Tata Indica

Infobox Automobile
name=Tata Indica


manufacturer=Tata Motors
production=1998–present
assembly = flagicon|IND Pune, Maharashtra, India
class=Supermini car/City car
layout=FF layout
body_style=
engine=
transmission=
related=Tata Indigo
Rover CityRover
similar=Suzuki Swift
Hyundai Getz
Chevrolet Aveo
Fiat Palio
Ford Focus
designer=

The Tata Indica is a hatchback automobile range manufactured by Tata Motors of India. The models are also exported to Europe, Africa and other countries from late 2004. It is the first passenger car vehicle from Tata Motors. Tata Indica is also considered India's first indigenously developed passenger car.Success of Tata Indica has led to turn changed fortunes of once ailing Tata Group. 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 Indcab models ( known as B Line) are sold

History

On 30 December 1998, Tata Motors (previously called TELCO) introduced the most modern car ever to be designed by an Indian company: the Indica. Marketed with slogans like "The Big... Small Car" and "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. [ [http://www.tatamotors.com/our_world/rearview.php?version=text Tata Motors - Rearview ] ] 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 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 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.

Contrary to popular belief, the car was not designed entirely in India. The outer body styling was done by an Italian design house called I.DE.A Institute, under contract from Tata Motors, with heavy interaction with Tata's in-house design team. The engine, however, was indigenous.

Accessories and optional extras

Purchased new, the Indica offers a wide range of accessories and optional extras, including:
* Power steering
* HVAC - Heater, ventilation, and air conditioning
* Turbocharger and intercooler
* Alloy wheels
* Power windows
* Choice of radials (JK, Bridgestone, Goodyear, MRF, Apollo)
* Central locking with remote key-less entry
* Ventilated disc brakes
* 4 spoke steering wheel
* Tinted windshields
* Powerful fog lamps
* Rear spoiler with integrated LED stop lamp
* Luxurious beige/black interiors
* Night adjust rear view mirror
* Chrome tip on silencer, chrome lining on grill and bonnet
* Audio warnings—driver/passenger seat belt warning, door open warning
* Tacho meter (selected models)
* child lock on rear doors (selected models)

Indica V1 and V2 (1998-present)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Indica V1 and V2


manufacturer =
parent_company =
aka =
production = 1998-present
assembly =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
body_style = 5-door hatchback
layout =
platform =
engine = 1.2L convert|65.3|hp|abbr=on I4
1.4 L convert|70|hp|abbr=on I4
1.4 L convert|53.5|hp|abbr=on diesel I4
1.4 L convert|62|hp|abbr=on turbodiesel I4
1.4 L convert|68|hp|abbr=on Intercooled turbodiesel I4
1.4 L convert|70|hp|abbr=on Common Rail turbodiesel I4
transmission = 5-speed manual
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
weight =
fuel_capacity =
electric_range =
related =
designer = flagicon|ITA I.DE.A Institute
sp =

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.Fact|date=April 2008 In response to the customer complaints, Tata Motors greatly 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 Auto PS|70|0 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.Cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2006/01/22/stories/2006012201911500.htm|title=Tata's XETA|accessdate=2008-01-16|work=thehindubusinessline.com] In Indian city conditions, fuel economy can drop to about 10 km/l (about 23.5 mpg U.S., 10 L/100 km) [http://www.infibeam.com/SDP.action?catalogId=TATAINDICAXETAGLG2006] .

Since The V1 and V2 which were visually identical,Tata had applied styling updates to the Indica in 2004 [http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/20/stories/2004012004910300.htm] and 2007 [http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2007/01/14/stories/2007011401821700.htm]

In India, three versions are available with different trim levels.

