The Tata Indigo eCS laid the groundwork for the sub-four metre sedan segment in India. It was one of the first models in this segment, which is now populated by cars like the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze and the Mahindra Verito.
Tata's answer to the new entrants in the entry-level segment is the 2013 Indigo eCS with a few cosmetic and features upgrades to both the exteriors and interiors. This facelifted Indigo eCS is now available with three engine options across eight variants.
A look at the present day Indigo eCS clearly reveals that very little has changed compared to the old Indigo CS. The front bumper gets few tweaks, there is a new chrome grille and the headlamps have been blackened to add a bit of aggression. Reshaped fog lamp inserts also get a dash of chrome and 14-inch alloy-wheels are now standard on the higher variants.
The main changes are inside the car; the standard T-shaped steering wheel has been replaced with a four-spoke one, the centre console, fabric seats and door panel inserts have been given a lighter beige shade. The high-end variants get additional features like body-coloured ORVMs with turn indicators, rub rails with chrome inserts, electrically adjustable ORVMs, leather-wrapped gear shift knob and a music system with bluetooth.
The Indigo eCS is available with two different engines - one petrol and one diesel. The 1.4-litre TDI turbo diesel engine gives an output of 70bhp at 4, 000rpm and 135Nm of torque at 2, 500rpm and is available in the BSIII and BSIV compliant guise. The petrol mill is smaller due to small car regulations and has a displacement of 1.2-litres and delivers 65bhp at 5, 000rpm and 100Nm of torque at 2, 700rpm.
Tata claims that the suspension of the 2013 eCS has been reworked to offer better ride and the gearbox has been fine-tuned for smoother shifts. The entry-level sedan comes with a manufacturer warranty of two years or 75, 000 kms.
Tata cars are among the most spacious cars in their respective segments and the cabin of the eCS is no different. There is ample space for three passengers on the rear bench and that really works in the favour of the sedan.
The Indian auto major is known for making fuel-efficient cars at low prices. When compared to other cars in its segment, the Indigo eCS is lot more affordable, has respectable fuel efficiency numbers and also gets loads of features. Tata continues to use the standard nomenclature - the petrol GLX is the base variant and the diesel VX is the top-end version.
