Reference Auto

Tata Motors, known to roll out affordable cars with a litany of features, has just launched a new version of the Manza, with Safire petrol and Quadrajet diesel engines that has a number of new features, in an effort to take on the Toyota Etios, which has received a mind blowing response in India immediately after its launch.

However, there is another competitor, the Swift Desire, which is way ahead in sales compared to the Tata Manza but the Manza fares better in terms of the interior space, has a smarter look, performance is superior and even the prices are hardly different.

Besides sales, rival Swift Dzire offers the following advantages: a much steady drive and has a higher resale value compared to the Manza.

The new Tata Manza series, which has a slew of high-end features, has been affordably priced from Rs 5.14 lakh for the Safire (petrol) range and Rs 5.91 lakh for the Quadrajet (diesel) car (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Manza’s new variants are high on safety with features such as ABS, airbags, multi-stage drive away auto locking, rear demister, collapsible steering, energy absorbing steering wheel and a door intrusion beam for side impact that ensures better safety.

The high-end version of the new Manza, christened Tata Manza Elan, comes with a slew of premium features like dual-tone alloy wheels, burgundy and beige interiors and chrome garnished bottom, a two-DIN music system and Blue 5 bluetooth. It also has a weather strip, fog lamps and comes in a new Tyrian wine colour.

A striking and judicious feature of the Manza Elan is the delayed power window where a power window can be rolled up with one touch of the button even when the key is removed from the ignition.

The Tata Manza is propelled by high quality engines, thanks to Tata partner Fiat. It also offers a good deal of comfort and could turn out to be a trump card for Tata Motors.

On the new Manza Elan variant, there is also the follow me home headlamps which are basically headlamps that stay on for a minute once the driver gets out of the car so that he doesn’t find it hard to go out of the parking area, especially in the dark.

“With our premium dual tone interiors and an exterior overhaul, the new Tata Manza offers a driving experience which is a class apart in the Indian sedan market,” Tata Motors said in a statement.

Tata Motors’ sales (inclusive of exports) of commercial and passenger vehicles in December 2010 stood at 67,441 cars, a growth of 31% against 51,627 vehicles sold in December 2009.

The company’s domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for December 2010 were 61,632, a 28% surge over 48,173 sales in December of the previous year.

The power, comfort and intelligent pricing of the new Tata Manza and the added features will give Tata Motors a distinct advantage in the Rs 5 lakh-category car market.
  

These offerings will prompt buyers to opt for the Manza with Safire petrol and Quadrajet diesel, especially the diesel variant (engine developed with renowned Fiat technology) which is not only afforadble but will also help buyers save substantially on fuel and also has a host of new features.