Tata Manza GEX

The Tata Manza GEX is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Indigo. Introduced as a more stylish and contemporary version, it features a 1248 cc or 1368 cc engine, depending on the fuel type, with manual transmission. The car is known for its spacious interior, with rear seat comfort that rivals cars in higher segments. It also offers a range of features such as automatic climate control, parking sensors, and a well-calibrated ABS system. The driving position is comfortable, with good ergonomics and visibility. The Manza GEX comes in various colors and has a substantial boot space, making it a practical choice for family use. Despite being discontinued, it remains a viable option in the used car market for those seeking a reliable and comfortable sedan.

The Tata Manza GEX is a well-rounded family sedan that offers a compelling package for those seeking comfort, fuel efficiency, and value for money. One of the standout features is its exceptional rear seat comfort, which is comparable to cars in higher segments. The car boasts improved build quality, fit, and finish, although there is still some room for improvement in certain areas. The 1.3 diesel engine, paired with the Fiat C549 gearbox, provides smooth and efficient performance, albeit with some turbo lag on steep inclines. The braking system is another highlight, with excellent ABS calibration that ensures stable and safe stops. However, the car lacks outright performance and has an inconsistent after-sales network. Overall, its a solid choice for family use, especially considering its spacious interior and comfortable ride quality.

Tata Motors officially stopped the sale of the Tata Manza sedan in December 2015, removing it from their lineup. This decision was made after the car, initially named Indigo Manza, failed to gain traction as a personal vehicle due to its association with the Indigo, which is commonly used as a taxi. Despite a facelift and the addition of the Club Class label, the car did not meet customer expectations. I believe this was a necessary step for Tata to focus on more successful models.

The Tata Manza GEX, one of the top variants, was known for its comfortable driving experience, especially on long distances. It featured a manual transmission and offered a mileage of up to 21.12 kmpl for the diesel variant. The car also included features like GPS navigation, power windows, and an integrated music system. I think the Manza GEX was a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed sedan.

Tata Motors had plans to launch a compact sedan based on the Manza by early 2014, as part of their strategy to refresh their lineup for the Indian Auto Expo. However, this plan did not materialize as expected. The company was looking to leverage the success of the Indica Vista and apply similar strategies to the Manza. I believe this could have been an interesting development, but it seems the focus shifted to other models instead.

In March 2013, Tata Motors announced a price reduction for the Tata Manza diesel variants, with prices starting at Rs. 5.99 lakh. This move was aimed at boosting sales by making the vehicle more competitive in its segment. The price cut of up to Rs. 50,000 was a significant attempt to attract more buyers. I think this was a smart move to clear inventory and attract price-sensitive customers.

Tata Motors introduced the Club Class label to the Manza in an effort to revamp and reposition the car in the market. This update included several new features such as rear fog lamps, follow-me-home headlamps, and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. These additions were meant to enhance the cars appeal and safety features. I believe these updates were a step in the right direction, but they came a bit too late to change the cars fortunes.

The Tata Manza GEX, although discontinued, was priced competitively in its time. The ex-showroom prices ranged from approximately Rs. 5.80 lakh to Rs. 8.80 lakh, depending on the variant. On-road prices would have been slightly higher, typically adding around Rs. 1-2 lakh for taxes, registration, and other costs, bringing the total to around Rs. 6.80 lakh to Rs. 10.80 lakh. Given its features and performance, the Manza GEX offered good value for money, especially in the sub-10 lakh segment. However, since it is no longer in production, buyers would need to consider the used car market or alternative models.

The mileage of the Tata Manza GEX is one of its strong points. The diesel variant offers an impressive ARAI-certified mileage of 21.12 kmpl, while the petrol variant stands at 13.7-15 kmpl. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 18-20 kmpl for the diesel and 12-14 kmpl for the petrol, making it a fuel-efficient choice for daily commuting and long trips. This makes the Manza GEX an attractive option for those concerned about running costs.