Buyers guide for Tata

After consolidating a total revenue of Rs 92,519 crores in the fiscal year 2009 – 2010, Tata Motors has claimed the title of largest passenger car manufacturer in India. This company was started in the year 1945 as a part of the TELCO group. Over the years Tata motors has been in the news for acquiring various big brands in automobile sector. Recently Tata motors were in the news for its Land Rover Jaguar acquisition. Before that the company was in the news for its smallest car offering in the name of Tata Nano. Besides, this company has delivered many other vehicles which have been consumer favourites for one or the other reason. So let’s see which of the vehicles truly live up to the company’s name.

Tata Indica\ Vista

Many attributes of Tata Indica contributes to the heavy sales figures this car has generated, since the time it was launched. Looks of this car aren’t so appealing but then there are features that make it appealing to every Indian who has had the urge to buy a low budget family car. This car is available in six variants which cater to different demands and needs. But the basic features in each of these variants remains same like the comfortable cabin space, low maintenance cost and also the low cost of purchase. While we might have seen Tata Indica with a ‘tourist permit’ etched over its body and working as an office cab in almost any part of India, Tata Indica Vista is more of a family vehicle. Both the cars are the best in their category. Tata India Vista is also loaded with safety features like ABS and airbags. My personal favourite from all the variants of this car is undoubtedly the Tata Indica Vista 90 but anyways all the variants are worth the money charged against them.

Engine Options:
1193cc\ 1405cc (Diesel)\ 1405cc (TD) \ 1172cc\ 1248cc\ 1398cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
64 Bhp @5000 rpm\ 53 Bhp @4500 rpm\ 69 Bhp @4000 rpm\ 54 Bhp @5500 rpm\ 74 Bhp @4000 rpm\ 88.8 Bhp @6000 rpm

Torque:
10.2 Kgm @2600 rpm\8.5 Kgm @2500 rpm\ 14.2 Kgm @3000 rpm\ 9.78 Kgm @3000 rpm\ 19.2 Kgm @1750 rpm\ 11.8 Kgm @4750 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Cabin space, low maintenance cost, ride quality

Thumbs Down:
Handling

Head on Competitors:
Ford Figo, Chevrolet Beat and Grande Punto for the Tata Indica Vista 90

The Catch:
Rs 3.2 lakhs to Rs. 5.8 lakhs.

Tata Indigo\ Manza

After the much successful car Tata Indica, Tata Motors played it wise and launched another model but this time a sedan Tata Indigo, with same attributes which was there in the hatchback car. Space, value for money and low maintenance cost was the tune this new sedan was singing. No doubt the company has been earning high profits because of this car just like its hatchback siblings. According to the company out of all the variants Tata Indigo Manza is the premium variant. Like Tata Indica even this car won’t be considered as good looking but then Tata Indigo is a hit in its segment because it provides a true value for money.

Engine Options:
1193cc\ 1396cc\ 1405cc (TD)\ 1405cc\ 1368cc\ 1368cc\ 1248cc (TD)

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
64 Bhp @5000 rpm\ 85 Bhp @5500 rpm\ 99.5 Bhp @6100 rpm\ 70 Bhp @4500 rpm\ 69 Bhp @4000 rpm\ 88.8 Bhp @6000 rpm\ 88.5 Bhp @4000 rpm

Torque:
10.2 Kgm @2600 rpm\ 12.5 Kgm @3500 rpm\ 12.8 Kgm @3500 rpm\ 13.5 Kgm @2500 rpm\ 14.5 Kgm @3000 rpm\ 11.8 Kgm @4750 rpm\ 20.2 Kgm @1750 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Value for money, space and comfort

Thumbs Down:
Build quality and handling

Head on Competitors:
Mahindra Logan, Ford Fiesta and Maruti Swift Dzire

The Catch:
Rs 4.2 lakhs to Rs. 7.8 lakhs.

Tata Nano

A lot has already been said and done about this car. Just type Tata Nano on the internet and you’ll be pondering over uncountable number of links. So I’ll keep it concise and to the point. No doubt this car has delivered what was expected out of it, unless you have been sincerely keeping extremely high hopes with this car. Yes, this car makes lot of noise while driving but then that is no way a hindrance between the ultimate ride quality it delivers. Yes it does provide you with a good ride quality, also the cabin space of this car is good enough to seat five people comfortably. So keep all that bogus news aside that this car has a bad ride quality and not enough space. I would say step inside this car once and know for yourself. Handling of this car is also impressive but then the image of this car has been tarnished because of some quality issues which make it a tough purchase. So, my suggestion would be to keep the usual Indian mentality aside this time and think wisely before anybody else can pool in their thoughts in your brain.

Engine Options:
624cc

Powertrain:
4 speed manual

Power:
34 Bhp @5200 rpm

Torque:
5 Kgm @3000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Value for money, interior space (seriously) and ride quality (seriously)

Thumbs Down:
Quality and image

Head on Competitors:
Chevrolet Spark and Maruti Alto

The Catch:
Rs 1.2 lakhs to Rs. 1.8 lakhs.

Tata Sumo

Tata Sumo has been famous for being the first choice of people, when we talk about MUVs. To increase its say in the market, Tata has taken a step further.  They now have introduced a new variant of this MUV, which is Tata Sumo Grande with better suspension and other improved features. Tata Sumo Grande has been introduced basically for the urban populace while the other variants remain same for the Tier III and Tier II cities. All the variants perform really well including the recently introduced variant except that the engine seems to lack refinement. All three variants are known for their off road sense but then there is a problem with comfort of the passengers. It’s not that seats are cramped up but then they are just not comfortable.

Engine Options:
1948cc\ 2956cc (TD)\ 2179cc (TD)

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
89 Bhp @4300 rpm\ 65 Bhp @3200 rpm\ 118 Bhp @4000 rpm

Torque:
19 Kgm @2500 rpm\ 16.8 Kgm @1800 rpm\ 25.4 Kgm @3000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Cabin space and ride quality

Thumbs Down:
Engine and uncomfortable seats

Head on Competitors:
Chevrolet Tavera and ICML Rhino

The Catch:
Rs 5.5 lakhs to Rs 7.8 lakhs.

Tata Safari

We have already heard many round of applauds for the new Tata Sumo Grande. Oh, you must be wondering why I’m talking about Tata Sumo under the name of Tata Safari. The reason being, that Tata Sumo Grande is fitted with the same engine as that of Tata Sumo. So that makes us clear that the engine is definitely powerful but then the problem is that it lacks refinement. The one thing which makes it really different from Tata Sumo is the comfortable seating arrangement. Cabin space is good and the ride quality will stretch a smile upon your face. So ultimately it’s a good buy but only if you are capable enough to dismiss the interior quality.

Engine Options:
2179cc (TD)

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
138 Bhp @4000 rpm

Torque:
32.4 Kgm @2500 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Comfortable seats, cabin space and ride quality

Thumbs Down:
Engine and refinement

Head on Competitors:
Mahindra Xylo and Mahindra Scorpio

The Catch:
Rs. 7.75 lakhs to 12.4 lakhs.

Tata Aria

Tata Aria is by far the bold and the beautiful vehicle by Tata Motors. This car has been the best attempt by Tata. This is supposed to be India’s first crossover. Ok, I’ve said enough, now back to basics. This vehicle has magnificent looks. It seems that the front of this car has been directly lifted from the Tata Indigo Manza, except for the bit more angular headlamps and the robust looks in Tata Aria. The seats are bit cramped up in the 3rd row but then just to make up for that this crossover has been fitted in with various other comfort features. Build quality is really good and ride quality is even better. I would say that the price is not much in front of the performance this car delivers an anyways you’ll get a 4×2 version in cheaper rates.

Engine Options:
2179cc

Powertrain:
5 manual

Power:
138 Bhp @4000 rpm

Torque:
32.5 Kgm @2700 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Comfortable ride, comfortable seats, comfortable features and overall comfort

Thumbs Down:
Not much of an issue but yes handling could have been better

Head on Competitors:
Toyota Innova and Skoda Yeti

The Catch:
Rs 12.9 lakhs to Rs. 15.8 lakhs.