"Tata Indica V2" | |
Manufacturer | Tata Motors |
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Production | 1998–present |
Assembly | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
Class | Supermini car |
Layout | FF layout |
The Tata Indica is a hatchback automobile range manufactured by Tata Motors of India. It is the first passenger car from Tata Motors and is also considered India's first indigenously developed passenger car. As of August 2008[update], more than 910,000 Indicas were produced. The annual sales of Indica has been as high as 144,690 units in 2006-07 .[1] Current[update] monthly sales of Indica is around 8000 units. The models have also been exported to Europe, Africa and other countries since late in 2004.[2]
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On 30 December 1998, Tata Motors (previously called TELCO) introduced the most modern car ever to be designed by an Indian company: the Indica. Initially introduced with the caption "More car per car," the ad campaign focused on roomy interiors and affordability. Within a week of its unveiling in 1999, the company received 115,000 bookings.[3] In two years, the Indica became the number one car in its segment.
Partly designed and developed by Tata Motors, it is a five-door compact hatchback with a 1.4 L petrol/diesel I4 engine designated as 475DL internally. This is a homegrown engine which is derived from the engine used by Tata in their line of pickups and SUVs earlier but with a reduced stroke. The original engine was designated as 483DL which stood for 4 cylinder and 83 mm stroke.
The Indica offered options like air conditioning and electric windows, which were previously restricted to only upmarket imported cars in India. Three years later the Indica was exported to European markets for the first time, and from 2003 the Indica was badge engineered and sold in the UK as the Rover CityRover. This vehicle ceased production in April 2005 when MG Rover went bankrupt, and did not resume production when new owners Nanjing Automobile launched its own versions of the MG Rover range in 2007.
The outer body styling was done by Italian design house I.DE.A Institute, under contract from Tata Motors, with heavy interaction with Tata's in-house design team. The engine, however, was indigenous.
Also called | Tata Indicab (panel van) Tata B-Line[4] (South Africa) |
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Production | 1998-present |
Assembly | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
Body style | 5-door hatchback |
Engine | 1.2L 65.3 hp (48.7 kW) I4 1.4 L 70 hp (52 kW) I4 1.4 L 53.5 hp (39.9 kW) diesel I4 1.4 L 62 hp (46 kW) turbodiesel I4 1.4 L 68 hp (51 kW) Intercooled turbodiesel I4 1.4 L 70 hp (52 kW) DiCOR I4 |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Wheelbase | 2,400 millimetres (94 in) |
Length | 3,690 millimetres (145 in) Base: 3,675 millimetres (144.7 in) |
Width | 1,665 millimetres (65.6 in) Top Version: 1,485 millimetres (58.5 in) |
Height | 1,485 millimetres (58.5 in) Top Version: 1,500 millimetres (59 in) |
Related | Tata Indigo Rover CityRover |
Designer | I.DE.A Institute |
When first launched, the Indica prompted many complaints from early purchasers, who claimed that the vehicle did not deliver horsepower and gas mileage as promised. In response to the customer complaints, Tata Motors re-engineered the internals of the car and launched it as Indica V2 (version 2), which solved most of the complaints and emerged as one of the most sought after cars in the Indian automobile industry. Later, it was again updated, now marketed as the "Refreshingly New Indica V2". This was followed by the next variant of Indica, current in early 2008, called the Indica V2 Xeta Petrol, which delivers 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) of power at a fuel efficiency of 14 km/l (about 33 mpg U.S., fuel consumption of 7.1 L/100 km) under standard test conditions.[5] In Indian city conditions, fuel economy can drop to about 10 km/l (about 23.5 mpg U.S., 10 L/100 km).[6]
Since the V1 and V2 which were visually identical, Tata had applied styling updates to the Indica in 2004[7] and 2007.[8]
In India, three versions were available with different trim levels.
