tata indica Car Review in India

The Tata Group entered the small car market in 1998 by launching the Indica. It is an indigenously designed car that is accepted largely by Indian and European car buyers. The four-door hatchback was launched in both, diesel and petrol, versions. In 2003, the Indica rolled out in England as the City Rover.

The first generation Indica had some flaws based on the customers' feedback. The improved second version -- V2 -- was launched. With lots of interior modifications, it emerged as the bestselling car and a major contender for small cars. Both the engines were up to Indian standards and could penetrate into the European and the South African market. The transmission refinement was addressed, but the V2's transmission is not completely refined. The wheel alignment and steering correction was solved. The Indica diesel surfaced as the cab and changed the private transportation arena in India. But the car came under the scanner of auto critics as it was underpowered for stop-and-start city driving. To cater to this issue, Tata Motors installed the turbo-kit of Indigo Marina, a station wagon, into Indica's hood and launched the V2 Turbo.

The Indica V2 is currently available in two variants: DLE and DLS. The Indica V2 Turbo has three variants: DLG, DLX, and DLS. It is a welcome move with more ponies to dispense. Though the turbo boost comes into action at mid range rpm, it is good value for its sticker price. The Indica petrol version Xeta has five variants viz. V2 Xeta GL, GLE, GLS, GLG, and GLX. The Tata engineers have to work on the transmission. The V2 DICOR DLS & DLG diesel variants are the latest offering from Tata on the Indica.

All the diesel variants are powered by a 1.4L Inline-4, naturally aspirated engines, and the V2 Turbo is turbo-fed. The sturdy small car gets a new lease of life with the new turbo-fed engine. The turbo engine pumps out 67 bhp at 4,500 rpm, whereas the non-turbo generates 53 bhp @ 5,500 rpm. The 1.4L diesel engine, with the turbocharger and an intercooler, is quicker than its predecessor. The turbocharged engine dispenses 13.5 bhp of extra power and 45 Nm of extra torque as compared to the non-turbo V2, and that too at a lesser rpm.

For extra pull in the city stop-and-start drive, you need to shift the gear down as turbo power is unleashed after the engine is spun beyond 2,000 rpm. It gets the turbo boost and sprints to 60 km/h in just 6 seconds. Power flows steadily from the motor throughout the rev range. The engine is a bit noisy and invites some refinement. The 5-speed manual is a carry over without any improvement. The engine delivers maximum torque at lower rpm and has good pull throughout the rev range.

The Indica V2 Xeta is a petrol power plant and comes with two engines: a 1.4L and a 1.2L. The 1.4L Inline-4 petrol engine generates 70 bhp @ 4,800 rpm while the 1.2L generates 62 bhp @ 5,000 to 5,200 rpm.

The new DICOR variants come equipped with a 1.4L Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) engine - the latest in diesel-engine technology from Tata. This engine dishes out 69 bhp of power @4000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque @1800-3000 rpm.

The car's suspension is tuned to precise functioning and perfect wheel balance, thus improving the ride quality. The straight line stability of this hatchback is worth applause. The rack and pinion steering is responsive, which helps ripping in narrow city lanes. Slam the brake pedals; the front disc and the rear drum brakes bring the car to a halt in no time.

The largely accepted Indica comes with a design change now. Tata's design studio has restyled the bumper, grille, headlight, dashboard, leather-wrapped steering wheel and the interiors of the car as well. The new subtle body style is welcome; it adds some freshness to the Indica. The smiling chrome grille and eye-shaped headlamps get a tweak. The fit and body-build is fine for the Indian market. The C-pillar is broad but still it does not obstruct the rear view of the driver. All the trims get body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and wheel flares.

It is roomy inside, comfortable for five and a perfect value for the money paid. Its cabin is also more refined now. The cabin is kept away from the turbo engine noise but still you cannot get away from the engine noise completely. The instrument gauge gets an electronic instrument cluster, with two trip meters equipped with light intensity controls. The rear seat backrest can be folded for more cargo space. Driving the V2 Turbo is a pleasure now, as the four-spoke power steering is more responsive. Refinement is evident but comparing it with the Korean and the Japanese cars' performance would be expecting too much of this small car.

Some of the standard exterior features include molded roof lining and door trims, tinted windshield, door and tailgate glass, variable intermittent type wiper, body-coloured wheel arch flairs and bumpers, and sill valence covers. The rear assets include seat backrest folding and re-folding facility with 60:40 split, all four doors-operated cabin lamps, power steering, remote release of fuel lid latch and tailgate latch.

The face-lifted DLX Turbo comes with a standard ABS. Other Standard safety features include side intrusion beam on all four doors, collapsible steering column, child safety locks on rear doors, anti-submarine seats, and front disc brakes.