Hi folks,
Took a testdrive of the new Indica V2 turbo diesel
today !!Let me share my impressions on the car with
you automobile aficionados !!!
Well ladies and Gentlemen, let me start with a brief
introduction on the turbo diesel version of the Indica
V2.The non turbo diesel version of the Indica Diesel
was conceived as a car with insufficient power.To turn
things around TATA has introduced the yummy Indica
with a turbo charged diesel engine !!
Turbo charger is a mechanical device/setup used to
boost the engine torque at mid and high range of RPMs
thereby extracting the maximum performance and pulling
ability(torque) out of the diesel engines!!It could be
done in Petrol engines as well ... a good example is
the rip snoring Skoda Octavia VRS!!In other words
turbocharger would enhance the wow factor of the
engine !!
Design,Stlye & Build :
The Indica V2 has always been a smart looker in its
segment!!The cherry-red colored Indica turbo looked
sexy with a neat wheel car for that large R13 rims.It
carries the 'tubo' sticker at the rear and apart from
the large rims there's nothing else to distinguish the
turbo from the non turbo diesel version.
The Indica is well built with neat flowing lines, and
muscular wheel arches lending it an aggressive
stance.The Indica being a 1 tonner is a solid car in
its segment and this explains the solid thud one can
hear while closing the door.The only sore point here
is the panel gap which is beyond acceptable limits
...better TATA addresses this point ASAP.Paint
quality, fit and finish are reasonably good and keeps
improving with every car!!
Step into the car and you'll love the generous space
this car offers!!As far as space and comfort levels
are concerned no car in its segment can match it!!The
cabin is airy and the quality level is reasonably
good.For a six footer, I feel that this is the best
car to sit and cruise comfortably and enjoy
driving!!The large seats are supportive and holds
passengers well!!Easily, this car is the most
comfortable hatchback on sale in Indian terrains!!
PowerPlant :
This Indica has a monster under the hood that will
kick your back once the turbo charger comes into
play!!The engine has a power rating of 68PS and a
whopping torque figure of 13kgm.The turbo charger
would come into effect at around 1500rpm approximately
and would enhance the pulling power of the car till
the redline.Performance easily matches with that of
the petrol engine due to turbocharging.However, at low
RPMs the Indica remains sluggish ...a characteristic
of the diesel engine!!The story is different
altogether once the turbo storms in.
The gearshift quality was not good and it requires
attention.The shift feels rubbery,notchy and quite
exasperating as well!!
The Car tips the weight scale at 1ton.This makes the
Indica to cruise comfortable over road undulations and
potholes without losing composure.Its a very
comfortable car to cruise long distances even with 5
on board.
Performance :
This car rocks in acceleration front!!Believe me, the
turbo lag is very minimal and once the engine reaches
the threshold of turbo charging it surges ahead like a
rocket!!The turbo pull is intoxicating I should
say!!To get the best out of it, I kept the engine on
the boil at around 1500RPM plus.Its a joy to
experience the turbo kick ... I got addicted to it
friends..!!Straight line stability is impressive for a
hatchback ...ride quality is good as well ..an
Indica's forte !!Handling is positive with slight
signs of body roll but not at alarming levels.
To say the least, this model is totally different in
terms of performance from the earlier version.The
staid non turbo diesel Indica is now chugging along
with energetic turbo version.The idea of selling both
these versions is good!!Noise levels are quite
acceptable for this diesel car though it could be
refined further.The best part of it is the raspy note
the exhaust sounds when cruising at 3000plus RPM...a
nice bit!!
Fuel Efficiency :
As Good as ever!!This Indica is an economic diesel
hatch that stretches to the maximum for every litre of
diesel.It is claimed to return over 17kmpl in
practical driving conditions.It is the right blend of
performance and fuel efficiency that makes this Indica
a best seller in its segment.The value for money
factor is high with this Indica too.
Salient points:
Positives:
1.Space
2.Performance (yes you read it right ....its the
diesel)
3.Yummy looks
4.Fuel Efficiency (The need of the hour
....considering global crude prices)
5.Ride Quality
6.Passenger comfort
7.Highway cruising ablility
8.Value for Money and of course the Wow factor
Negatives:
1.GearShift ...on the harder side
2.Steering lacks feedback
3.Notorious Fuel gauge (inaccurate)
Wish you happy and Safe Motoring !!
Cheers,
Arvind K
