Tata Indica Vista Ignis 1.4
Maxabout Review
More Power With Additional Safety Features
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Overview
Tata Indica, when launched 10 years ago, was the first “true” Indian hatch. It has come a long way since but the recent auto expo showed us a new version, not just mere face lifts but more powerful engines, bigger, better interiors and improved quality.
First launched in 1998, the Indica model has achieved leadership in its class and became the second largest selling model in the segment this year, notching up a sale of 144,690 units in 2007-2008. So far, 1.12 million Indica cars have rolled out.
Vista is Tata Motor's first all new passenger car platform after the original Indica platform which spawned a whole gamut of vehicles including the Indigo and Indigo XL Sedan, Indigo Marina the station wagon and most recently the Indigo CS.
Design
Indica Vista Ignis sports dynamic and flowing lines which distinguishes it from the previous generation Indica. Except for the name and the layout everything seems different. If the new sweeping headlamp cluster fails to catch your attention, then the chrome handles is sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Tata has intentionally retained the family look and the Indica Vista Ignis is a clear evolution of the Indica. A new central character line on the bonnet gives character to the car. The all new grille with a new striking pedal shaped headlamps gives the Indica Vista Ignis a more upmarket look.
As most of you may remember, Tata unveiled the new Indica during the Auto Expo earlier this year. It looks like a grown up and better looking Indica. This now looks like a proper supermini. The winged shape headlight cluster looks striking and the crease on the bonnet gives it a unique identity. The side profile is more rounded than before but the core DNA of the original Indica remains. However the full length pillar mounted tail lamp is an eyesore.
The most prominent features of Indica Vista Ignis are:
1) Dual Front Airbags.
2) Two airbags for Front passenger and the driver
3) New music system
4) Bluetooth Connectivity to answer call and reject buttons
5) USB Port
6) Black interiors
7) New Steering wheel
8) Electrically adjustable rear view mirrors
9) Keyless entry
10) ABS - Anti-Lock Braking system
11) ABS & Ignis Badge at Exterior
12) New 175/65 R14 Goodyear GT3 Tyres
Interiors
Inside, the Indica Vista Ignis offers a much improved experience to the driver. It is more spacious, and the Vista Ignis is bit wider and longer than the last-generation Indica. It will also come with "all black theme" for interiors with new design steering wheel and new slim music system.
Adjustable driver seat and steering wheel, better door handles and a centrally mounted speedo are the most noticeable changes. The Tata Indica was already quite spacious, and now the wheelbase has increased by 70 mm and the car is longer by 120 mm.
The ergonomic seating position, distinctive centrally mounted instrument panel, comfortable seats, generous space and more importantly the quality buttons, fit and finish will convey the Indian customers that Tata Motors has come of age.
Tata has been fine tuning the car for a longer time to upgrade its quality and thereby to give the car an upmarket feel. Indica vista Ignis comes with a host of special features. The exterior features includes fog lamps and rear wiper.
Similar to any other Tata products, the Indica Vista Ignis comes with host of comfort features and minimal safety features. An integrated CD player is surely likeable feature and is increasing finds a place in entry level cars. The Indica vista gets a 2-DIN integrated CD player with USB port and remote control.
Other comfort and luxury features includes front fog lamps, rear fog lamps, body coloured bumpers & door handles, de-mister, rear wipers, power windows for all doors, dual tone dashboard, Tachometer, height adjustable driver seat, lumbar adjustable front seats & 60:40 flodable rear seats.
Engines
Indica Vista was initially launched with a 1.2-litre petrol engine called Saffire and the 1.3-litre common-rail diesel called Quadrajet will be part of the lineup, apart from Tata’s own 1.4-litre turbo diesel engine.
Now, Tata Motors India is all set to launch Indica Vista with more powerful 1.4 Litre Saffire petrol engine which is also doing duty in Fiat Grande Punto. This engine is a 1368cc, 16 Valve, DOHC, FIRE which generates maximum power of 90 Bhp at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 115 @ 4500 rpm.
The engines along with the cars will be assembled at Tata-Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility that boasts of an annual production capacity of 200,000 cars and 300,000 engines. A total investment of Rs 4,020 crore is being made by the 50:50 combine in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra.
Safety
On safety front Indica Vista was a major disappointment that neither ABS or airbags were offered. Considering the traffic situation on our roads and lawlessness, this is a major sin in my opinion. But now Tata is expected to change all this with Vista Ignis as it is expected to feature ABS, EBD with Dual SRS Airbags. The car comes with a segment best 24 months (75,000 km) warranty
The existing Tata Indica will continue to exist with a rationalized portfolio - the lower versions of the 1.2L Xeta and the 1.4L naturally aspirated TDi diesel and one version each of the DICOR and TCIC diesel, the latter being available with ABS and Airbags.