Tata Indica V2 2001-2011 DiCOR DLS BSIII

Indica V2 2001-2011 DiCOR DLS BSIII Review

Our very own Indian automobile maker Tata which created the revolution for automobiles in India has come up with all new Tata Indica V2 DLS BSIII . Originally produced in 1998 and consistently dominated the charts, it has brought laurels to the growth of Tata company. The success of this model can be verified from this fact only that these cars have been continuously exported to other countries also. With the introduction of the first model, Tata has been upgrading the model with the latest features and innovative technologies. And this time too they tend to produce that kind of spark. This can be called a super mini car but it adds a lot of punch with power and performance. And the fuel economy is off the charts, it gives a surprising 25kmpl which is more than enough reason to get this car even with eyes close. Also to add is that this car comes with many safety and top class comfort features. This car packs all the elements of a perfect car like the styling, performance, safety and comfort to a new dimension. This specific Tata Indica V2 DLS BSIII is a high end model which means it supports many other accessories and utilities too.    

Exteriors

There are many advanced as well as innovative features ion the all new Tata Indica V2 DLS BSIII. The stylish headlamps with amber blinkers, the all new triple step grille which is chrome tipped and the rear spoiler which has a stop lamp and sporty look, all are designed to look very distinct and appealing.  Also the body colored bumpers provides a good viewing. Also this car is available in just 4 shades namely Mint White, Neo Orange, Jet Silver and Spice Red. The overall length, width and the height are 3690mm X 1665mm X 1485mm respectively. The wheel base and the minimum ground clearance are 2400mm and 165mm respectively. The headlamps have a motorized clear lens which provides a good level of illumination. The outside rear view mirror can be adjusted with manual operation only. Plus the front wiper has an intermittent function. The fuel tank capacity is of 37litres .

Interiors

Despite being a super mini car of B+ segment, the Tata Indica V2 DLS BSIII has got a lot of room. Five persons can very easily sit in the car with some leg space also. The fabric made seats are very comfortable and there are many features to our convenience such as spot lights with front cabin light, storage pockets on the side of doors, 4 spoke steering wheel which is quite elegant. One will not find the wooden finish centre console that is in the top end model. The glove compartment can also store many things and is well built. Some small things such as odometer, cigarette lighter, trip meter, adjustable steering are not present. 

Engine and Performance 

The Tata Indica V2 DLS BSIII has a 1.4L in line engine which is very good for a small family car like this and has an engine displacement of 1396cc . It has 4 cylinders with just 2 valves per cylinder making a total of 8 valves . The valve configuration is of the type of single overhead camshaft. This engine can produce a maximum power output of about 53.5bhp at the rate of 5500rpm and the maximum torque generated is 84.23Nm at the rate of 2500rpm. Also the engine is neither supercharged nor turbo charged. The transmission system is also decent with 5 speed manual gearbox. 25kmpl is the magic figure which attracts a lot of people towards this car; the company claims that it is the most efficient fuel engine in its class.  

Braking and Handling

In these types of small cars, one expects that the braking and the handling would be just satisfactory. But Tata has proved out that it isn’t satisfactory but certainly more than that. Starting with the suspension system, the front suspension is independent wishbone with McPherson strut with anti roll bar and the rear suspension is also independent with semi trailing arm which also has coil spring. Now the brakes, the front and rear brakes are disc and drum brakes respectively. Plus the radial as well as tubeless tyres are f the type 155/80 R13. Also to add is the power assisted steering wheel which is rack and pinion type, also the steering column is collapsible . 

Safety features 

Tata has certainly added some new as well as upgraded the older safety features that were in earlier models. There are child safety locks on rear doors. There is high mounted stop lamp, collapsible steering and three point adjustable front seat belts for extra safety. Plus the reinforced steel has been used for the sub frame which provides quite a lot of toughness for the car. The halogen headlamps are present but fog lights which are present nowadays in every car model are absent. There is however front as well as side impact beams which serves as two functions as they protect the car as well as the passengers. 

Comfort features

Some of the comfort features in the car are the power steering, good air conditioning but without heater, power outlet, headrests etc. The fixed lumbar support for front seats is very comfortable and refreshing. The front seats have 2 way adjustable headrests and there is also a parcel shelf which provides quite a lot of convenience. The fuel lid and the tailgate can be operated remotely and often comes quite handy in needy times. One disappointing thing is that the Tata Indica V2 DLS BSIII doesn’t come with any sort of infotainment whatsoever. There is no music system, no radio and no speakers too, none whatsoever. There is just one tachometer and that too for diesel model only. Tata should have at least provided after sales package to attach any speaker system or something else.         

Pros

Very affordable pricing.

Easily available and cheap spare parts.

Excellent fuel economy.

Cons 

Poor structure and build quality.