Tata Indica eV2 LS

Among the unending list of automobile manufacturers functioning directly or indirectly in India, the customers, at least the middle class ones, tend to choose domestic manufacturers over the International makers. It may be due to the assured support, the local players bring in their vehicles or the intentions they manufacture their vehicles with. The Indian companies claim to know what the customer wants, at least they may know better than an imported model. But the real test comes when the same local players compete with each other. Among such competitions, few automobile manufacturers sustain a long term foot print and certainly make their presence felt in a definite manner. They need not worry about certain models at least for a period of time. Tata motors is one such manufacturer and Tata Indica eV2 is definitely one such model. Though the model was launched amidst some speculation, it sure achieved a cult status among people desiring a fuel efficient, slightly robust model. It defined fuel efficient hatchbacks of India. With its diesel engines, the vehicles were offered at an affordable price leaving no doubt in purchasing them. Tata also managed to create a beauty out of them, which though might seem uncanny at first, somehow grows on the customers to a level that other hatchbacks no longer seem to hit the same mark. Tata India eV2 comes in different models with differing mileage, additional features and certainly varying prices. But the interesting part about a Tata vehicle is, it does the part. It might go over its line in offering more than promised but it most certainly never gets below its promises. Among the entire range the Tata Indica eV2 eLS is a mid range vehicle in terms of price and comes at a decent price of Rs. 4.13 lakhs (ex-showroom). Powered with a 1.4-litre common rail CR4 engine, the car manages to offer a pleasant mileage that is suitable not just for the city rides but also for the long highway rides. The mileage of the vehicle is truly exceptional at 21.3 Kmpl in the city and 25 Kmpl on the highways. The success this model might enjoy is too much to boast about. Considering the heritage of Tata Motors and Tata Indica in particular, this variant is destined to enjoy a pleasant run on the Indian roads.

Exteriors:

The exteriors of the Tata Indica eV2 eLS are undoubtedly everything the Indian customers need. The car is robust to a certain level so as to withstand minor collision impacts, it is a decent hatchback design, the curves are apt along the edges and the corners and as a whole the weight of the vehicle manages to offer a swift ride as it does not create too much of a drag. The front fascia of the vehicle comes with two headlamps on either side of the front grille, which has chrome lining along the bonnet lid. The chrome details on the radiator grille also makes the vehicle look appealing. The front bumper has a stern design with perfect curves to assure the aerodynamic aspects are covered, while the overall design synchronization is also considered. The front grille has an air dam positioned below it and on the front bumper. The Tata Indica eV2 eLS is offered with adjustable headlights, power adjustable exterior rear view mirror, manually adjustable exterior rear view mirrors and wheel covers completing the design statement of the vehicle. Though the vehicle is offered as a family hatchback, the aerodynamic details and rendering provided in the side profile makes it easy for the vehicle to travel through the high speeds more comfortable. The rear profile of the vehicle comes with a long tail lamps structure adjusted along the rear framework while the aerodynamic rendering is also offered in the boot door and the rear bumper.

Interiors:

The interiors of the Tata Indica eV2 eLS comes as a surprise for its price range and its segment. Tata Motors certainly did their best in making this vehicle as it is offered with interiors that depict not just comfort and luxury but also with a certain amount of elegance making them highly pleasant. The interior build is refreshing and clearly reflects contemporary design elements. The controls are however offered more or less in a driver centric manner. The speed and other driving related information is displayed in driver side of the dashboard in a hood design. The middle section of the dash extends with the air conditioner included. The vehicle has AC vents along the corners of the dash. A digital clock is positioned on the top of the dash. The legroom and headroom of the vehicle are enough to ensure a comfortable ride. The seats can however be adjusted based on drivers requirements.

Engine and Performance:

Tata Indica eV2 eLS comes with a 1.4-litre common rail CR4 engine, which is capable of producing a maximum output of 69bhp at 4000rpm , while the torque reaches a decent 140Nm at 1800 to 3000rpm. The vehicle is BS-IV compliant making it highly efficient in terms of emissions. Since the vehicle is runs on diesel, it offers a promising mileage of 25 Kmpl on highways.

Braking and Handling:

The variant is equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. With independent wishbone type McPherson Strut suspension in the front and independent semi trailing arm with coil spring suspension in the rear, the vehicle promises a decent handling even at top speeds.

Comfort Features:

The variant comes with power steering, remote trunk opener and fuel lid opener, low fuel warning light, accessory power outlet, semi lumbar support and foldable rear seat . The air conditioning system in the vehicle also works efficiently. The air distribution in the vehicle is also effective as the rear seats also get enough comfort even in terrible external temperatures.

Safety Features:

Along with a decent build which manages to avoid major damage in collisions, the vehicle also comes with child safety locks, rear seat belts, halogen headlamps, adjustable seats and centrally mounted fuel tank making the vehicle score decently in terms of safety.

Pros:

1. Fuel economy is quite good.

2. Reasonable price range is a big plus

Cons:

1. Lack of music system is a big disadvantage.

2. Safety standards needs to improve.