V2: My efficient steed. Review on Tata Indica V2

I bought my Black V2 DLS in mid 2003 after a lot of research and tests. After nearly 18 months I can confidently say that I dont regret my decision even for a minute! I drive primarily in the city and average abt 50 kms daily monday to friday and counting my weekend trips with family, its approx 1300 kms a month.

Indica with its amazing fuel efficiency makes this easy on the pocket. I bought Indica mainly for fuel efficiency and comfort. In city conditions I get abt 17.5 to 18.5 kmpl without A/C and abt 16 kmpl with A/C. I monitor the fuel efficiency religiously every month and the above figures are constant since the first service after purchase.

The trick to get maximum fuel efficiency in Indica is to get to the 5th gear as soon as the speed crosses 45 kmph and avoid crossing 55-60 barrier in town. Rather than the speed, u have to get a feel of the RPM and change gears at the appropriate RPM. I have a DLS without a tacho, but I have learnt how to guage the correct RPM for the gear shift.

My gear shift speeds are as follows:

1st - on start;

2nd - 10 kmph;

3rd - 20 kmph;

4th - 35 kmph;

5th - 45-50 kmph.

Remember speed here is only for reference. U need to go by the engine sound n pulling power that indicates RPM. The second advantage is comfort: the front and back rows are very comfortable for five people even on long journeys. There's acres of leg room in front and decent in the back. The doors open wide and the elders and the arthritic (like my parents) can walk in and out confortably.

The A/C feels good in the front row and the takes some time to get to the back row. The pick up of course is affected by the A/C. While moving up steep slopes, I quickly switch off the A/C (the fans keep running) and get a decent surge of power. For a long journey A/C is good because after a certain time the entire interior cools to a comfortable degree.

The much maligned diesel noise is very much reduced. In the 4th and 5th gears all u hear in the car is a low hum. There is very less vibration. I hear the ''refreshingly new'' indica is even more improved in this matter.

I had no maintainance problems till date, and touch wood, dont think I will get it in near future too. The secret of maintaining a diesel car is servicing it regularly (say once in 5000 kms) and driving it with care.

The only Con I can think of -is the lack of ''pickup'' - but who would ever use a deadly pickup in the city traffic. Fuel efficiency is important in city not speed. On the highway, it would take time to reach good speed, but once it does, its a smooth slick ride! If u really want speed too go for the powerful Petrol version.

I recommend this car as a sensible buy if u travel extensively in city or outside. And remember to take care of it like your own child.