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.

Vista will be 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.

New Indica Vista, codenamed Indica X1, would co-exist alongside the older versions, but will be priced higher. It has prominent wheel arches, a 5-speed synchromesh gearbox with overdrive, bigger 175/65 R 14 tubeless tyres and a twist beam suspension.

The most prominent new features of Indica Vista are:

1) Swept back headlamp cluster.
2) Full length tail lamp cluster, making the car overall sleeker and smoother.
3) Centrally mounted instrument cluster like in Chevrolet Spark.
4) All new bumbers.
5) Space for double size music system.
6) Perfect thigh support and the cabin feels as good as Honda Cars.

The new Indica Vista 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.

However the full length pillar mounted tail lamp is an eyesore. But more than the exteriors, the interiors of new Indica vista will be more exciting.

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. The new Indica vista will also come with host of special features. The exterior features of the new Indica Vista includes fog lamps and rear wiper.

The other comfort features includes head rest for the rear passengers, Integrated CD player, 60:40 split folding rear seats and fabric lining on seats & doors.

Engine options in New Tata Indica vista:

1. 1172cc Petrol Safire
---Maximum Power: 65bhp
---Maximum Torque: 96Nm

2. 1248cc Quadrajet Diesel
---Maximum Power: 75bhp
---Maximum Torque: 190Nm

3. 1405cc Turbo Diesel Injection (TDi)
---Maximum Power: 71bhp
---Maximum Torque: 135Nm

They are copy pasting Fiat's fantastic 1.3 Litre multijet engine with a change of name, Quadra Jet. Also on the line up will be 1.2 Litre Petrol and a re-worked version of present 1.4 Litre Turbocharged TDI engine.

Indica Vista would compete with the premium B segment hatchbacks including the Getz, Swift, Aveo-UVA and Palio.It would have larger 14 inch wheels with 175/65 spec tubeless tyres and finally the tyres fill up the wheelarch unlike the current Indica.

The Indica vista saffire will be priced in the range of Rs4-5lakhs and the new indica vista Dicor would be priced Rs4.5-6lakhs. The new indica V3 vista will be pitted against Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Skoda’s Fabia.

Colors Available in Indica Vista:

Video of New Indica Vista shot at Auto Expo 2008: