Tata has launched its latest addition to the compact hatch segment - the Indica Vista. This model ushers in improved comfort and safety features in addition to some refreshed styling touches.

"Proceed with caution" was the advice offered by Car magazine after its initial evaluation of the Tata Indica back in September 2006. This first test car was nothing if not honest and full of character but, apart from being slightly over-priced against its immediate competition, trim and refinement levels left us wondering about the long-term ownership experience on offer. This huge Indian company, however, has not grown to its current size by ignoring criticism and current trends and will be hoping that the latest Indica Vista range, launched in South Africa this week, will increase the brands profile in the highly competitive small car market.

The new car sports distinctly European styling with its large, swept-back headlamps and honeycomb grille up front and vertical tail lamp clusters at the rear. Standard 14-inch steel wheels, with plastic covers, and 175/65 R14 tyres are offered on all three specification levels, Ini, Aura and Ignis. All models also sport colour-coded bumpers, matched to one of the seven body colours on offer.

Noticeable improvements have been made to interior of the latest Indica models and the cabin immediately feels better put together and durable than the previous models. All models feature central locking, power steering, air conditioning and height adjustment on both the steering column and driver's seat. Power windows are offered on all but the base version. The instrument cluster, featuring a large speedometer flanked by a smaller fuel gauge and rev counter, has fashionably been shifted across to the centre of the fascia - though the advantage of this design trend has yet to be explained. On the highest spec Ignis versions a smart-looking built-in comprehensive audio system completes a centre console that could easily be mistaken for that of high volume European model. This system is complimented by steering wheel-mounted controls.

Until a 65 kW 1,3 diesel option is introduced in 2010 all Indica Vista models are power by a new 1,4-litre Safire MPFI petrol engine. An 8-valve version of this engine offers 55 kW of power and 114 N.m of torque in the Ignis and Aura Vista models, with the Ignis option offering an extra 10 kW and 2 N.m thanks to inclusion of 16-valve technology. It's clear that refinement levels and attention to NVH levels have been included in this package as, together with a sure-footed and solid-feeling five-speed manual transmission lever, the new Indica Vista proves very capable of keeping pace with run-around traffic, as well as on the open road. A MacPherson strut suspension configuration is housed up front, with a twist beam, including coil springs, at the rear. ABS braking assistance is included in the highest spec model.

The top-of-the-range Ignis model also offers a driver and passenger airbag as standard.

Once again, the Tata Indica, now in Vista guise, offers honest and down-to-earth motoring. This time, however, quality levels, especially those found inside the cabin, have been vastly improved. The car feels solid enough and the 1,4-litre engine feels sprightly and willing. Tata obviously feel confident in their latest offering as local pricing appears to have risen with the levels of refinement over the previous model. The Ini is offered at R 119 900, Aura at R 127 900 and Ignis at R 139 900. All prices include a three years/100 000 km warranty, three years/75 000 km service plan, and unlimited roadside assistance.

 

Original article from Car