Jan 11, 2010 02:30 PM
10682 Views
(Updated Jan 11, 2010 02:41 PM)
On Sunday, Jan 10 2010, I got to Test drive the latest from the Tata stables, the'Tata Manza'. I got the test drive from KHT Motors, Bengaluru. The agent, Mr. Dilip Kumar got the vehicle near to my house at around 12:30 pm. Prior to my test drive experience, I had done a bit of study on the Manza w.r.t. specs and reviews. However wanted an opinion of my own. So here it is,
The First Look:
Exterior=>
The first look from the front says it is a sibling of Tata Vista, but a proper look shows that there are few differences. For instance, the headlight shape is same, but the way the light are arranged is different. The Manza looks as if it is an extended version of Vista, though Tata motors claim it as a new design.
The front has the usual old curved touch, with 4 horizantal lines and a big Tata logo in the center forming the grille. The central line on the bonnet gives it bold and big car look. The head light encompass the double barrel look within the petals. The turn indicators are built near to the side mirrors and another one within the head light set. Looks neat, decent from the from and side.
The rear part is bit boxy and does not match the front curved look. Due to this perhaps not many will like it. The tails lamps are a delight to look as it extends on the top of the rear and is in angular in shape. The central line, with the tails lamps gives it a decent big car look. Again at the center top a Tata logo. At the bottom left, it says'Indigo Manza' and on the bottom right mentions the version.
Interior=>
The interior is very spacious. It has dual tone fabric which is quite rich. The driver seat is height adjustable. The car come with an integrated stereo system whose features change w.r.t. the version. The higher end comes with a blue tooth support. The central console is behind the 4-spoke steering wheel which comes with audio controls. Few might feel that this steering wheel is slightly small in its diameter. Tilt adjustable power steering is an advantage with the seat height adjustment. Dash integrated music system, dual SRS airbags for front, high quality fabric
seat covers and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors are some of the features. The rear seat are properly inclined to give a good comfort. It also comes with central arm rest.
The Drive:
Took the keys from the agent and told him that I would be taking the car in bad mud roads and also on ring road. Turned the ignition, the engine started with a little noise, shifted to first gear and slowly pressed the accel pedal. The car took off elegantly and was quite smooth. Though the engine noise dampening could have been better, it was acceptable for me who prefer to drive based on the engine's rev sound. I took the car of a very rough road and felt the suspension was quite good. The gear box was bit tight perhaps considering the fact is needs time to get softened. It is a bit tight at first and second gears.
I had a comfortable drive on bad road. Via traffic and constricted road drove for 4 kms to join the ring road. Handling in traffic is very easy and comfortable. Steering to wheel communication is quite good though could have been better. I have to point out, at humps, when we slow down, overcoming the speed-breaker at second gear is not an option you have to come to first. It needs a min of 100 mts to come to a proper speed and rev at second gear. The lag and the body weight which is more perhaps adds to this.
On the high way that is ring road, it cruzes. Picked up speed quite easily and can reach top speeds of 160 kmph with comfort and ease. You might not find the pep as in competitors, Manza is not bad. For a family trip and not for racing the tuning is great. At higher speeds you will notice significant body roll, but becoz of the weight, the front grip and stability is good.
After taking u-turn to get back, I stopped and gave it to my friend to drive and occupied the rear seat. Sitting at the rear, I felt I was in a SUV. Very spacious, comfortable. Leg space is very very good.
The overall experience during the drive was good.
Lets look at the internals of the car,
The engine is a tuned multijet engine from the Fiat which has proven it worth. In Manza it is 1248 CC delivering 89 bhp at 4000 rpm and a torque of 200Nm at 1750 rpm. Its competitor DeZire is 1248 Cc delivering 75 bhp at 400rpm power and torque 190 Nm at 200 rpm.
The transmission is a C549 set from fiat with 5+1 manual speed. Would have been better is it were much more smoother.
The suspension is Independent; Lower Wishbone; McPherson Strut with Coil Spring at front and at rear Semi-independent, Twist Beam with Coil Springs and Hydraulic Shock Absorbers. The soft tuning and the dampening rate supports the extra weight pretty well.
The brakes are of type Vacuum Assisted Independent Dual Circuit Diagonal Split Hydraulic Brakes through Tandem Master Cylinder. The front brake is Ventilated Disc and at rear it is drum. My advice no immediate braking.
The steering is of type Power Assisted Rack & Pinion - Hydraulic, Tilt-adjustable with a turning circle radius of 5.1m.
The wheels are 5.5 J x 15 and the tyres are 185/60 R15 Tubeless Radials. Alloy wheels would have been better for looks.
Fuel tank capacity is 44 liters and gives an approx mileage of 14 -15 kmpl. I opinion is that it will definitely give more.
The boot space is very good with 460 liters and the ground clearance is 165 mm.
Other features include,
Warning Buzzer for Driver Door Open with Key/Headlamp/Taillamp ON
Warning for Seat Belt Not Fastened
ABS (Aura ABS and Top end)
Dual Front SRS Airbags (Top end)
Retractor, Pretensioners & Load Limiters on Front Seat Belts (Top end)
The Verdict:
Well, this is a good family car. Power, torque, driveability and fuel efficiency are quite decent with Indigo Manza. It sure will make the smiles stay plastered on the owner's face. Though not a sports car but is a all round family car with good ride quality backed up with decent and neutral manners with good road grip and pretty well weighted steering.
So overall it is good.
