Reference Auto

Tata Motors has launched new diesel and petrol variants of its hatchback Indica, christened Indica eV2, with a price tag of between Rs 2.95 lakh and Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the models are slated to set new standards in fuel efficiency, which could lead to substantial bookings in the near to medium term.

“The Tata Indica eV2 is priced between Rs 3.95 lakh and Rs 4.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the CR4 diesel model. So far as the petrol variant is concerned, the price ranges from Rs 2.95 lakh to Rs 3.58 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the MPFI car,” Tata Motors statement said.

According to the company, the diesel vehicle gives a mileage of 25 km per litre as per Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and is the most fuel-efficient car in India.

If that is the case, the 25-km-a-litre feature could turn out to be a big draw, especially on an inexpensive fuel like diesel.

This is surely going to find many takers among India’s middle-class buyers, who want to be car owners at the same time save big on running costs such as fuel.

The new Indica version has a CR4 common rail diesel engine and a displacement of 1,396 cc delivering 70 PS @ 4,000 rpm. It has a torque of 140 NM at a lower 1,800-3,000 rpm.

According to the company, the new CR4 engine has led to 32% increase in power, 65% surge in torque but offers a 46% higher fuel efficiency.

The petrol variant of the eV2 will run on a multi-point fuel injection engine. Both these variants strictly adhere to BS4 emission norms.

The new Indica ev2 has a slew of features including auto-drive assist, used in an incline. This feature will come to the driver’s aid while climbing a gradient and the engine will not snap even if the foot is off the clutch so that the driver can easily shift his foot to the accelerator.

There is also a clutch-to-start feature that will make sure that no one can crank the engine unless the clutch is fully engaged. So, there is no risk of re-crank if engine is kept on.

The interiors of the Tata Indica eV2 are snazzy and include a litany of features like a wooden finish centre console, keyless entry, power windows, Bluetooth-enabled music, tachometer, rear parcel shelf, USB port, four-spoke collapsible steering wheel along with front and rear fog lamps. The interiors come in a stunning shadow beige colour.

Tata Motors has also revved up the exterior, which contains sporty alloy wheels, rear bumper, new tail light cluster and awesome decals.

The Indica eV2 range will be available in four colours — Apple Green, Neo Orange, Arctic Silver and Mint White. Tata Motors has offered a warranty of 24 months or 75,000 km, whichever is earlier.

Well, Tata Motors eV2 is reasonably priced and offers an extremely high fuel efficiency of 25 km to a litre (on diesel!), and this is exactly what an entry level car buyer is looking for. Even though this feature (fuel efficiency) of the diesel model of the Tata Indica eV2 could find many takers, it could also put a spanner into sales of the petrol variant.