The Tata Indica is a supermini car produced by the Indian manufacturer Tata Motors since 1998. It is the first passenger car from Tata Motors and it is also considered India's first indigenous developed passenger car. As of August 2008, more than 910, 000 units were produced and the platform had spawned off close to 1.2 million vehicles.[1] The annual sales of Indica has been as high as 144, 690 units in 2006–07.[2] As of July 2009, monthly sales of Indica were around 8000 units. The models have also been exported to Europe, Africa and other countries since late in 2004
First generation(1998–2007)[edit]
First generation
2000 Tata Indica.JPG
Overview
Also called Tata Indicab(panel van)
Tata B-Line(South Africa)[5]
Production 1998–2007
Assembly Pune, Maharashtra, India
Designer I.DE.A Institute
Body and chassis
Body style 5-door hatchback
Related Tata Indigo
Rover CityRover
Powertrain
Engine 1.2 L I4(petrol)
1.4 L I4(petrol)
1.4 L I4(diesel)
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2, 400 mm(94.5 in)
Length 3, 690 mm(145.3 in)
Base: 3, 675 mm(144.7 in)
Width 1, 665 mm(65.6 in)
Top Version: 1, 485 mm(58.5 in)
Height 1, 485 mm(58.5 in)
Top Version: 1, 500 mm(59.1 in)
When first launched, the Indica prompted many complaints from early purchasers, who claimed that the vehicle did not deliver horsepower and gas mileage as promised.[citation needed] In response to the customer complaints, Tata Motors re-engineered the internals of the car and launched it as Indica V2(version 2), which solved most of the complaints and emerged as one of the most sought after cars in the Indian automobile industry. Later, it was again updated, now marketed as the "Refreshingly New Indica V2". This was followed by the next variant of Indica, current in early 2008, called the Indica V2 Xeta Petrol, which delivers 70 PS(51 kW; 69 hp) of power at a fuel efficiency of 14 km/l(about 33 mpg U.S., fuel consumption of 7.1 L/100 km) under standard test conditions.[6] In Indian city conditions, fuel economy can drop to about 10 km/l(about 23.5 mpg U.S., 10 L/100 km).
Since the V1 and V2 which were visually identical, Tata had applied styling updates to the Indica in 2004[7] and 2007.[8]
In India, three versions were available with different trim levels.
Indica V2 – 1.4 L diesel(naturally aspirated engine(NA) in the DLE and DLS; turbocharged option in the DLS(TC); turbocharged and intercooled(TCIC Engine) DLG and DLX; DiCOR engine offered in the DLS and DLG);
Indica V2 Petrol – 1.4l Petrol Carbureted(Indica 2000) 1.4L petrol with Hitachi ECU, 1.2L and 1.4L petrol with Bosch ECU(Indica Xeta), 1.2 L LPG(GLE & GLS versions only);
Indicab – 1.4 L naturally aspirated diesel(DL and DLE), a low-price car with the same framework but fewer features and luxuries, aimed at cab and contract transport business fleets. Very popular among transport business people.[9]
Originally offered with 1.4L petrol and diesel engines, a turbocharged diesel engine was introduced in October 2005; a 1.2L petrol engine in November 2006 and a DiCOR(Direct Injection Common Rail) diesel version of Indica V2 was launched in January 2008. It features 16 valves, double overhead camshafts, a variable geometry turbocharger and an intercooler. The top end GLG, GLX, DLG, DLX versions and the turbo and DiCOR diesel engines, as well as the 1.4L petrol engines have been phased out with the introduction of the next generation Indica Vista. The turbocharged engine was reintroduced in August 2010 as the turbomax in the DLE and DLS Trim levels in metros where BS IV norms were introduced.[10] Later in March 2011, the Indica eV2 was launched with a'CR4' engine similar to the earlier DiCor engine with features like Auto-Drive Assist and Clutch-To-Start and claims a class leading ARAI mileage of 25kmpl[11]
A compressed natural gas(CNG) was launched in 2001.[12] It is offered as an option through OEM Bedini kits offered by Shrimanker Gas Services India on the Indica V2 XETA.[13]
Faced with numerous CNG-related complaints, TATA organised a systematic recall and retrofit of Bedini equipment which included a new improved Lamda sensor / electronic control unit, Bedini emulator and new wiring harness approved and tested by both TATA and ARAI(Automotive Research Association of India) from 28–31 May 2007. With the new system, TATA aims to improve gas delivery and performance.[citation needed]
In its home market, the Indica offers good interior capacity and competes with the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Wagon-R, Maruti Alto, the Hyundai Santro and the Fiat Palio. The diesel versions, however, have little or no competition since few diesel cars exist in the Indica's price bracket.
The slightly higher-than-average net weight makes for a slightly more comfortable ride compared to lighter cars. Fit and finish continue be criticised compared to offerings from Fiat and Maruti.[14]
In the UK a badge engineered version was imported by the MG Rover Group and sold as the Rover CityRover. Other popular foreign markets include South Africa where the Indica and the Indicab models(known as B Line) are sold.
The Indica platform spawned a number of variants, including the Tata Indigo three-box saloon which includes the shorter Indigo CS, Long wheelbase XL and the Indigo Marina estate.
