Tata Indica eV2 DLX BSIII

Indica eV2 DLX BSIII Review

Tata Motors is one of the largest automaker in India and has wide range of models in its portfolio. Tata Indica is one of their very popular hatchbacks, which is available with diesel and CNG fuel options. The Tata Indica V2 DLX BSIII is the top end diesel variant, which is powered by a 1.4-litre engine. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox that helps to deliver 17.88 Kmpl. It has a classy body design equipped with neatly crafted cosmetics like clear lens headlamps, triple step chrome grille and several other such aspects. It is a roomy hatchback with good shoulder and leg space, which makes it comfortable for the occupants inside. The interiors are quite decent with ebony black and sahara beige color scheme. It is equipped with several standard comfort features, which includes a power steering system, an HVAC unit, 60:40 flip flop rear seats and a proficient car infotainment system, that makes the journey relaxed. At present, this hatch comes in four body paint, which are Mint White, Jet Silver, Seat Blue and Spanish Tan. The company is offering a 36-month or 150,000 kilometers warranty (whichever is earlier). At present, this hatchback is in competition with the likes of Maruti Wagon R, Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo and several others in its segment.

Exteriors:

It has a decent looking front profile fitted with a triple step chrome grille that is surrounded by a clear lens headlight cluster. This is further equipped with powerful halogen headlamps and turn indicator. The front bumper is rather plain and comes with a wide air intake section that has in-built fog lamps. The overall look of the front is complimented by the company's insignia embellished to the grille. Its side profile is equipped with electrically adjustable wing mirrors, which are further equipped with side blinkers. Its B pillars, door handles and the ORVM caps are in body color, which gives an urbane look to the side. Its wheel arches have been equipped with a set of 14-inch steel wheels that are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 165/65 R14. The rear profile has a chrome appliqué , while the C pillar mounted taillight cluster has high intensity lamps, turn indicators and reflectors as well. This hatch comes with a total length of 3690mm along with an overall width of 1665mm. It has a decent height of about 1485mm and a generous ground clearance of 165mm.

Interiors:

The internal cabin is done up with dual tone color scheme along with silver inserts given on central console and gear knob. The ebony black colored dashboard has been fitted with several utility equipments like an instrument cluster, AC unit, music system and so on. It is further integrated with a three spoke steering wheel that has a company's badge on it. The seats are covered with partial beige color fabric upholstery. The cabin space is quite good especially the leg and shoulder room as it comes with a large wheelbase of 2400mm. The rear seats have 60:40 split folding facility, which enables the passengers to increase the boot storage capacity. This hatch comes with a total fuel tank capacity of 37-litres and a boot volume of 220-litres. It is equipped with several utility features like front cabin lights, tachometer, storage/magazine pockets, and bottle holders as well.

Engine and Performance:

This trim is powered by a BSIII compliant 1.4-litre diesel engine that has a displacement capacity of 1405cc . It has 4-cylinders and 16-valves based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. Its multi-point fuel injection system helps the motor to produce 48.23bhp at 5000rpm that results in a peak torque output of 85Nm at just 2500rpm. This DOHC based engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission gearbox that transmits the torque output to the front wheels and produces a peak mileage of just 17.88 Kmpl. It takes about 22.4 seconds for this vehicle to reach a 100 Kmph mark and it can achieve a top speed of approximately 137 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

This variant is blessed with a sophisticated independent dual circuit, vacuum assisted, diagonal split hydraulic brakes, which are accompanied with tandem master cylinders. Its front wheels have been paired with ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones have been coupled with drum brakes, which offer a reliable performance. As far as suspension is concerned, its front axle is equipped with an independent McPherson Strut type of system loaded with lower wishbone. At the same time, the rear axle is fitted with Independent semi-trailing arm type of suspension, which is assisted by coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. On the other hand, this trim is also integrated with a highly responsive direct rack and pinion based power assisted steering , which offers a precise response at all times.

Comfort Features :

This Tata Indica V2 DLX BSIII is the fully loaded variant, which is blessed with several important comfort features. It has an air conditioning system with heater, power steering, all four power windows, front power outlets, fixed lumbar support for front seats, 2-way adjustable front seat headrest, 60:40 flip-flop rear seat and a parcel shelf. It is also incorporated with aspects like a tachometer, cabin lamp, magazine pockets , bottle holders and numerous other utility features. In addition to these, this trim is also equipped with an advanced multi-functional music system with 2-speakers, MP3/CD player and supports auxiliary input, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. It also features an IR remote control for audio and a digital clock.

Safety Features:

This top end variant has been bestowed with some crucial safety aspects. The list includes 3-point ELR seat belts for front seat passengers, central locking system with remote, child safety locks on rear doors, high mounted third brake lights, fog lamps and key less entry. This trim is also incorporated with an engine immobilizer that keeps the vehicle protected from any unauthorized access.

Pros:

1. Spacious internal cabin and comfortable seating.

2. Suspension and braking mechanism is good.

Cons:

1. Engine performance and power is a disadvantage.

2. Outdated exterior appearance is a big drawback.