Consumption: Around 4.4L/100km
Claimed Range: 727km
Notable Standard Equipment (GL Model spec included)
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Front Fog Lamps
- 7.0-inch infotainment screen
- Remote Central Locking
- Trip Computer with Fuel Consumption and Driving Range
- Stop Start Technology
Notable Safety
Global NCAP
Adult: ★★★☆☆
Child: ★★☆☆☆
Equipment:
- ABS, EBD, ESP, Brake Assist
- 6 airbags
- ISOFIX
Practicality
The Suzuki Celerio is a 5-seater compact hatchback. You have a boot space of 295 litres, and that can be extended with the 60:40 split rear seats. There is a spare wheel in the boot too.
Price and Value
The Celerio in GL Manual trim at the time of publishing comes in at R210 900. That price includes a 4-year/60 000km and a 5-year/200 000km warranty.
Who has the best value?
Though the Tiago in XT trim comes in slightly cheaper and both models do have some appealing specifications, we'll have to give the crown to the Celerio here purely due to the lower running costs, better service plan and overall better practicality thanks to the split rear seat and bigger boot area.
If you're looking to buy a Tiago or a Celerio, check out AutoTrader for the latest offerings and sell your car too.