Originally offered with 1.4L petrol and diesel engines, a turbocharged diesel engine was introduced in October 2005; a 1.2L petrol engine in November 2006 and a DiCOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) diesel version of Indica V2 was launched in January 2008. It features 16 valves, double overhead camshafts, a variable geometry turbocharger and an intercooler. The top end GLG, GLX, DLG, DLX versions and the turbo and DiCOR diesel engines, as well as the 1.4L petrol engines have been phased out with the introduction of the next generation Indica Vista. The turbocharged engine was reintroduced in August 2010 as the turbomax in the DLE and DLS Trim levels in metros where BS IV norms were introduced.[10] Later in March 2011, the Indica eV2 was launched with a 'CR4' engine similar to the earlier DiCor engine with features like Auto-Drive Assist and Clutch-To-Start and claims a class leading ARAI mileage of 25kmpl[11]
A compressed natural gas (CNG) was launched in 2001.[12] It is offered as an option through OEM Bedini kits offered by Shrimanker Gas Services India on the Indica V2 XETA.[13]
Faced with numerous CNG-related complaints, TATA organized a systematic recall and retrofit of Bedini equipment which included a new improved Lamda sensor / electronic control unit, Bedini emulator and new wiring harness approved and tested by both TATA and ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) from 28–31 May 2007. With the new system, TATA aims to improve gas delivery and performance.
In its home market, the Indica offers good interior capacity and competes with the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Wagon-R, Maruti Alto, the Hyundai Santro and the Fiat Palio. The diesel versions, however, have little or no competition since few diesel cars exist in the Indica's price bracket.
The slightly higher-than-average net weight makes for a slightly more comfortable ride compared to lighter cars. Fit and finish continue be criticized compared to offerings from Fiat and Maruti.[14]
In the UK a badge engineered version was imported by the MG Rover Group and sold as the Rover CityRover. Other popular foreign markets include South Africa where the Indica and the Indicab models (known as B Line) are sold.
The Indica platform spawned a number of variants, including the Tata Indigo three-box saloon which includes the shorter Indigo CS, Long wheelbase XL and the Indigo Marina estate.
Accessories and optional extras The following range of accessories were available for the Indica:
Also called | Tata Indica V3 Tata Vista[15] (Italy) Tata Vista Ego[16] (South Africa) |
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Production | 2008-present |
Assembly | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
Body style | 5-door hatchback |
Engine | 1.2 L 65 hp (48 kW) Fire I4 1.4 L 71 hp (53 kW) turbodiesel I4 1.3 L 75 hp (56 kW) Multijet I4 |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Wheelbase | 2,470 millimetres (97 in) |
Length | 3,795 millimetres (149.4 in) |
Width | 1,695 millimetres (66.7 in) |
Height | 1,550 millimetres (61 in) |
Related | Tata Indigo Manza Fiat Linea Fiat Punto (310) |
Designer | Tata Motors, evolution of V2 |
The Indica Vista was unveiled at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi. The Indica Vista is not a facelift of the Indica. It is built on a completely new platform and shares nothing with the existing Indica. This new version is bigger than the previous Indica, it is 3,795 mm (149.4 in) long with a wheelbase of 2,470 mm (97.2 in). The Indica Vista has two new engines, a 1.3 L Quadra Jet common rail direct injection diesel and a 1.2 L Safire MPFI VVT petrol engine. The 1.4 L TDi was available until April 2010 , but was discontinued as it did not meet the Bharat Stage IV emission norms. The Quadra Jet (Fiat JTD) is produced in Ranjangaon by the Tata-Fiat joint venture.[17] The Indica Vista, rumoured as the Indica V3 till then, was launched in August 2008.[18] Subsequently, a 1.4l, 90ps petrol variant was also launched. The Vista 1.2l Petrol version, also known as Safire is criticized for its low mileage which can range from 5 to 9 kms/ltr of petrol with in the city.
