New TATA Indica 2008 Dicor Review : Fiat 1.3 Diesel, 1.4 Petrol
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.
It’s a massive hatchback with so much comfort in the rear, which has always been its plus point, taxiwallas fav. I must say. But the new one is not just a car to be chauffeured. The new 1.3L Fiat engine and 1.4L petrol is enough to compete against Japanese and Korean brands.
The New Look
A team led by ex-IDEA design Italy, carried out the design of the new Indica. The brief was to design a recognizable Indica, but also keep it fresh and distinct from the earlier model. The new Indica has a bigger smiling grill and Air inlet, vertically stacked tail-lights - an Indica trademark. New headlamps strech along way . Indica’s interiors is generous and it has now grown outward in every area.
- Overall length is up 120mm and height up by 65mm.
- Centrally mounted instrument cluster like in Chevrolet Spark.
- Space for double size music system.
- Perfect thigh support and the cabin feels as good as Honda Cars.
Under the hood
The new Indica 2008 is powered by award winning FIAT engines. The diesel one, 1.3 L Multi-jet 75bhp (Quadrajet) , also being sported on upcoming Maruti Suzuki SX4 - Swift, Chevy Aveo, Fiat Linea, Fiat Punto and many more
. The petrol engine uses 1.4 L VVT Fire engine with 65 bhp power.
Despite all those modificatons there is only 10-15kg increase in weight.
Safety
This Indica meets all european safety norms. You can expect the higher versions to be equipped with all safety features like Airbags, ABS and possibly EPS too. The tyres are wider and lower profile 175/55 R14 .
Bigger and better in every way. More luxurious, more comfort, more space, better suspension and an excellent engine. But will it be enough to compete againt upcoming Suzuki Splash (which has the same FIAT diesel engine) and the Hyundai i10 ?
Specifications
Engine : Four Cylinder, in line, 1248cc, turbo-diesel / 1368cc Petrol.
Layout : Front, transverse, Front Wheel Drive
Power : 74bhp at 4000rpm / 64bhp at 6000rpm
Gearbox : Five-speed, manual.
Suspension (F) : Independent , lower wishbone, MacPherson Strut, Anti-roll bar.
Suspension (R) : Non-Indepented, twist beam, coil spring, stabiliser bar.
A video taken by Mr. Gaurav at the AutoExpo 2008
Leave a comment »