Tata Indigo eCS

Overview

Tata Indigo eCS is one of its kind first entry-level compact sedan in its class which shares same platform as of Tata Indica. Manufactured by neighborhood country, India, this vehicle has certainly received appreciation all-over in the places it was launched. The reason being brand's trust and the high performance of the vehicle. Also, the credit goes to its redefined dynamics for which manufacturers has tried to in-built in this car different from its predecessors.

Available in LS, LX, VX, GLS, GLX and GVX variants this vehicle comes packed in two diesel and one petrol engine variant. Of which, the petrol engine MPFi 1.2-litre with 32-Bit microprocessor generates 65 PS at 5000 rpm and high torque of 100 Nm at 2700 rpm. The 1.4-litre (1396 cc) common rail CR4, DOHC diesel engine churns out maximum power output of 70 PS at 4000 rpm and high torque of 140 Nm between 1800 to 3000 rpm. Whereas, the other diesel engine, TDI turbocharged with intercooler 1.4-litre (1405 cc) gives power output of 70 PS at 4500 rpm alongwith the peak torque of 135 Nm at 2500 rpm. All the trim levels are mated with 5-speed manual transmission to speed up the pick up numbers and improvise gear response whenever needed. Due to its compact exterior structure, maneuvering of the vehicle becomes easy in tight space and while parking. But it doesn't means its structure has compromised with passengers comfort and boot space. 5-passengers can sit-in with ultimate comfort and listen to their favorite tracks via bluetooth, CD, MP3 player, USB and aux-in connectivity. You may feel disappointed with the fabric quality but this can be sidelined as a matter of fact that it is just an entry-level compact sedan. Anti-lock braking system, parking sensor, e-OVRM with third lane visibility, seatbelt warning, LED high mounted stop lamp and child safety lock on rear doors are few safety aspects that ensure passengers protection in case of any fatality.

Mileage and Fuel economy

If you are running Tata Indigo eCS equipped with diesel engine with 1.4-litre capacity, you will get the mileage count of 23 kmpl in combined driving cycle. This fuel economy figure makes it an affordable compact sedan in comparison to rivals of its segment. Whereas, with petrol engine variant you can get the fuel consumption of 15.6 kmpl which is a decent count.

Power

This compact sedan comes equipped in three engine capacities over different variants that creates wonders for the Indigo eCS in terms of engine performance and power output. The 1.4-litre (1396 cc) common rail CR4, DOHC diesel engine churns out maximum power output of 70 PS at 4000 rpm and high torque of 140 Nm between 1800 to 3000 rpm. The other diesel engine, TDI turbocharged with intercooler 1.4-litre (1405 cc) gives power output of 70 PS at 4500 rpm alongwith the peak torque of 135 Nm at 2500 rpm. The only petrol engine equipped in the vehicle comes packed in MPFi 1.2-litre with 32-Bit microprocessor that generates 65 PS at 5000 rpm and high torque of 100 Nm at 2700 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup

The majority of the changes employed withing this car has also affected its pick up and performance in a constructive way. With 1.4-litre diesel engine, you can breach the speed mark of 0 to 100 kmph in 14.9 seconds. The top speed of the vehicle is 145 kmph with this engine.

Exterior

Tata Indigo eCS is packed in remarkable set of exterior key features which makes it look appealing. The front fascia of the car has been employed with diamond chrome grille with smoked headlamps placed laterally on sides. Even the front fog lamps are also ringed in chrome color to highlight the visibility effect for distant sight in inadequate weather conditions. Front and side profile portrays a subtle image of the car with carved-in creases, smooth edges and corners. Additional feature like OVRMs mounted with turn indicators in comparison to Indigo eCS previous variants improves the functionality and exteriors of the car. Coming to the rear profile, boot has got little bit expansion but not excessively so as to keep the overall length of the car precise and compact in structure. Overall, this compact sedan exteriors has done justice from its predecessors engaging some minor changes within that seems appealing and adequate for a economical compact range sedan like this.

Exterior Measurements

Dimensionally, this compact sedan measures as 3988 mm x 1620 mm x 1540 mm (L X W X H) which makes the vehicle spacious inside offering roomy passenger compartment. The wheelbase for the same is counted as 2450 mm which is 50 mm longer than the previous variants.