1.4 TDI | 1.3 Quadrajet | 1.2 Safire | 1.4 Safire | |
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Top speed | - | - | - | - |
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) | - | - | - | - |
Engine Type | 475 IDI Turbo | 1.3L SDE Common, Quadrajet Diesel engine | 1.2L, MPFI, Safire Petrol engine | 1.4L, MPFI, Safire Petrol engine |
Displacement | 1,405 cc (85.7 cu in) | 1,248 cc (76.2 cu in) | 1,172 cc (71.5 cu in) | 1,368 cc (83.5 cu in) |
Power | 71 PS (52 kW; 70 hp) @ 4500 rpm | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 4000 rpm | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 6000 rpm |
Torque | 135 N·m (100 ft·lbf) @2500 rpm | 190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) @1750 rpm | 96 N·m (71 ft·lbf) @3000 rpm | 116 N·m (86 ft·lbf) @4750 rpm |
Valve Mechanism | - | - | - | - |
Cylinder Configuration | Inline 4 | Inline 4 | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel | Petrol | Petrol |
Fuel System | ID TC | CRDI | MPFI | MPFI |
Minimum Turning Radius | - | - | - | - |
Wheelsize | 14 in (360 mm) | 14 in (360 mm) | 13 in (330 mm) | 14 in (360 mm) |
Tyres | 175 / 65 R14 (tubeless) | 175 / 65 R14 (tubeless) | 175 / 70 R 13 (tubeless) | 175 / 65 R14 (tubeless) |
Ground Clearance | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
Electric versions of the Indica Vista by the name Indica Vista EV (Electric Vehicle) is scheduled for launched in India in 2011.[19] The electric vehicle will be based on the Indica Vista. Once charged, the car can travel up to 200 kilometers on its full electric motor. The car has started roll out in the last quarter of 2008[20] and in Spain in 2010-08-15.[21]
The car is powered by a 55 kW Permanent-magnet electric motor and a 26.5 kWh Lithium Polymer battery[22]
The company has indicated that the electric Indica would be launched locally in India in about 2010, without disclosing the price. The vehicle would be launched in Norway in 2009 [23] and also would go on sale in continental Europe and the UK.[24]
In 2009, the UK's government (Business Secretary Lord Mandelson) has announced a £10 (€11.09) million loan to Tata to support the manufacturing of electric vehicles in the UK.[25]
Tata Motors' UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, has bought a 50.3% holding in electric vehicle technology firm Miljø Grenland/Innovasjon of Norway for US$1.93 M, which specialises in the development of innovative solutions for electric vehicles, and plans to launch the electric Indica hatchback in Europe in 2010.[26][27] Electrovaya is partnering with Tata Motors and Miljø Grenland/Innovasjon to manufacture batteries and electric cars using Electrovaya’s Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery technology.[28]
The Indica Vista EV has a 200 km (120 mi) range on a full charge[24] and a top speed of 105 kilometres per hour (65 mph).[25] With 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in less than 10 seconds. To achieve this, TM4 Electrodynamic systems (a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec) provides an efficient MФTIVETM series electric motor.[29]
The Tata Indica Vista EVX was withdrawn from the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, in the third round of four.[30]
Tata Motors began production at its U.K. assembly plant in Coventry in April 2011 followed with field testing with 25 units delivered to selected customers. The UK market launch is scheduled for mid 2011, and the electric car is priced at GB£29,000 before the GB£5,000 Plug-in Car Grant. The Indica Vista EV range is 110 mi (180 km).[31].[32]
The price is under €30,000 euros in Spain.[33]
A design study to highlight its design skills, the Indica Vista Concept S was displayed by Tata at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo.
During India's 2006 Auto Expo in New Delhi, Tata unveiled the Indica Silhouette concept car, a radical, high-performance Indica featuring rear-wheel drive, extensive bodywork, and a 3.5 litre 330 hp (246 kW) V6.[34] The car is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and maxes out at 270 km/h (170 mph). The Silhouette is currently only a concept vehicle, and is completely different from the standard Indica.
A homologated 1500 cc 115 bhp (86 kW) Indica with sporting suspension and capable of 180 km/h (110 mph) was prepared jointly by Tata Motors and J. Anand of Jayem Automotives.
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0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | |
City car | Nano | |||||||||||||||||||||
Pixel | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Supermini | Indica | Indica V2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subcompact | Indigo | |||||||||||||||||||||
Indigo CS | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Indigo XL | ||||||||||||||||||||||
compact | Indigo Manza | |||||||||||||||||||||
Crossover | Aria | |||||||||||||||||||||
SUV | Sierra | Sierra Turbo | Safari TCIC | Safari dicor | ||||||||||||||||||
Pickup | Tata TL | Xenon | ||||||||||||||||||||
MUV/MPV | Estate | Sumo | Sumo Victa | |||||||||||||||||||
Sumo Grande | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Venture | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Microvan | Magic | |||||||||||||||||||||
Magic Iris | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Maxi Van | Winger |