Jun 18, 2004 06:40 PM
7305 Views
(Updated Jun 18, 2004 06:44 PM)
Why should I pay the huge price difference between the Palio diesel and Indica diesel?
Engine -with a 1400 cc engine the Indica is an extremely underpowered car.
It delivers only 53.5 bhp and 8.5 kgm of torque. The driving experience is stressful since it is difficult to overtake other cars in traffic. On slopes the AC has to be switched off. Gears have to be continuously changed to maintain the momentum of the car. In fact that is the reason why they have turbo charged the 1400 cc engine for application in the Indigo. On the other hand our 1.9 D engine delivers adequate power (63 bhp) and torque (12.2 kgm) which has adequate reserves to provide a relaxed driving experience on the Palio.
Engine life - the small 1.4 engine on the Indica needs overhaul at lower (100,000 km) interval since the load on the engine is high. On the other hand the 1.9 D-Tech engine of the Palio will give a life of atleast 150,000 kms.
Subframe for Engine and suspension - this insulates the cabin from engine vibrations and road shocks. Without an engine sub frame the Indica engine shakes and jerks which is felt on the gear lever.
Refinement - Besides the Indica lacks the feel of a refined car. The engine is rough and harsh.
Gear shift quality - The gearbox of Palio has twin Bowden cables for gear shifting which eliminate vibrations and noise levels and results in slick gear shifts. The Indica uses a rod linkage, which results in vague/spongy gear shift quality besides transmission of engine vibrations to the driver.
Ride quality - of the Palio is far superior thanks to use of an engine sub frame in the front on which all suspension and engine components are mounted and thereby preventing shocks/vibrations from reaching the passengers. This sub frame is not present on the Indica. In the rear the Palio has a heavy duty twist beam suspension along with an anti roll bar. The rear suspension of the Indica does not have an anti roll bar
Looks - the Indica was launched in 1999 and is outdated styling. It is based on the styling of original Palio which has been restyled and launched in India with clear lamps in front and rear. The Indica has huge gaps between the front wheel and body. Its tow hooks are not concealed and protrude. It is not a well finished car. IT’S A PITY TO SEE THAT GAP BETWEEN FRONT TYRE & BODY
High speed handling - the Italian engineering of the Palio ensures superior handling and control even at high speeds. The Indica on the other hand is not so sure footed at high speeds.
Quality of plastics and fittings - is low on the Indica. Please compare their steering wheel/Gear knob quality with that of the Palio and judge for yourself.
User friendly dashboard - Palio has an asymmetric design for ease of use of controls. Our music system is mounted at a high level unlike the Indica where it is at a low level thereby causing a distraction while driving.
Resale value - TATA have taken cost cutting to an extreme. After a few months the car is known to rattle. It has very low resale. Fiat diesels have always commanded a good price.
Trouble free ownership - Indica is infamous for its high product complaint levels even after the V2. On the other hand Fiat diesels are trouble free operation with long engine life.
Driving comfort - on long trips and the easy maneuverability in the city are aided
by a smooth and effortless hydraulic clutch which does not require any adjustment
since it is self adjusting.
Safety - Bi parabola halogen headlights, responsive steering mechanism add to your safety in the Palio. Fire protection Switch to switch off fuel supply in case of an accident. Energy Absorbing Steering Wheel. Palio is an international car, which has been successful worldwide in countries like Brazil/Turkey/Poland/China/South Africa and many more.
Luggage capacity - The Palio boot is also far more spacious at 260 Litres as compared to 217 of the Indica. You can carry one extra suitcase in the Palio.
Fuel tank capacity - 47 litres against 37 of Indica. Larger fuel capacity is essential on long drives since diesel on highway pumps is often adulterated.
Dual parabola headlamps - for a modern look and better night illumination.
Warranty - Besides the Palio uses higher quality of steel and is covered by a 5 year anti perforation warranty while the Indica has only an 18 month warranty.
Features - Palio offers several features which are not available on Indica such as
• Double crank protection on ignition lock
• Clutch footrest
• 3 stage door opening
• ABS option
• Water in diesel sensor
• Anti roll bar in rear
• Concealed tow hook
• Body side door moulding
• Reverse gear interlock
• Fire Protection System
What are the specific user-friendly features of the diesel Palio?
Tachometer is a standard feature on all the variants and is the only car in the B segment to have this feature on all its variants.
Wooden dashboard finish is another unique feature in the 'B segment.
Variable capacity AC compressor - this provides steady cooling without excessively loading the engine. Its capacity is 126 cc.
Besides we provide an anti glare rear view mirror on all models.
Additionally Palio diesel range all other features offered on our petrol range such as third stop light, rear windshield defroster, power windows on all four doors, internally adjustable rear view mirrors, parcel shelf at rear, pre wiring for music/speaker fitment, a 2 year cosmetic warranty and a 5 year anti perforation warranty on the body shell and so on.
What additional features are available on EL model over the Indica DLS
cabin heater in the HVAC
anti glare rear view mirror
cigarette lighter
rpm meter
