UPDATED-13th April 2005-Almost 2 years since I am driving this baby.
If you want real savings in fuel costs convert the Indigo into an LPG (save 45% costs) or convert into CNG(save 65% costs).The Italian Kit will cost about Rs.20,000/- odd for LPG and about Rs.29000/- for CNG. Advise LPG because pick-up is better. CNG gives a sluggish feel.Plenty of space in the boot even after conversion.
By end 2005 the TATA's are coming out with originally fitted LPG/CNG models. YES !
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You may have seen a lot of these cute BIG Little small Sedans sliding away smoothly at the traffic signals. They are just like the Indica but you suddenly notice their smart boot when they slip past you with nary a murmur. Thats when you give them a second glance and your eyes get rivetted to their Mercedes like behind and you end up following one, for the sheer pleasure of feasting your eyes on the INDIGO - the BIG Little small smart offering from the TATA MOTORS stable.
It sure beats most when it comes to value for money.
Why do I say that ? Well, if you are upgrading from a Maruti 800, you dont want to get sandwiched into another Maruti 800 ( Alto, Zen or WagonR for that matter)
And if you can afford a Santro, Indica, Palio but still were itching to stretch yourself a bit you could give the Indigo a look. You won't be dissapointed. But if your budget is still comfortable then by all means go for the 'Opel Corsa' or the Josh machine 'Ford Icon' ( incidentally, the josh machine is only Josh - no average when it comes to fuel economy, so if you want 'Josh' - Forget about fuel average ! )
I gave the Indigo a serious look. Its got the spacious feel inside, yet it corners like a small hatchback and fits into narrow parking spaces. The tight turning radius is a revelation.
The sound proof plush interiors are eloquent. Its truly like your favourite arm-chair ( that very boring advertisement )..it rides those speed breakers and pot holes with aplomb and superb cushioning comfort. Here I think their much talked about 3 link rear suspension and those extra large 14'' wheels are responsible.
Ah yes, its height from ground level, is another delight. which makes getting in and out of the vehicle really comfortable..for my mom (she's nearing 76), its a relief.
The ground clearance is truly keeping in mind Indian Road conditions..who else could know this better than the TATA's.
Its got roof mounted reading lights both in front and rear seats besides seatbelts in the front and back ( now thats very thoughtful of them.)
Its got 1.4 ltr. MPFI engine (that also is Euro II Compliant) which really translates into turning the key and not pressing the accelerator to warm up the engine on cold mornings. Thats a new one after my Maruti 800 that needed some revving up before I could get it to reverse out of the Parking lot without stalling and hiccups. That also delivers 85 bhp at a torque of 11kgm @ 3000 rpm.
All that I know about 85 bhp is that there's a workhorse under the bonnet that can pull a truck if need be ( not that I intend to) There's a lot of brute power which proves itself when you start off from the first gear and shift into higher gears.
Another thing, here I could shift into second gear when I was barely doing 10 kmph and move into third at 20 kmph and into fourth when just 30 kmph. The fifth gear I get to do only on the flyovers and it just goes into a smooth overdrive cruise mode without as much as a murmur. The engine isn't even audible. The heavy weight of the vehicle makes it seem strong and road hugging and gives me a solid feel on the steering. Oh, do make it a point to go for the Power Steering because its really a beauty.
It boasts of a fire-preventing inertia switch and has passed the European standards in frontal crash and endurance safety standards.
The classy trapezoidal clear lens tail lights remind me of the Mercedes look and the front clear lens are in tune with todays well dressed cars.
The front grill differs from that of the Indica by a very slender margin. The Indigo's lips have been covered by a shining chromium lipstick ( The front grill ) whereas the Indica's is totally body coloured.
Thrown in are side impact beams, crumple zones and a collapsible steering wheel - all makes a safe vault.
Overall length 4150 mm
Total Height 1540 mm
Total Breadth 1620 mm
A few thoughtful gestures are the Digital clock, sun glass case behind the rear view mirror, a high mounted rear stop light and wheel covers in all models. Thats a lot of freebies thrown in when you think of the Indigo as a basic entry level mid-size sedan. Good thinking on part of the TATA's.
Another very thoughtful gesture is that the entire wiring for your stereo and speakers has been pre-wired and installed. Just buy a stereo and speakers of your choice and plug and play. Isn't that wonderful ? You can attach two rear, two front and two door speakers...I loved this little bit. You don't have to wait to rip open the carpeting and string wires across. (Still reminiscing about good old Maruti 800 days)
Drawbacks : Still retains the screech from its fan belt in some vehicles ( A Tata Hallmark-wonder when they'll ever get rid of this birthmark - tsk..tsk.. ! )
Comes in six lovely colours .. Meadow Green, Arctic Silver, Topaz Blue, Crystal Mica(almost Pink) and the standard Mint White and Mica Black.
Comes in three variants in the Petrol version.
All Prices for an Individual Ex Mumbai On Road.
GLE (basic model) INR 4,52,659/-
GLS (with Power Steering) INR 4,78,666/-
GLX (fully loaded with power windows and body coloured bumpers) INR 5,15,243/-
Two variants in the Diesel version
LS (standard with Turbo engine and with power steering) INR 5,08,330/-
LX (fully loaded with power windows and body coloured bumpers) INR 5,50,877
The Indica V2 Petrol Std model starts at INR 4 Lakhs
The Palio Petrol starts at INR 4.11 Lakhs
The Sienna Petrol starts at INR 5.42 Lakhs
The Santro Xing is ( I'll fill in the blank later )
All in all, worth its weight and value for money.
Regards
Rajasagar(c)
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