Tata Indigo eCS [2013-2018]

Summary

In order to keep up the pace with growing competition in Indian automotive industry, Tata motors has launched the New Indigo eCS in a more glamorous appeal. The automotive giant has designed this sedan in a compact size so as to serve the needs of Indian market. With its exceptional fuel efficiency and performance apart from brand’s trust, the vehicle has captured a substantial section of market.

Exterior

Inspired from it sibling hatchback, the Indigo eCS has been named as world's smallest sedan. However, its dominated big bonnet gives it a look of fully-grown sedan. The new Tata Indigo eCS comes with a number of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. Talking about the exteriors, the machine features redesigned front look with diamond shaped grille chrome. To garnish further, smoked headlamps are mounted in the front end. The rear view is quite impressive with the presence of prominent tail lamps and cylindrical reverse lights.

The exterior features goodies bag, which includes body coloured bumpers, hood in chrome, tinted glasses, demister at the rear, chrome garnished rub rails and front & rear fog lamps. In addition, it comes with body coloured turn indicators, wheel caps and adjustable electronic ORVMs (Outer Rear View Mirrors). This model is available in five sparkling colours including sterling gold, starlight blue, Porcelain White, Royal Burgundy and Arctic Silver.

Interior

The interiors of the eCS have gone through an upgrade, giving it a new & refreshing look. Though it is a compact car as compared to normal sedans, eCS is quite spacious and offers comfortable seating to five passengers. Majorly, it is a lookalike of Indica from inside with few exceptions like dual tone beige and coco brown colour interiors and partial or full fabric seats. The dashboard is quite wide and the central console comes in classy wooden finish housing a stereo system and two AC vents. Leather wrapping option for gearshift knob is also provided in top-end variants of the sedan.

Other few perks include storage pockets on the front/rear doors, auto drive assist, a front power outlet, adjustable driver seat, vanity mirror on passenger seat and front & rear cabin lights. The top variants of eCS offer front and rear power windows.

Engine and Transmission

The Tata Indigo eCS is presently available in three engine options including two diesel and one petrol. The 1.4-litre CR4 diesel engine is more economical than the 1.3-litre quadrajet. A smooth five-speed manual gear transmission is equipped in all the engines. The 1.4-litre CR4 diesel engine produces 69.04 bhp of peak power and a maximum torque of 140 Nm. The 1.3-litre diesel engine offers a maximum power output of 69.04 bhp with a peak torque of 135 Nm. On the other hand, the petrol engine generates 64.11 bhp of highest power and a maximum torque of 100 Nm.

Performance and Handling

Fuel efficiency is something exceptional about eCS, which has stolen the limelight of other cars. Within the 18 seconds of start, the diesel variant sparks 0 to 100 kmph speed. On the contrary, the petrol engine reaches 100 kmph mark within 17 seconds. An impressive mileage of 22.0 kmpl in city and 25 kmpl on the highways is delivered by the CRDi engine powered variant. On the other hand, TDi BSIII engine variant gives in-city mileage of 13.6 kmpl and on-highways mileage of 18.3 kmpl. The petrol variants deliver a maximum mileage of 18.0 kmpl on highways and an average of 15.0 kmpl in the city. The car also performs well in CNG variants.

On comparing both engines, it turns out that the petrol engine is more fuel efficient that the diesel one as it allows flawless fuel flow with multi-point fuel injection system. The ‘T' shape three-spoke steering is elegant in looks and has comfortable grip. Moreover, the machine is very comfortable to manoeuvre on city roads because of its new steering mechanism.

Braking System

Another important upgrade to look at is the independent dual circuit, vacuum assisted diagonal split hydraulic brakes. The eCS has ventilated Disc type front brakes and the rear drum brakes. The suspension system of eCS is very remarkable and specially designed to suppress severe jerks. It performs well on non-favourable roads. The front one is independent McPherson strut with Coil Spring. The rear one is an independent 3-link McPherson strut that comes with Antiroll Bar.

Mileage

The 1396 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 14 kmpl in city and 16 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 13 kmpl on urban roads and 15 kmpl and freeways, respectively.

Safety Features

A number of safety features are incorporated in the top variants of eCS. These advance safety features are central locking, Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS), new EORVM with third lane visibility, keyless entry and door ajar/seatbelt warning. In order to provide better visibility in non-favourable weather conditions, this sedan is equipped with LED high mounted stop lamps. Apart from these, child safety locks on rear doors and collapsible steering are also present.

Verdict

The new eCS is a glamorous vehicle with enhanced features. Given the level of comfort and practicality, the Tata Indigo eCS is a good option as a sedan.

Competitors

The enhanced performance and impressive drivability factor put the eCS at competition with other sedans like Honda Amaze and Maruti Swift Dzire.

Pros

1. Good fuel economy of EMAX CNG version
2. Ample leg space and storage capacity
3. Easy to manage in peak traffic conditions
4. Budget vehicle
5. Efficient Performance of diesel engine                           

Cons

1. Old school exterior appearance
2. Quality of interior plastic is not as per standards
3. Can improve on its comfort and safety features
4. Scope of ground clearance