Tata Introduces New Indica -- Quietly
January 11, 2008

By Nick Kurczewski

Luckily not every new small car wearing a Tata badge sparked a media feeding frenzy here at the New Delhi Auto Expo.  While the star of the Tata Motors stand is undoubtedly the $2,500 Nano, the revised Indica hatchback is just as vital to the Indian company’s long-term financial health.

As Tata’s best-selling passenger car – and one of the most popular cars in India – any revision to the supermini-sized Indica hatchback has to be taken seriously.  The changes to the current version have been minimal, though they should provide noticeable improvements in terms of refinement and power.

Stylistically, the Indica has been given a subtle makeover. Revised head and tail  lamps, as well as a new grill constitute the major exterior changes.  The new Indica is longer than the outgoing model and now stretches to 149.4 inches.  Inside, the instrument cluster has migrated from in front of the driver to the center of the dashboard.

A choice of either a 1.2-liter gasoline or 1.3-liter diesel engine will be offered when the new Indica goes on sale in the latter half of 2008.  The diesel is actually a Fiat four-cylinder, the direct-injection Quadra Jet JTD.

When it first arrived in 1998, the Indica was plagued with problems.  Quality has steadily improved and this latest version could inspire Tata to bring the car to Europe, especially when equipped with the well-proven (and Euro emissions friendly) Fiat diesel.  Pricing for the new Indica will be announced later this year.

Photos by Nick Kurczewski

Nick Kurczewski is a Paris-based correspondent covering the New Delhi Auto Expo.

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