I have decided to go for diesel fuel powered vehicle considering my daily usage of 32 kms and occasional long drive around 900 kms (where in the Earth? only to my native ).
The following factors I have used to filter my option
1) Specific fuel consumption usage
2) space
3) comfort and safety
4) Service
Preliminary rounds made me to Converge between
~ Maruti Swift VDi ,
~ Ford ikon dura torq diesel
~ TATA indica Vista MULTIJET AURA.
Maruti Swift Vdi:
The weight age given for swift Vdi for its DDIS Multi jet engine (borrowed from Fiat) interiors , service support network , finish and quality.
Ford ikon dura torq diesel
The Ford ikon Dura Torq diesel a excellent engine borrowed from ford fiseta. The engine offers almost a flat torque curve , most suitable for city ride and offers excellent mileage also.
The air conditioner is excellent .(even you can feel the Ac within a shortest period of switching on.
.In my opinion the front grille need to be improved. a wide opening may not be appropriate for stony Indian road condition. (A stupid doubt comes to mind - will the wide bare opening at the top of the grille offer any invitation to rats and squirrels to explore the engine and wiring them self , when car is parked in garage) .
The availability of service network across the country and cost of the spares is the real concern
TATA indica vista qutra jet aura -
mulled by same Fiat Multi jet engine and gear box matched to Indian road condition. A decent flat torque curve ideal for city traffic. Though quality of service need some improvement still its wide service network is a consolation. ( You need not to wait for days together for your spares that are going to be ferried from " city" ) .
i have test drived all the 3 models.
Up to now it was a Engineering evaluation and now comes Economics.
I had a storng feeling that if at all compromise can be made in your comfort then dont ever go for that comfort. Means if u want Car go for it. don't try 2 add an extra wheel for an Auto rickshaw and call it as car . From the Economy in terms of investment and returns -
So TATA indica MULTI JET AURA a really value for money.
Power plant :
The 1.3 Multi-jet 16v is a 1251 cc 4 cylinder in line power unit, chain-driven timing system with rocker control (a maintenance-free solution), hydraulic tappets, a cast iron crankcase with an aluminum base, an aluminum cylinder head and steel crankshaft and connecting rods. The 1.3 Multi-jet 16v is provided with a turbocharger with waste gate and inter cooler. It also features an electronically-controlled EGR system and an exhaust gas cooling device: the 1.3 Multi-jet 16v already meets Euro 4 emission limits. These features translates in terms of lower noise levels , improved comfort, fewer alternating masses means fewer vibrations , a smooth, satisfying drive due to very gradual torque delivery , all the flexibility and prompt responses of a diesel that thinks it’s a petrol engine due to its wide rpm range .
The Engine (FIAT) gear box (FIAT) so nothing 2 worry about. My logic goes like this.
If Maruti and Tata can choose a engine from other maker (FIAT) will it not a showcase of that product superiority?. So considering this TATA MULTIJET AURA. this point is satisfying and made u feel like a proud owner. In fact the vibration on the engine is quite low u will not feel like a diesel engine at all.The gear shifting is smooth . The first 3 gear ratio are kept city ride in mind even though 4 and 5 can be still wider ratio for high way cruising but it offers optimal fuel Economy
Features and Comfort- A good A/c, interiors adjustable steering column and seat height and 60: 40 foldable seats (a rather innovative thinking) .tube less tires, 2 DIN factory fitted music system , Rear wiper ( swift doesnt have this even as option- u feel the need when u want to reverse during monsoon) . Rear seat space is more. people can still talking about ABS and Air bags. ) But in my opinion the air bags may triggered in the city high way Pot holes even. But some one can assure me in this regard ). The vibrant color choice and cost of spares comparatively cheaper.
Brand Value:
I would like to point out one thing. The Indian customer is wise. I want 2 repeat this.
The Indian customer is not the one who is getting carried away by any big brand names and offers. ultimately he decides on the performance and delivery.
In a simple words he asks
*how many km per liter?
how many people can sit in it?.
any repair shop in my place?
What is the cost of spares? *
Though the questions looks like stupid innocent one when considering Ride quality, Flat rate torque curve and other HI FI worded questions , These questions are of real issue.
Remember Huyndai Santro fielded between Mauti , ford . That time hyundai was a new entrant and still people preferred it at the cost of other "Major Brands". Of course brand may cause initial interest for the customer to explore but deliverable from the product is only make the winner.
Cost: Not but the least its a prime factor.Less than 60000 INR compared to other two brands you will get all the features u r interested including center locking.
The TATA Motors is now reaping the benefit of their own research and development. Since complete design concept is known , it is easier for them to modify, clone and evolve new variants.
The cost benefits ( with the absence of Royalty and import duties ) are passed to the customers.
So friends I have booked the car and waiting for the delivery ( with in 30 days I have been told). I will share the pictures and review later.
Arrival of the Car
Much expected delivery has been happened on 4 th Apr 2009. Took the delivery with all checks (Dealer forgot to deliver Remote for music system but next working day it had arrived.) . The sales team has given me a surprise send off with "Happy motoring wish" ( I never expect this from TATa. Ok Service is improving) The car was just amazing. The power of the vehicle , space and excellent torque (190 N-m) really its a super hero. I had little doubt about diesel rock and noise. But believe me some time I forgot to switch off the engine as the engine noise is so low and so less vibration. The Anti-glare mirror does the wonders during night driving. May be this feature to be made as a compulsory fitting in other cars too.
The music system is so good. Excellent I can say. Enough clarity and five pre set music settings.
Really MORE SMILES PER CAR. so far I have covered 297 Kms. Fuel efficiency is about 16.5 km pl (city driving with AC on ) (New car will take some time to give better yield I was told).
I will add more after 1000 km run
HATS OFF to TATA and many thanks
