Maxabout Review

Best Indica Ever

Overview - Best Tata Hatchback Till Date

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. Indica Vista is a huge improvement 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 Indigo CS compact sedan.

Update: Tata Indica Vista 1st Anniversary Edition Launched

Tata Motors celebrated the 1st Anniversary of the Indica Vista with the launch of Limited Edition Indica Vista. Component wise there is not much changes except some minor tweaks. This includes  a new set of alloy wheels,TAN leather strips in cock pit and door trims. which comes in an exclusive colour combination - porcelain white bodywork with a black roof and royal gold with earth metallic finish roof and outside rear view mirros.

Click here for more details of Tata Indica Vista 1st Anniversary Edition 

Design & Style Of Indica Vista

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. Tata has intentionally retained the family look and the Indica vista is a clear evolution of the Indica. A new central character line on the bonnet gives character to the car. The grille of Indica Vista with a new striking pedal shaped headlamps gives the it a more up market look.

As most of you may remember, Tata unveiled the Indica Vista during the 2008 Auto Expo. It looks like a grown up and better looking Indica. This now looks like a proper supermini. The winged shape headlight cluster of Indica Vista 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. There is not much change in side and rear profile of Indica Vista. The top end variant Indica vista gets big wheels and body colored handles.

Interiors Of Indica Vista

Inside, Indica Vista offers a much improved experience to the driver. It is more spacious, and the Vista is bit wider and longer than the last-generation Indica. 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 up market feel.

Similar to any other Tata products, the Indica vista 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 colored 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 foldable rear seats.

Engine Options In Indica Vista

Indica Vista was the first car to feature engines from partner Fiat. It is available with three engine options:

•  1172cc Petrol - Max Power: 65 Bhp - Max Torque: 96 Nm
•  1248cc Diesel - Max Power: 75 Bhp - Max Torque: 190 Nm
•  1405cc Diesel - Max Power: 71 Bhp - Max Torque: 135 Nm

The petrol version of the Indica Vista is seriously underpowered. Vista is not a light car, and a 65 Bhp petrol engine is not the way to go here. The Quadrajet is also called the Multijet and is also being produced by Maruti Suzuki Power train for the Swift and Swift Dzire models.

Now, Tata Motors is now planning to plonk the 1.4 litre petrol engine into the Indica Vista which is currently doing duty in Fiat Grande Punto. The new model range is expected to be christened as Tata Indica Vista Ignis.

Click here for more details and specifications of Indica Vista Ignis

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 Features Available In Indica Vista

On safety front it is a major disappointment that neither ABS or airbags are offered in the Indica Vista. Considering the traffic situation on our roads and lawlessness, this is a major sin in my opinion. There are Indica models already offering airbags and ABS, so it reflects badly on Tata to offer a newer, better and more sophisticated version in the Vista without them.

The Swift finally has some competition and good one at that. Tata has learnt a lot over the years with their original Indica and it shows. The Vista is not just a good improvement, it is actually a good car. The Vista does everything the Swift does and is better in some areas particularly the space department. You get more kit as well and at a price lower than the Swift.

Warranty & Price Of Indica Vista

The car comes with a segment best 24 months (75,000 km) warranty and will be available in a range of seven colors in seven variants priced at Rs.3,53,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai) for the 1.2L petrol Safire at the low end, going up to Rs.4,99,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the top end 1.3L Quadrajet.

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. Between the existing Indica V2 and the new Indica Vista range, customers will have a choice at every step of the Rs.2,60,000- 4,99,000 price range.

Variants Available In Indica Vista

Terra - Available in 1.2 Safire Petrol & 1.4 TDi.
Aqua - Available in 1.2 Safire Petrol, 1.4 TDi & 1.3 Quadrajet.
Aura - Available in 1.2 Safire Petrol &1.3 Quadrajet.