* Indica V2 — 1.4 L diesel (naturally aspirated engine in the DLE and DLS, turbocharged option in the DLS, turbocharged and intercooled DLG and DLX, DiCOR engine offered in the DLS and DLG)
* Indica V2 XETA — 1.2 L petrol (GL, GLE, GLS, GLG),1.2 L LPG, 1.2 L CNG and 1.4 L petrol (GLX)
* Indicab — 1.4 L naturally aspirated diesel (DL and DLE) A low price car with same framework but fewer features and luxuries, aimed at cab and contract transport business fleets. Very popular among transport business people [http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19991109/ige09062.html] .

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.

A compressed natural gas (CNG) was launched in 2001 [http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/05/17/stories/0617000c.htm] . It is offered as an option through OEM Bedini kits offered by Shrimanker Gas Services India on the Indica V2 XETA [http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072102050500.htm] .

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 May–31 May 2007. With the new system, TATA aims to improve gas delivery and performance.Fact|date=September 2008

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 no other diesel cars exist in the Indica's price bracket

The slightly higher-than-average net weight makes for a relatively comfortable ride compared to lighter cars. Fit and finish continue be criticized compared to offerings from Fiat and Maruti [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hitchhikers-guide-to-hatchbacks/325777/2] .

The Indica platform spawned a number of variants, including the Tata Indigo three-box saloon and the Indigo Marina estate.

Indica Vista (2008-present) (2nd generation)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Indica Vista


manufacturer =
parent_company =
aka = Indica V3
production = 2008-present
assembly =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
body_style = 5-door hatchback
layout =
platform =
engine = 1.2 L convert|65|hp|abbr=onI4
1.4 L convert|71|hp|abbr=on turbodiesel I4
1.3 L convert|75|hp|abbr=onJTD I4
transmission = 5-speed manual
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
weight =
fuel_capacity =
electric_range =
related =
designer = flagicon|IND Tata Motors, evolution of V2
sp =

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 convert|3795|mm|in|1|abbr=on long with a wheelbase of convert|2470|mm|in|1|abbr=on. 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. It is also available with the 1.4L TDi(Turbo Diesel). The Quadra Jet (Fiat JTD) is produced in Ranjangaon by the Tata-Fiat joint venture.Cite web|url=http://www.tata.com/tata_motors/releases/20080109.htm|title=Tata Motors launches new vehicle models at the New Delhi Auto Expo|accessdate=2008-01-10|work=tata.com] The Indica Vista, known as the Indica V3, was launched in August 2008 [ [http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/24/stories/2008082456171500.htm All-new Indica Vista launched ] ]

Indica Electric

Electric versions of the Indica is undergoing testing. The electric version will utilize Lithium ion batteries for higher power. Once charged, the car can travel upto 200 kilometers. The car is expected to roll out by the end of 2008. [ [http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=4a568fd5-921a-4ceb-862f-37ea067cdb79&&Headline=Tatas+plan+to+drive+out+electric+car&strParent=strParentID Tatas plan to drive out electric car on Indica platform] ]

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. [http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=104970025&docId=l:846836097] .

Indica Silhouette concept car

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 Convert|330|hp|kW|0|abbr=on V6. [ [http://www.autocarindia.com/new/Information.asp?id=1663 :: Autocar India - Car And Bike Magazine :: ] ] The car is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and maxes out at Auto kmh|270|0. The Silhouette is currently only a concept vehicle, and is obviously a far cry from the standard Indica.

Indica Rally Version

A homologated 1500cc 115bhp Indica with sporting suspension [http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/24/stories/2007122450160200.htm] and capable of 180 kmph [http://www.tata.com/company/Media/inside.aspx?artid=/Urif6t6NrQ=] was prepared in Coimbatore by J. Anand of Jayem Automotives

ee also

*Comparison of cars (India)
*Tata Nano
*Tata Motors

References

External links

* [http://www.autocarindia.com/new/autocar_forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2160/ Exclusive: Indica Vista Quadrajet Test Report]
* [http://indica.tatamotors.com/ Indica official website]
* [http://www.tatasa.co.za Tata Website South Africa]
* [http://www.autonagar.com Tata Indica V2 Cars India]