Tata Indica V2 Diesel review |
Tata began selling this car with a huge Indian tricolor as the brand ambassador, pun most definitely intended. The only and most significant reason for the huge number of bookings that took place on the day of launch of the car was based simply on the fact that this was a completely Indian car. I'm sure I will not be wrong in speculating that those who bought their Indicas at that moment today regret their decision. The Indica is now a long way away from being the First complete India car that it started out being. Today, the Indica is the ruler in the Diesel small car segment with little or no competition in sight to dethrone it. The Indica, thanks to its frugality has also found favor with the taxi drivers and companies. From improvements to the engine and gearbox to a trustworthy highway cruiser and a comfortable and spacious city car, the Indica has truly evolved with leaps and bounds.
Design and styling
For comments on the styling of the Indica, please refer article on the Indica Xeta
I have taken a million looks at the interior of the Indica from the time it was launched till the date when I pen this down, I strain myself reason why the dash, somehow never makes an impact on me. Immaterial of how many times I look at it, it never seems to make any kind of mark on me. I don't mean to say that the dash looks bad, but the fact that it isn't special, at all. Nonetheless, there seems to be something about that dash that never seems to get out of my head, its perhaps the protruding instrument panel that emanates from the ultra flat dash like or the grayish feel to the otherwise bearable quality plastic put to use. There are cubbyholes that make themselves shown after opening the dash lid and the meters include a Speedo, a much needed tacho a fuel gauge and a temperature indicator, but nothing here to write home about.
The Indica though, unlike its some of its Japanese competitors can easily accommodate 5 passengers with much space to spare, and the best part about the interiors of the Indica are its 2 front seats that provide excellent comfort and support. The rear seats though lacking in comfort compared to the ones in the front has great legroom for its passengers. This can be a big boon on long journeys helping reduce fatigue. The trim levels have also been decided quite thoughtfully allowing for the car to be able to cater quite well to many segments and the Indicab variant is a huge hit among taxi operators across the country. For non-commercial use though, one finds the DLS variant to be the best bet as it incorporates the indispensable power steering and also comes with body colored bumpers.
Engine and transmission
The forte of the Indica lies underneath its hood. This is the only small car, which is equipped with a diesel engine. The prime reason for the outstanding sales is thanks to the amount of economic sense it makes to buy one of these cars. The Fact that diesel is cheaper than petrol by about 30% and further the average/mileage of similar sized petrol cars is comparatively less means that diesels are a very feasible mode of transport.
The Indica comes with a 1400cc diesel engine which manages to pump out 53.5Bhp, this coupled to a car that weighs in at a ton means that the Indica is a bit sluggish, the engine which is smooth at low speeds but adequate torque is not available these speeds. In order to really begin motoring, one has to keep the engine on the boil, at which point the motor begins to feel noisy and lack of mechanical balance becomes quite evident. The Engine generates much of its torque only above 3000rpm, which is quite high, and thus one really began to feel the lack of power in the motor. The engine though is at its best when cruising at a constant speed of about 80kph but overtaking may need some planning. There really is much scope for refinement in the engine.
Coming now to the gearbox, which is a five speed synchromesh unit. The gearbox although well designed needs to be worked quite hard and thats when one begins to realize that it could have done with some more positive feedback at engagement. The clutch is not heavy but would be of much help to be a bit more progressive.
Ride and handling
This is where the Indica begins crawling back the advantage compared to most other cars. This car, thanks to being heavy is able to have a soft suspension setting. This in turn allows the car not only to absorb bumps quite nicely. The car does feel a bit light at the front at slightly elevated speeds, the back though sticks quite well.
Indica benefits much from its wide footprint 165/65 R13 tyres. Braking is brought about by means of discs up front and drums at the rear, which are hydraulically assisted by 9" boosters. The Indica is able to slow itself quite well despite its slightly higher momentum. The brakes though could have done with some more feel and have a tendency to lock up quite abruptly.
Verdict
the Indica has come improved vastly from its Spartan beginnings some 10 years back and if Tata is able to continue in the same direction, the Indica seems like its going to remain diesel small car immaterial of what the japs have to do about it. The Indica, thanks to the space serves its slogan quite well but, there remains much scope for improvement and Tata seem more than happy to not just recognize this but also work towards it at a rapid pace. This car most definitely makes sense both as an everyday run about and as a fleet car.
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