12.27 / 16.6 km/l (city/highway), 1.4L Diesel
10.5 / 14.5 km/l (city/highway), 1.4L Petrol
10.5 / 14.5 km/l (city/highway), 1.2L Petrol
12.27 / 16.6 km/l (city/highway) 1.4L DiCoR
1.4L In-line 4, 53-67 bhp, Diesel
1.4L In-line 4, 70 bhp, Petrol
1.2L In-line 4, 64 bhp, Petrol
1.4L In-line 4 DiCoR, 69 bhp, Diesel
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.
Turbocharger has improved the underpowered car's performance. Alloy wheels peep up the gorgeous car. Choice of two diesel engines. Redesigned exterior and interiors styling. Good throttle response on highway. Suspension system soaks bumps and road imperfections. Transmission needs refinement.
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. But soon this probelm was answered by Tata when it came out with the Xeta engine which delivered more power.
The Indica V2 Base is currently available in two variants: DLE and DLS. The Indica V2 Xeta comes with nince variants: V2 Xeta GL, GLE, GLS, GLG, GLX and the two LPG variants GLE LPG and GLS LPG. It is a welcome move with more ponies to dispense. Though the power boost comes into action at mid range rpm, it is good value for its sticker price. The Tata engineers have worked on the transmission substantially to make the car more refined in every which ways.
All the diesel variants are powered by a 1.4L Inline-4, naturally aspirated engines. This engine pumps out 52.7 bhp at 5,500 rpm which is also much quicker than its predecessor.
For extra pull in the city stop-and-start drive, that extra power is unleashed after the engine is spun beyond 2,000 rpm and it can do a 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 64.4 bhp @ 5,000.
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. Though the cabin is kept away from the engine noise, you can still overhear the engine noise. 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 V2 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.
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.
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