Tata Indica V2 - A review

TATA INDICA V2Mood: cheekyRecently I bought an Indica. I went for diesel as I had to cover a minimum of 750 to 1000 kms per month. Here’s the story behind my purchase.
In September 1995, Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Motors had a dream. A dream he believed he shared with every Indian. ’’We’ll have a car with the Zen’s size, the Ambassador’s internal dimensions, the price of a Maruti 800 and with the running cost of diesel.’’ It took an Indian to understand that the average (and not large) Indian family consisted of five members, that a rupee saved was a rupee earned, and that Indian highways called for a really sturdy car body. In December 1998, the dream came true. And it was only fitting that a car built by Indians for Indians was called Indica. It was the first car that seriously took all Indian sensibilities into consideration A fact that was reflected in its sales (in 2001, the Indica became the fastest-selling automobile in Indian history when it chalked sales of 100,000 in less than 18 months.)
February 2001, saw the next stage in the evolution of the diesel Indica - the Indica V2. A car that embodied everything the Indica had with several added features like a SuperDrive Engine, BlockShock Absorbers, a SmoothRide Suspension, EasyShift Gears and WideTread Tyres. It married the power and comfort of a large car with the easy maneuverability of a small one. Within just a few months of its launch, the Indica V2 was the best-selling car in its class. Not surprising when you looked at all it offered. A 1400 cc engine that is, even today, unmatched in its class. The economy of diesel combined with the highest fuel efficiency in its class. Enough interior space to comfortably seat a family of five. And a reinforced, 980 kg rigid steel body for that same family’s absolute safety.
Taking off on the success of the Indica V2 diesel, the Indica V2 Petrol was launched in September 2001. It combined state-of-the-art technology with features like BlockShock Absorbers, EasyShift Gears, a SmoothRide Suspension, a SuperDrive Engine and WideTread Tyres with the smoothness of petrol. The success story now looks set to continue with the new Indica V2. A car that will soon help Indica touch the quarter million mark. The new Indica V2 combines the best of the Indica V2 with fantastic new features that promise to make driving even more pleasurable. We all know it’s only human to want more. Which is why we are pleased to present the New Indica V2. Refreshingly different, with everything from a sporty new look, stylish interiors, and more. A sleek fascia with a chrome-lined grill, clear lens illumination, muscled flairs, flexible seating and electronic instrumentation with tacho, come as standard. Driven by a 1400 cc high performance petrol engine and a fuel-efficient diesel engine, even nature can’t resist its fresh appeal. EVEN MORE CAR PER CAR
Dimensions
Length : 3675 mm
Width : 1665 mm
Height : 1485 mm
Wheelbase : 2400 mm
Ground clearance : 170 mm
Kerb Weight DLE : 995 kg. DLS : 1000 kg. DLG : 1005 kg. DLX : 1005 kg.
Seating Capacity : Five
Engine Type : Water cooled indirect injection
No. of Cylinders : 4 inline
Piston Displacement : 1405 cc
Maximum Output : 53.5 PS @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 85 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 22 : 1
Steering Type : Rack and pinion
Radius Minimum Turning : 4.9 m
Transmission Type : 5 forward, 1 reverse
Suspension
Front Suspension : Independent, Wish Bone type with McPherson strut, Antiroll Bar
Rear Suspension : Independent, Semi trailing arm with coil spring mounted on hydraulic shock absorbers Brakes Type : Dual Circuit, diagonally split, vacuum assisted with PCR valves
Front Brakes : Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes : Drum
Tyres
Type : Radial
Tyre Size : 165 x 65 R 13
Fuel Tank Capacity : 37 litres
Other features:
Exterior
Clear Lens
Head Lamps Clear Lens
Tail Lamps Clear Lens
Side Repeater Lamps
Wheel Arch Flares & Sill Valence
Covers Grey Body Colour
Body Colour Chrome-plated Strip on Hood
Chrome Surround Center Grill Chrome-tipped exhaust pipe
Body Coloured Bumpers Wheel Covers Half
Full Door Rub Rails
Body Coloured ORVMs
Door Handles
Interior Rear seat back rest folding & re-folding facility with 60:40 Split
Lamp in Luggage Compartment
Utility Tray with Coin Holder Spot (reading) lamps
All Four door operated cabin lamp Internally adjustable
Outer Rear View Mirror (ORVM) Both Sides
Moulded Roof Lining & Door Trims
Internal Antenna Fabric lined seats Full
Parcel shelf 4 spoke steering wheel Door
Trims With Fabric Inserts
Leather wrapped Streeing Wheel Premium seat fabric and carpet
Comfort & Convenience
Air Conditioning
System Heating,
Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Tinted windshield,door and tailgate glass
Electronic instrument cluster with Digital Odometer & 2 Trip Meters with Light Intensity control Black
Black with Al. finish rings
Tacho Meter
Low Fuel & High Engine Temp. warning lamps
Remote Release of Fuel Lid Latch & Tailgate Latch lamps
Digital Clock
Cup Holders in Glove Compartment
Variable Intermittent type Wiper Std.
Floor Console with provision for Mobile Charger / Cigarette Lighter Lux.
Floor Console with provision for Mobile Charger / Cigarette Lighter
Power Steering
Power Windows (Front & Rear)
Front Central Locking
Rear Wiper with wash/wipe and demisting Delayed turn-off of roof lamp
Rear demister
Adjustable Head Rests On Rear Seats
Music System
Safety
Side intrusion beam on all 4 doors
Collapsible Steering Column A
nti-Submarine Seats H
igh Mounted Stop Lamp Child Safety locks on Rear Doors
Provision for Rear Fog Lamps Front Fog Lamps
Antiglare inner rear view mirror
Audio Warnings - Key-in belt not fastened key-out head lamps on & door open key-in door open
Pros : Good milage
Cons : sound of diesel engine???
Purchase Price (INR) : 425000
New or Used : New
If new, dealer name, city : Kulathunkal, Trivandrum
Are you happy with the dealer : Yes
Model Year : 2005
Mileage (kms/liter) : 16-20
Comfort : Very comfortable--could live in
Maintenance : No visits to the dealer--hassle free
Quality & Shape : Relatively quiet ride
Space Inside : Roomy in front, ok in back