Tata Manza EXL Diesel

The Tata Manza EXL Diesel is a mid-size saloon that was introduced as an update to the Indigo Manza, aiming to offer more car per car, as per Tatas philosophy. Launched in 2009, it was known for its spacious interior, which is still one of its standout features. The car is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 90 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The EXL variant comes with several updates, including leather seats, a touchscreen interface, and automatic climate control. While the exterior changes are minimal, the cars ride quality and stability at speed are notable. It is well-suited for comfort-oriented driving, particularly for those who often use chauffeurs. Despite some drawbacks, the Manza remains a strong contender in its segment due to its value proposition and feature set.

The Tata Manza EXL Diesel, despite its updates, remains a mixed bag. On the positive side, it offers exceptional space, making it one of the most spacious mid-size saloons in its segment. The cabin ambience has been enhanced with nicely finished leather seats and a revised centre console featuring a touchscreen interface for the audio system, Bluetooth telephony, and satellite navigation. However, the diesel engine, while performing well once the turbo kicks in, feels sluggish in city driving, and the slightly heavy steering does not add to the comfort. The suspension is commendable, absorbing bumps effectively, and the car is best suited for chauffeur-driven use. Overall, while the Manza holds its ground in terms of space and features, it could have benefited from more significant improvements in other areas.

Tata Motors has officially discontinued the Tata Manza, including the EXL Diesel variant, from their lineup. The decision was made due to the cars failure to gain traction in the market, despite several updates and facelifts. I think this move was inevitable given the cars struggles.

In a bid to boost sales, Tata Motors had earlier slashed the prices of the Tata Manza EXL Diesel by up to Rs 50,000. This move was part of a broader strategy to make the car more competitive in the mid-size sedan segment. I believe this was a good attempt, but it ultimately wasnt enough.

The Manza EXL Diesel came with several premium features, including automatic climate control, Italian leather seats, and an eight-spoke alloy wheel design. These updates were aimed at enhancing the cabin ambience and overall appeal of the vehicle. I believe these features helped in making the car feel more luxurious.

Despite its spacious cabin and comfortable ride, the Tata Manza EXL Diesel faced criticism for its sluggish city driving performance and slightly heavy steering. However, the suspension was praised for its ability to absorb bumps at city speeds. I think this made it more suited for chauffeur-driven use.

The Tata Manza EXL Diesel featured a 1.3-litre Quadrajet turbo diesel engine, producing 89bhp and 200Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine was known for its fuel efficiency, with an ARAI mileage of 21.12 kmpl. I think the engine was one of the stronger points of this car.

The Tata Manza EXL Diesel is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the top-of-the-line EXL diesel variant starts at around 8.8 lakh in Delhi. When you factor in the on-road costs, including taxes and other charges, the price can go up to approximately 10.4 lakh in Mumbai, as per the on-road pricing. This pricing positions the Manza as a value-for-money option, especially considering the additional features and the spacious interior it offers. However, the overall cost-effectiveness also depends on the buyers perception of the brand and the cars performance.

The mileage of the Tata Manza EXL Diesel is one of its strong points. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 21.12 kmpl, it is quite fuel-efficient, especially for long drives. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 16 to 18 kmpl in mixed city and highway driving, which is impressive given the cars size and power output. This makes the Manza a viable option for those concerned about running costs and fuel efficiency.