Jun 09, 2009 03:04 AM
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I was looking to go in for upgrading to a Sedan from my 6 year old Santro. I was specific about a few things :I wanted to go for a three Box Sedan, having driven a hatch back for long. Budget was around 5 – 7 lakhs. I wasn’t too particular about fuel efficiency, though I did expect average mileage. Seating should be roomy and comfortable especially in the rear.
I did a lot of R&D and visited a lot of dealers and took test drives.
My choices were
Hyundai Accent – GLE. This was a very good deal fo 5.0 Lakhs + regn / taxes. The Accent Executive model was packed with a lot of luxury features like Adjustable Steering, Motorised Rear View mirrors, plush interiors, integrate audio system etc. But this was an ancient model and infact the next version is marketed as Verna. Moreover the rear passenger seating was uncomfortable. It was a bit of a squeeze with 3 rear passengers, Suzuki SX4 –
Tho looks impressive, was totally put off by the cheap plastics in the interior and the A frame which blocked the drivers view of the crucial areas where 2-wheelers are most likely to barge into you! Hyunda Verna - A lot of car for a lot of money ! Rear passenger seating was OK but cost wise was on higher side. Suzuki Swift Dezire – Now this is a car ! with excellent reviews. Quite comfortable and the Suzuki stamp of reliability and quality and fuel efficiency. But was put off by its odd looks and long wait time (6 to 9 months). TATA Indigo CS GLX introduced in 2008, is basically the same TATA Indigo series with the boot chopped off to qualify for lesser duty (being sub 4.0 m). The Indigo CS comes in two variants Gxx (petrol) and Lx (Diesel) and three flavours. The top end CS GLX model comes with power windows, manual central locking, manually remote adjustable front mirrors, wheel covers, Beige upholstlery, rear defogger etc.
On a lazy / hot Sunday walked into TAFE Chennai showroom to check out the Fiat Liana. Saw a TATA Indigo parked in the show room. The salesman was very nice and not aggressive at the same time explaining all feature s comparison of models. He offered a test drive. I was quite amazed !
For Rs. 4.0 lakhs base price with free Insurance, 30 months extended warranty, corporate discount, lifetime registration it came to 4.41 Lakhs on Road. The dealer said he would throw in inside/boot Carpets , Sun Film for free.
After a lot of research from sites like Team-BHP/Mouthshut/Carwale etc and feedback from friends and colleagues I made the decision to go in for Indigo CS GLX (petrol) model – Scarlet Red. Being a Mechanical Engineer, I have a built in aversion for Diesel Passenger cars and from what I could gather though the Diesel version is much better in terms of mileage and resale value, its Turbo kicked in only in the 2000-2500 range and until that there was some lag in the pickup. Having to use my vehicle almost completely in city conditions (I commute 30 Km each way daily – partly on OMR Chennai), I preferred the petrol version.
I paid the booking amount of Rs.50K on 11th May. Since my preferred colour was not in stock I told that it would be delivered in 10 days. So with excuses like elections / bandh /local holiday my vehicle got delivered on 27th May after registration. The delivery was a pleasant affair with the standard pooja / photo etc.
What prompted me to go for the TATA Indigo CS GLX : Value for Money One of the most important factors that overruled anything else was parking space in my apartment. We have to park around the building and with 2 wheelers lined up haphazardly always, it is always a challenge to park / take a car out, sometimes needing to backup and/or turn sharp corners. It was tricky enough with my Santro, but with big cars like SX4 / Verna – it was totally ruled out The overall SA (Sex Appeal) of the Scarlet Red Indigo! Ample interiors – easy egress / entry. TATA Indica / Indigos have been workhorses as taxis and so must be undergoing considerable beating and coming out with flying colors! After all Mercedes Benz are one of the most common taxi models in Europe!
What’s cool
Ample interiors and roomy seating. Rear can accommodate three adults comfortably.
Real Value for Money ! – A ‘C’ segment Sedan for less than 5 Lakhs.
Many heads get turned when they see my vehicle on the road. It really stands out !
Service availability was not a factor since I am mostly in metros.
AC is a chiller, but fan sound is higher side.
Instrument console Display backlights dimmer.
Headlight leveller from inside based on vehicle load.
Submarine / antiskid seats. Gives a cockpit like feeling !
No 3 in sales in Entry level Mid Size segment for 2008. (JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout 2008 (APEAL 2008))
Whats NOT !
Indigo / Indica’s reputation as a Taxi and TATAs reputation as a very good manufacturer of trucks, buses, taxis and other commercial vehicles rather than passenger vehicles.
Resale value of Indigo diesel is below average and petrol variant – poor !
TATA passenger vehicles are known for their diesel engines and not petrol vehicles.
Interior plastic not of very high quality – after all you get what you pay for !
Doors / Trunk Lid need to be slammed shut. This has been reported in forums and I have experienced it also on the test car and also my vehicle.
Gaps in the panels all around !
Keyless entry not standard equipment.
No rear wiper – only defogger.
The analog style digital clock looks silly. Some variants had digital clock which looks far better.
No cup holder / bottle holder / coin receptacle. Semi cup holder provided in glove compartment cover, but the Glove compartment needs to be kept open to use it!
Remote trunk lid / fuel cover opening is not smooth.
Shifting from / to Reverse is definitely rough !
Usage experience till date : I have driven around 250 Kms so far and have had no complaints. Pickup is a bit sluggish, but I guess that is because it has not completed the initial run in period till first service of 1000 Km.
