Tata Indigo Marina

The Tata Indigo Marina is the Estate version of the Indigo label. It is based on the Tata Indica model and was launched in 2004. The 2005 model also received lots of updates and now in 2007, the new Indigo Marina is more refined. Its pillar-less rear is distinct with stretched taillights.

The Marina was launched in the station wagon segment. It has a good pulling capability, thanks to the turbocharged diesel. Indigo’s wheelbase has been stretched for the Marina; its suspension has also been changed. It has been modified into all independent, and stiffened slightly to take extra load. It is dampened by gas-filled dampers.

The Indigo Marina is shorter and heavier than the Indigo sedan, so its brakes have been improved for shortening the stopping distance. The interiors resemble the Indica family, as everything has been borrowed from the Indica and the Indigo sedan. The Marina comes in five variants: GLS, GLX, LS, LX, and the latest LX DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail). It is a car that has the luxury of a sedan and cargo space of a Multi-Utility Vehicle.

The Marina gets a choice of two engines, a 1.4-litre 84 bhp petrol or 1.4-litre 69 bhp diesel. The 1.4-litre Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI), with 32-bit microprocessor, pumps out 84 bhp @ 5,500 rpm and the maximum torque delivered is 108 Nm @ 3,000 rpm. The engine pulls quite satisfactorily but since its peak power is delivered at high rpms, it is a high revving engine. It is also noisy at high revs. It extends a litre of petrol to 9 kms in city drive.

The diesel power plant is fed by turbocharger and the turbo hits at 2,000 rpm but does not come over turbo lag. It needs more down-shifting in city driving but cruises well and has good passing power. Turbocharged 1.4L Indirect Injection engine reaches the maximum power of 69 bhp @ 4,500 rpm and delivers peak torque of 132 Nm @ 2,500 rpm. This engine is more economical as it makes 12 kms in the city and 16 kms on the highway. The new DICOR engine is a 1.4L In-line 4; the additional valve and the common rail injection gives more power to the engine. It pumps out the same power in lesser rpms, which makes driving in city easier with more power. Shifting has always been a problem with the Tata gearbox. It is the same Indica gearbox that has been used in the Marina, which has been refined constantly.

The suspension displacement is more, giving the Marina a comfortable ride on bad roads. The assembly of front independent, lower wishbone, McPherson Strut with anti-roll bar, and rear independent, 3-link, McPherson Strut with anti-roll bar and gas-filled dampers is soft and has large displacement. This combination gives more body roll in tight cornering. Carefree driving is a bit of a problem as the steering is not precise. It is a good car for a matured driver. Even the fully cargo loaded car has good stopping distance, thanks to the vacuum assisted dual circuit  front disc and rear drum setup.

The Marina is an extended Indica; the exterior styling with roof rails, integrated glass house, sparkling taillights that run till the roof and clear head lamps give the Marina a contemporary look. All the trims get body-coloured bumpers that give an executive feel to the station wagon. The black window frame and B-pillar merge with tinted glasses for better aesthetics. The Marina runs on the same stretched wheelbase of the Indigo, but its overall length is 5 mm shorter than that of the latter. The stretched hatch has space for 670 litres of cargo and with the rear seats folded flat, the cargo space extends to 1,370 litres. There are enough pockets and storage space on the door and the dash.

The low roof ensures easy loading of luggage for short passengers. The car looks planted but its front looks exceptionally good. The lift gate opens almost straight, allowing easy entry and exit. Some of the standard features include bumpers, chrome-plated grille lip, roof rails, rub rails on doors, tinted door glasses, full wheel covers, digital clock, electronic instrument cluster with engine RPM meter; digital odometer, two digital trip meters, front windshield wiper with intermittent variable delay feature, full floor console with power socket (front and rear), internal antenna, light intensity adjustment for instrument cluster, low level fuel indicator, high coolant temperature indicator, luggage retention net, rear seat with double folding facility, retractable luggage cover and trunk lamp.

Safety features on the Marina include adjustable head rests for all five passengers, anti-submarine type front seats, child safety locks on rear doors, collapsible steering column, headlamp leveling device, rear spoiler with integrated brake light, seat belts and side impact beams.