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      Tata Indigo e-CS Review

      Shiva Shankar

      Shiva Shankar

      Opening

      Tata Motors had launched its compact entry sedan Tata Indigo CS in India two years ago. Now the company has launched a new variant called the Indigo e-CS which Tata claims to be the most fuel efficient sedan in its segment. The Tata Indigo has gone through a long development from its initial launch in 2002 with Tata Motors perfecting it at every step, both internally and externally. 

       

      Appearance Exterior

      Indigo has been described as the “three-box version” of Tata Indica. The current model of Indigo CS comes with fresh looks, all-new front grille, ORVM with blinkers, trendy taillight cluster and new headlamps. The classy chrome grille is well-complemented with body coloured bumpers in all models. The model is available in two variants in two fuel types each: LS and LX are diesel variants, and GLS and GLX are the respective petrol variants. All variants get full white alloy wheels and have 14” Radial tyres.

      The old variants Indigos are discontinued and the e-CS replaces them all. The new Indigo e-CS conforms to BS IV standards and is hence the logical successor for the old CS. 

      Appearance Interior

      Interiors are simple in the Indigo CS models. Dashboard plastic looks of inferior quality but the partially fabric covered seats are quite comfortable. The dual-tone interiors done in beige and cream, give a softer look to the car. The AC takes a longer time to cool the car but the top end model gets a more efficient heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) system.

      The car lacks a central locking system even in the top end model. A good factory fitted central locking system would have been nice to give a complete feel to the car.

      Another drawback is the opening of the hood. You need two people to do the job. One person needs to pull the lever while other needs to open the hood. If you are alone and there is problem under the bonnet, you may be left stranded because the hood closes the moment lever is released. 

       

      With the launch of new e-CS model, Tata Indigo has become more fuel efficient. ARAI has approved a mileage of 23kmpl for this compact sedan model which is the highest for any sedan in the segment. Tata has also refurbished the exteriors with a new satin finish, ORVM with blinkers, new front grille and new headlamps. The model has been built on existing Indigo platform but has been strapped with BS –IV compliant engines. Indigo CS is available in four colours that of Sterling gold, starlight blue, Royal Burgundy, Porcelain white

       

       

      Performance Drive

      The e-CS’s petrol version comes with MPFI engine that has been upgraded to meet BS IV norms. It has a 1193 cc, 4 cylinder engine delivering 65 BHP and torque of 100NM. The diesel version has a 1396cc, 4 cylinder engine delivering power output of 75 BHP and torque of 140NM. Both have 5 speed manual transmission.

      Other details like dimensions, ground clearance, wheelbase etc remain same as the earlier Indigo. 

       

      The new Indigo’s drive is similar to the old one, as the parts are the same and no changes have been effected in suspension, steering, etc. In the city drive, the compact size of the sedan makes parking quite easy and it is simpler to manoeuvre the car in highly congested areas. However, the car may seem rugged on gravel path and the engine also makes a loud noise. The car is quite driveable on highways as well as on city roads.

      Overall, the drive quality is quite good and the spacious interiors, two tone interiors, and seating all add to the pleasure of a comfortable drive.

      The table above compares one of the new Indigo variants with other sedans of the segment. The major boosting factor for Indigo CS is clearly the price, while it offers a very attractive space in the range of cars available in this price range. Another important point that stands out is the mileage, which indeed is one of the Unique Selling Points of the new Indigo e-CS.

       

      Tech Specs

      Technical Specifications
       Make Tata
       Model Indigo CS
      Variant LS CR4 EGLS
      Capacity (cc) 1396/4 1193/4
      Power in BHP 75 65
      Torque in NM 140 100
      Fuel efficiency Average 23 18
      Ground Clearance (mm) 165 165
      Transmission 5/M 5/M
      Length (mm) 3988 3988
      Width (mm) 1620 1620
      Boot space (l) 380 380
      Wheel base (mm) 2450 2450
      Tyre rating 175/65R14 175/65R14
      Fuel Tank Capacity 42 42
      Turning circle radius 5.0m 5.0m

      Features

      Features LS CR4 LX CR4 eGLS eGLX
      Satin Finish front grill Yes Yes Yes Yes
      Power steering Yes Yes Yes Yes
      AC Yes Yes Yes Yes
      Heater No Yes No Yes
      Power Windows Front Yes Yes Yes Yes
      Power Windows Rear No Yes No Yes
      Bluetooth Music system with Aux input No Yes No Yes
      Central locking Yes Yes Yes Yes
      Child lock at rear Yes Yes Yes Yes
      Rear Defogger No Yes No Yes
      Ex Showroom price 494550 517979 411291 433930

      Competition All Specs

      Specifications
      Tata
      Indigo CS
      Ford
      Ikon
      Ford
      Fiesta
      Maruti Suzuki
      Swift Dzire
      Tata
      Indigo Manza
      Mahindra
      Logan
      Variant LX CR4 1.4TDCi 1.4 ZXi ZDi QJet Aura 1.5 DLX
      Engine Capacity (cc) 1396 1399 1399 1248 1248 1461
      Power in BHP 70@ 4000 rpm 68@ 4000 rpm 68@ 4000 rpm 75@ 4000 rpm 90@ 4000 rpm 65@ 4000 rpm
      Torque in NM 140@ 3000 rpm 160@ 2000 rpm 160@ 2000 rpm 190@ 2000 rpm 200@ 3000 rpm 160@ 2000 rpm
      Fuel efficiency Average 22 17 17 19 19 21
      Ground clearance (mm) 165 167 168 170 165 172
      Length (mm) 3988 4145 4282 4160 4413 4247
      Width (mm) 1620 1632 1686 1690 1703 1740
      Boot space (l) 380 400 430 440 460 510
      Wheel base (mm) 2450 2486 2486 2390 2520 2630
      Tyre rating 175/65 R14 175/70 R13 175/65 R14 165/80 R14 185/60 R15 185/65 R14
      Fuel Tank Capacity (l) 42 45 45 42 44 50
      Turning circle radius (m) 5 5 5 4.7 5.1 5.25
      Ex Showroom price Bangalore 5.17 5.33 7.3 6.63 6.15 6.6

      Conclusion

      The new Tata Indigo e-CS is a good car that delivers comfortable driveability, mileage and enough space. The car is good for city drive as well as long-haul drives but the interiors can be upgraded to better quality.

      While the Indigo e-CS cannot be called a tough competitor for other sedans, it does offer best of value for the money invested. It is indeed a good combination of the price of a hatchback and the comfort of sedan. The new car also has some gadgets, such as ORVM with blinkers, new instrument cluster, etc. that boost the image of the car.

      Hence, for someone looking for a budget sedan, the Indigo e-CS is definitely a good choice. 

      Tata | Tata Indigo | indigo