Tata Indigo CS

The Indigo CS is a sub 4-meter sedan based on the popular mid-size Indigo sedan from Tata Motors. The sedan was introduced by Tata to allow consumers to benefit from the current tax structure favouring small cars. At 3988 meters in length, the Indigo CS manages to qualify as a small car. The 'CS' in Indigo CS stands for 'Compact Sedan'. The car has good pickup and comes with a lightweight body. It is a great sedan available at the price of a hatchback. The model comes in both petrol and diesel versions.

The Indigo CS is offered in 8 variants - LE, LS, LS DiCOR, LX TDI, and LX DiCOR in diesel and GLE, GLS, and GLX in petrol. The petrol variants come equipped with a 64 bhp 1.2-litre multi-point fuel injection in-line 4 engine and the diesel variants get either a 1.4-litre turbocharged or same size DiCOR diesel engine that delivers an output of 69 bhp. With minimal engine noise and vibration, the performance of the sedan is acceptable. All variants come with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The wheelbase of the Indigo CS is exactly the same as its parent model Indigo sedan and as such the ride quality of both the cars is nearly the same. The independent front and rear McPherson strut suspension systems ensure a smooth ride even on tough roads. The reduced length of the Indigo CS makes parking easy and city driving more enjoyable.

The exterior is adorned by a classy chrome grille, body coloured bumpers (LS, GLS and LS DiCOR) and black bumpers (LE and GLE), well positioned dual-beam headlights and taillight cluster. All variants ride on the 14"steel wheels with 165/65 R14 radial tires (LE and GLE) and 175/65 R14 radial tires (LS and GLS). The LS and GLS get full wheel covers.

The interior gives a good feel that's typical of C segment sedans. The petrol and diesel versions get unique interior trim options. Petrol variants are available with quite beige interiors whereas the diesel variants get sporty black upholstery. The steering wheel has a sporty look and the gear shift knob is leather-wrapped. Power steering comes only with the higher end LS and GLS variants. The instrument cluster comes with a very useful light intensity adjustment feature.

The partial fabric covered seats on the Indigo CS are quite comfortable. The front seats, being anti-submarine type, keep the driver and front passenger from sliding forward in case of hard braking or minor road accidents. The double folding backrest on the rear seat offers additional luggage space. The air conditioning system on the car is quite powerful. Higher-end LS and GLS variants get a more efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and AC) system.