TATA Indica DLS : Evolution in Automotive Form . Review on Tata Indica - Diesel

Let it be said - I am no stranger to Diesel Cars. After owning an Uno for a year and a Siena Turbo-Diesel ( Read my REVIEW ) for nearly five years, I approached the Indica with a certain degree of apprehension.

Lets just start by saying I was pleasantly surprised. After it's initial launch some 5 years ago, Tata seems to have figured out what went wrong, and corrected most of the car's flaws. Why else would a car sell nearly 300,000 units in a country that is very critical of their four wheels.

Lets start with the most important question on every small car owners mind:

Average

I've only had the car for 2500 kms, during which I've seen a figure of 11 km/l in bumper to bumper city traffic conditions with the A/c on. Driving at around 65 km/h without Airconditioner should see that number rise to around 15-16 km/l (more if you're lucky). Let's not forget this is a heavy car, tipping the scales at around a ton.

Performance

Look elsewhere. The Indica is all about saving money. Definately one of the slowest cars I've ever driven, the 1.4L Indirect Injection Oil Burner struggles to keep up with it's more modern counterparts. 0-100 times of 22 secs fail to inspire. Even the heavier Palio D manages to better the Indica by 4 seconds.

This is due to a number of factors. The 1.4L Diesel motor is underpowered. No doubt about it. Cranking out 53 HorsePower and a measly 8.5 Nm of Torque, this motor isn't going to set any tracks on fire. Far from it. Add to that the heavy weight of the car and you've got a tortoise on wheels. The car feels sluggish above 50 km/h and turning the AC on makes things worse.

What Tata really needs to do is adopt a two phased approach. First things first, give the Indica the Turbocharger from the Indigo. The marginal cost increment of Rs. 4000/- per car can be passed on to the consumer with no hassles whatsoever. Why hasn't TATA done this yet?

I can only guess that they want distinction to exist between the two platforms. In that case, I suggest fitment of the Intercooler to the Indigo powertrain, boosting power upto 70 for the Indigo, and leaving the Turbocharged Indica at 62. Problem solved. A turbocharged Indica would be able to match the competition's performance figures without any adverse effect to economy and reliability.

Second phase to the approach is make the car more efficient (read: lighter). The Indica is one of the heaviest cars of the lot. Tata has adopted manufacturing processes to keep the cost down whereas Japan's latest offerings (Suzukis, Hondas etc.) all boast the use of lightweight metals, such as Aluminium, to reduce curb weight. Tata cannot boast of the same innovations because it uses good ol' Cast Iron - Cheap, Heavy and Crappy. This needs to change. Even a few kilograms shaved off, will make a difference to performance and economy figures.

Reliability

So far, no problems. Touchwood. The thermostat for the AC is making scary noises each time it cuts the ac off, but no problems so far.

Service

The number of ''Tata Authorized Service Stations'' is ever increasing, and that's a good thing. Get your oil changes and whatever done there. Avoid the dealers as far as possible. From what I hear, they give FIAT dealers a run for their money for the ''Worst Dealers in the World'' race.

Fit and Finish

From what I hear, things have come a long way. No far enough for me. The quality of fit and finish is sub-standard for a modern car and far inferior to it's import rivals. The look and feel of the Dashboard is average at best, as are the rest of the interiors. Interiors are Spartan (Like ALL Tata vehicles). Exteriors are well put together for the most part, however things like wheels gaps, puny 13 inch wheels and horrible tires make an owner upset.

MOST IMPORTANT : AVIV's SUGGESTIONS

After reading my previous reviews, I get many emails from Mouthshut readers asking what can be done to improve their respective car as much as possible. Here is what I think can be done for the Indica.

FIRST THINGS FIRST- Upgrade your wheels and tires. The Indica comes with 165/65 R13 rubber on 13 inch Steel wheels. These need to go desperately. Upgrade to 14 inch alloy wheels with whatever tubeless tire fits. If you're from Bombay, I suggest visiting Premji's in Mahim.

Then, start using Premium Diesel fuels like TurboJet, XtraMile or SuperDiesel. You'll get better mileage and your car will remain trouble free. For less than Re.1 more per liter, its definately a worthy investment.

Then, use ONLY Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic Engine oil (or any other fully synthetic brand). Purchase it from any engine oil retailer and use it. You'll get much better mileage, better pickup and your car will pass the PUC test easier. Another bonus is the oil lasts for more than 10,000 kms, so no worries. Only problem...it's expensive.

Finally, consider purchasing a K&N Performance Air Filter for your car. There are a few sellers in Bombay. If you're from a different region, buy a good car magazine and look at the last few pages. There are ads for performance products. Go for the Air Filter and a Free Flow Muffler. These will make your Indica zoom a lil faster, and alter the feel of the car. Definately worth it if you can afford it.

All in all, a great A to B car. Definately worth it's price. Wish it really did give you More car per car.... Oh well!