Indica V1 and V2 (1998-present) (1st generation)
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.[citation needed] In response to the customer complaints, Tata Motors 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 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) 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.[4] In Indian city conditions, fuel economy can drop to about 10 km/l (about 23.5 mpg U.S., 10 L/100 km).[5]
Since the V1 and V2 which were visually identical, Tata had applied styling updates to the Indica in 2004[6] and 2007.[7]
In India, three versions were 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: without AC; GLE: with AC; GLS: with AC & Power Steering), 1.2 L LPG (GLE & GLS versions only);
- Indicab — 1.4 L naturally aspirated diesel (DL and DLE), a low-price car with the same framework but fewer features and luxuries, aimed at cab and contract transport business fleets. Very popular among transport business people.[8]
- Originally offered with 1.4L petrol and diesel engines, a turbocharged diesel engine was introduced in October 2005; a 1.2L petrol engine in November 2006 and a 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. The top end GLG, GLX, DLG, DLX versions and the turbo and DiCOR diesel engines, as well as the 1.4L petrol engines have been phased out with the introduction of the next generation Indica Vista.
A compressed natural gas (CNG) was launched in 2001.[9] It is offered as an option through OEM Bedini kits offered by Shrimanker Gas Services India on the Indica V2 XETA.[10]
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 28–31 May 2007. With the new system, TATA aims to improve gas delivery and performance.[citation needed]
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 few diesel cars exist in the Indica’s price bracket.
The slightly higher-than-average net weight makes for a slightly more comfortable ride compared to lighter cars. Fit and finish continue be criticized compared to offerings from Fiat and Maruti.[11]
The Indica platform spawned a number of variants, including the Tata Indigo three-box saloon which includes the shorter Indigo CS, Long wheelbase XL and the Indigo Marina estate.
Indica Vista (2008-present) (2nd generation)
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 3,795 mm (149.4 in) long with a wheelbase of 2,470 mm (97.2 in). 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.[13] The Indica Vista, rumoured as the Indica V3 till then, was launched in August 2008[14]
Tata Indica Vista Specifications
1.4 TDI 1.3 Quadrajet 1.2 Safire Top speed – – – 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) – – – Engine Type 475 IDI Turbo 1.3L SDE Common, Quadrajet Diesel engine New 1.2L, MPFI, Safire Petrol engine Displacement 1,405 cc (85.7 cu in) 1,248 cc (76.2 cu in) 1,172 cc (71.5 cu in) Power 71 PS (52 kW; 70 hp) @ 4500 rpm 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 4000 rpm 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 5500 rpm Torque 135 N·m (100 ft·lbf) @2500 rpm 190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) @1750 rpm 96 N·m (71 ft·lbf) @3000 rpm Valve Mechanism – – – Cylinder Configuration Inline 4 Inline 4 Inline 4 Fuel Type Diesel Diesel Petrol Fuel System ID TC CRDI MPFI Minimum Turning Radius – – – Wheelsize 14 in (360 mm) 14 in (360 mm) 13 in (330 mm) Tires 175 / 65 R14 (tubeless) 175 / 65 R14 (tubeless) 175 / 70 R 13 (tubeless) Ground Clearance 165 mm (6.5 in) 165 mm (6.5 in) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Indica Vista EV (Electric version):
Electric versions of the Indica (the Indica EV) is scheduled to be launched in India in 2011.[15] The electric will be based on the Indica Vista. Electrovaya’s batteries are expected to give 120 miles (190 km) on a single charge [16] is undergoing testing. The electric version will utilize Lithium ion batteries for higher power. Once charged, the car can travel up to 200 kilometers. The car has started roll out in the end of 2008[17] and in Spain in 2010-08-15.[18]
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 [19] and also would go on sale in continental Europe and the UK.[20]
In 2009, the UK’s government (Business Secretary Lord Mandelson) has announced a £10 (€11.09) million loan to Tata to support the manufacturing of electric vehicles in the UK.[21]
Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, has bought a 50.3% holding in electric vehicle technology firm Miljø Grenland/Innovasjon of Norway for US$1.93 M, which specialises in the development of innovative solutions for electric vehicles, and plans to launch the electric Indica hatchback in Europe in 2010.[22][23]Electrovaya is partnering with Tata Motors and Miljø Grenland/Innovasjon to manufacture batteries and electric cars using Electrovaya’s Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery technology.[24]
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| The Indica Vista EV Engine Bay |
It is expected to have a 200 km (120 mi) range on a full charge[20] and a top speed of 105 kilometres per hour (65 mph)[21]. With 0 to 60km in less than 10 seconds. To achieve this, TM4 Electrodynamic systems (a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec) provides an efficient MФTIVETM series electric motor.[25]
The Tata Indica Vista EVX is a finalist in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, where it has so far achieved an efficiency of 134 MPGe.[26]
Indica Silhouette concept car:
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| The Indica Silhoutte Concept Car |
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