Tata Indica V2

Summary

There’s no denying that the Tata Indica was a trendsetter, and is still among the top-selling Tata cars in India; though it’s more popular in the taxi market now. It was the first car to feature power windows and AC as standard features in its league.  Ever since its launch in 1998, the hatchback kept receiving cosmetic updates and facelifts, but now being 17-years old it looks very outdated. It was 2013 when the hatchback received its last update. It received new chrome strip at the rear end, turn indicators on the rear view mirrors, dual-tone interior and a few more updates. The Indica eV2 facelift is powered with the old 1.4-litre CR4 diesel engine that churns out a maximum power of 69bhp at 4, 000rpm with 140Nm between 1, 800rpm - 3, 000rpm. This engine has well-controlled NVH levels. The India eV2 is among the highly frugal Tata cars in India. With a 5-speed manual gearbox, it delivers a maximum mileage of 25.0kmpl. The performance and handling are slightly better than before, thanks to the improved gearshift and light clutch.

Further to this, read Tata Indica eV2 Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

A few minor tweaks have been made to the car’s exterior. It gets new electrically operated ORVM (both sides), ORVM mounted side blinkers and rear chrome garnish. While features like clear leans headlamps, triple step chrome tip grille, body-colored outer door handles and bumpers and intermittent front wiper are carried over from the old model. It is assembled with 13-inches 155/80 R13 radial tyres. The hatchback is available in four color options - Spanish Tan, Sea Blue, Jet Silver and Porcelain White.

Interior

Inside, the car features a new bony black dashboard and four-spoke steering wheel, silver metallic centre console, partial fabric seats, silver-tip gear knob and new storage pockets with bottle holders. Other features on list are audio system with CD player/ USB/ Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning unit, accessory power outlet, adjustable seats, rear seat headrest etc. The updated version is as spacious and comfortable as the old one. The material quality is marginally improved, though it isn’t up to the mark.

Engine and Transmission

Power for the India eV2 facelift comes from the old 1.4-litre CR4 diesel engine that develops a maximum power of 69bhp at 4, 000rpm, while yielding a peak torque of 140Nm between 1, 800rpm - 3, 000rpm. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Performance and Handling

Powered with a 1.4-litre CR4 diesel powertrain, the Indica is capable to achieve 0-100kmph in 18 seconds, and a top speed of 137kmph. The engine is barely audible at low revs. It’s an easy to drive city car, though it performs well on the highways too. With light clutch and smooth gearbox, the hatchback pulls easily, and offers a decent handling. Though, the steering response isn’t precise. The car gets nervous at high speed, and ride gets bouncy.

Braking System

The stopping capability of the Indica eV2 is decent. It gets ventilated disc brakes at front axle and rear drum brakes. However, the brake pedal positioning is odd.

Mileage

The 1396 cc CNG - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 13 kmpl in city and 15 kmpl on highways, while the Diesel variant offers a mileage of 13 kmpl on urban roads and 15 kmpl and freeways, respectively.

Safety Features

The hatchback offers basic safety features such as child safety lock on rear doors, 3 point ELR seatbelts for seat passengers, collapsible steering and high mounted stop lamp. While features such as central locking with remote, keyless entry, front and rear fog lamps and engine immobilizer are available only on the top-end LX variant.

Verdict

The Tata Indica eV2 facelift is a practical and fuel efficient car. It’s a perfect pick as a taxi, but isn’t good enough for personal driving purpose.

Competition

Tata Indica eV2 Vs Chevrolet Beat

The Tata Indica is certainly one of the most spacious and frugal cars in its league. It drives well, but ride quality isn’t upto the mark. It has basic comfort and safety features, and styling, too, is conventional. The Chevrolet Beat, on the other hand, looks very sporty and offers feature-rich interior. The driving dynamics and handling are superb. Though, its engine is slightly less powerful than the Indica eV2. 

Pros

1. Outdated design
2. Cabin space
3. Fuel efficiency
4. Ride quality

Cons

1. Outdated design
2. Mediocre dynamics