May 24, 2011 02:45 PM
11242 Views
(Updated May 24, 2011 02:44 PM)
This is my 2nd review of a Tata Car. On both occasions I have owned the cars and driven for a considerable amount of time. My Indica Vista Safire 65, was bought in Nov 2009, Porcelain White and top end model Aura. The first 2 weeks went in accepting the under powered engine and pick up as comapred to my earlier Indica Xeta 1.4 L petrol Engine. The overall drievability of the car due to a drop in the engine size, power and the torque is experienced immediately. I drove a Xeta for more than 3 years and for more than 50K kms.
The overall fit & finish is way ahead as compared to old tata indica and even on some counts beats Wagon R, Figo, i10. The cabin is very spacious, lots of head room and a big wind shield gives a very airy feeling. There is a blind spot on the right & left while driving which cannot be avoided due to the structure of the door frame.
The features like built in Blaunpunkt stereo, power windows, tilt steering, lumbar support (not very effective), height adjustable seats really give you a sense of well being and enhances the quality of ride. The driving posture is far superior however, the pedal positions are a bit awkward and for long drives and during the bumper to bumper traffic, gives enough pain in the ankles and in your thighs. Not recommended for long drives. I recently did a 600 kms drive in one day, I took a day off next day from driving and went by a cab next day to office.
The dual parabola lamps and fog lamps are very good. The focus and illumination is perfect. I dont know if it is just my problem or generally a Vista's problem, but my right hand side high beam bulb has conked off 4 times in the last 18 months. I had got it checked with Tata Service, but they could not find an issue. They said no other car has had this issue.
The suspension is fantastic. I have done about 21 K kms so far and the suspension is still amazing. Mumbai & Pune roads are not known for quality, but Vista does a good job in eating up the pot holes although it makes a little bit of 'thud' sound. The rear pasenger comfort is like a dream. Ample leg room, comfortable angle of the rear seat, big enough seating bench and adjustable head rests. All in all, would be good to sit behind and enjoy the long distance drive. The brakes are the weakest link. They are horrible. Inmy earlier Xeta, I could cruise @ 140 and still be sure that the brakes would work. With Vista @110 kmph, I am scared if the brakes would work when I need them. They are really weak. best is you drive the car under 100 kmph. It is not only safe but also gives you a better mileage.
There is virtually no engine noise inside the cabin and even outside. If a Vista Safire goes by next to you, you wont even notice it. It is super silent. However, when you are revving a bit Rajeev_Vermacially in the ghat sections, you will not only feel the engine's under power, but also some noise @ 3500 rpm. But it is ok. It is not a deal breaker.
Finally our Indian question: What is the mileage? Honestly...it gives about
In City : 10kmpl with AC bumper to bumper, 12 kmpl without AC
On highway AC @ 80 kmph: 16 kmpl, 18.7 kmpl without AC...go beyond 80 and your mileage drops badly
Verdict:
Go for it if : You are not a spirited driver, but want a chill drive, comfortable ride
Dont go for it if: You like to speed, race, want a lot of mileage
hope this review helps.