Interior

Interiors of Indigo eCS is kept in dual tone theme with different color coding for seats, dashboard, door panels and roof lining. Certain changes employed to its indoors upgrade its overall look as a result of which you won't feel jaded sitting inside Indigo eCS. The quality of upholstery used to cover the seats could have been much better but keeping in mind that it is just an entry level sedan, it is admissible. The four-spoked leather covered steering wheel, octagon instrumental dials, parking sensors, driver side auto down power window and advanced stereo segment are some of the advanced and interesting features added with this Indigo eCS variant. Talking about the space availability for the occupants, the cockpit and rear cabin seats offers sufficient legroom and headroom wherein you can sit alongwith friends and family at ease.

Interior Comfort

Easy accommodation of five passengers at a time makes this entry level sedan likable by cross-section of people in Bangladesh auto market. In top variants of this vehicle, you can get power windows for both front and rear seats. Also, front seats are provided with adjustable headrest and manual seats sliding function for comfort seating position. Due to perfectly set air conditioning vents, you can even travel long runs without any discomfort. Glove box with cooling function helps in keeping your drinks at low temperature. Besides these, there are several other features that ensures to make your journey comfortable and convenient. Including some of them are driver's seat one shot down power window, boot lamp, rear seat armrest, bottle holder on front door, magazine pocket on rear seats, remote boot and remote fuel lid opener.

Interior Measurements

The seating arrangement in Indigo eCS is comfortable with enough cargo volume compartment to laden your baggage. 380-litres of boot space is provided by this vehicle with rear seats in upright position which is sufficient for a sedan.

Engine and Performance

The new Tata Indigo eCS is offered in both the Diesel and Petrol engine variants. The petrol unit with 1.2-litre engine capacity with 32-Bit microprocessor generates 65 PS at 5000 rpm and high torque of 100 Nm at 2700 rpm. The other two diesel engines use the same unit powering Indigo eCS. The 1.4-litre (1396 cc) common rail CR4, DOHC diesel engine churns out maximum power output of 70 PS at 4000 rpm and high torque of 140 Nm between 1800 to 3000 rpm. Whereas the other diesel unit is a 1.4-litre (1405 cc) TDI turbocharged with intercooler that gives power output of 70 PS at 4500 rpm alongwith the peak torque of 135 Nm at 2500 rpm. All the engines are coupled with five-speed manual transmission for smooth engine response and better fuel economy.

Stereo and Accessories

The stereo and accessories segment of Tata Indigo eCS is sufficient enough to keep you entertained on long runs. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music via your phone by simply using the mentioned function. Advanced multi-function steering wheel increases driver's operation over stereo segment even though running at high speeds without compromising with handling aspect. Besides, music system with CD Player, MP3, radio, USB and aux-in is available with all the trims that produces beating sound output via four speakers and 2 tweeters system. In addition, to retain the sound inside Indigo eCS offers anti-acoustic chamber which is one of the advanced feature that this Indigo series variant offers.

Wheels

The side profile of Indigo eCS looks more sporty and complete because of 14-inch wheels that comes fitted as standard over all the variants, comprising of tyre size 175/65 R14.

Braking and Handling

The new Indigo eCS is easy to drive and is much similar with the earlier variants. While driving the car, you will realise how easy it is to handle this vehicle due to its compact size. The front brakes are ventilated discs and rear are fitted with drums which on combination with suspension brings vehicle to halt safely without loosing track and skidding. It has independent McPherson strut with coil spring at the front and independent 3-link McPherson strut with anti-roll bar in rear ensuring a smooth ride to its occupants over uneven road surfaces. Also, this car is fitted with anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from getting locked in emergency cases improvising controlled braking.

Safety and Security

As this is an entry-level sedan, it is packed in basic safety parameters. Anti-lock braking system with good suspension and braking system brings the vehicle at halt smoothly without skidding. In event of any collision, collapsible steering wheel reduces the collision impact from targeting the passengers sitting inside. Rear parking sensors employed to its back side raises alarm for any closely approaching object on taking reverse turns so that you can maneuver the vehicle easily in narrow spaces. Other safety aspects associated with this car includes central locking, keyless entry, e-OVRM with third lane visibility, LED high mounted stop lamp, seatbelt warning and child safety lock on rear doors.

Pros

Affordable compact sedan with decent mileage performance
Besides being a compact-size sedan, offers sufficient passengers room
Improved handling characteristics

Cons

Lacks safety aspects
No airbags
Interior plastics could be of better quality