I really feel very proud to be owner of TATA MANZA (quadrajet AURA ABS).This is my first tata product.It is not obvious to own TATA product without niggle free output.But now I feel something more about this car.My budget was around 7-8 lakhs, we already own ford fiesta, ford ikon & maruti zen, no doubt nice cars.So, this time I am looking for new and reliable brand.
One thing is clear that I have to go for diesel car.So, my first available option was FIAT LINEA.friends this car deserves much more than its class.But what made me stop is its boot space.Really it disappoints me.
Next option was TATA MANZA. The first impression was awesome, it gave me completely retro look.I just took 360 degree view.first thing that hits you is that it looks like a proper sedan.I was really surprised with tata work.But this is also true that the Manza is assembled on the exact same production line as the Linea.Paint job quality and exterior fit & finish are superb, Even the panel gaps are largely consistent.the 4 component headlamp design looks contemporary and totally non-Tata.Tata’s trying to go a li’l premium with this car.
Now when I go for interior obviously door don’t shut/open with that European thud.Dual tone interiors gives you royal feeling.They made you stuck.The colours are nicely co-ordinated to give the interiors an airy feeling.This time tata has provided nice features such as-tilt-adjustable steering, height adjustment option, Rich and lavish rear seat with arm rest, illuminated glove box, dual air bags, ABS, illuminated key assembly, lumbar support for front seats etc..Tata says they have increased the wheelbase by an additional 50 mm on the Manza. The wheelbase of the Manza is 2, 520 mm (Dzire = 2, 390 mm).
Now its time to check the boot space really the first thing come to my mind is how the rivals gonna beat this car.Absolutely unbelievable.I am 6ft 2inch and sitting very comfortably without depressing my feet.The door and center armrests are at just the right height too. there is still a sufficient gap between my head and the roof.this is one of the rare cars in terms of space.
Tata sells the top loaded Manza variant with ABS, 2 front airbags, HVAC (no climate control), tilt adjustable steering, driver’s seat height adjustment, lumbar support for both front seats, 4 speakers and two tweeters music system with USB / AUX / MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth integration, steering mounted controls (stereo + phone), multi-information display, front & rear fog lamps, electric adjustments for the ORVMs and keyless entry. While at it, I must add that even the base variant come with a respectable level of kit (tilt adjust power steering, front power windows, 2 DIN stereo + 4 speakers + two tweeters, dual tone interiors, tachometer, 15 inch wheels and central locking).The center console design has a huge Fiat inspiration, Has a full keypad for your mobile phone. Audio system has strictly average sound quality. Bass is hollow. 4 speakers and two tweeters standard on all variants. Stereo display too cluttered and fonts too small for ease in readability.
Now lets come to the heart of the car, yes lets check out the engine.The engine is same as in linea.the diesel is rated at 89 BHP (4, 000 rpm) and 200 NM of torque (1, 750 – 3, 000 rpm). Yup, it’s running the Linea spec engine (with slight changes) and variable geometry turbo here. Translated = No swift-like punchy turbo kicking in. Rather, the turbo action is subtle in nature. Even though the spec sheet says that the torque comes in at 1, 750 rpm, you don’t really feel much acceleration until crossing 2, 000 rpm (turbo seems to really start spooling only after 1, 800). And despite a variable geometry turbo, turbolag is noticeable and definitely takes some getting used to. Once you learn to keep the engine on the boil (use the right gears to stay above 2, 000 rpms), its easy to drive in a pretty spirited fashion around the city. The 1.3 is fairly revv-happy and will go on till slightly over 5, 000 rpm. However, the most useful revv range is between 2, 100 rpms – 4, 100 rpm; the Quadrajet makes maximum BHP at 4, 000 rpms. There really is no point for you to revv beyond that. Best to shift up early and work the torque.
What I would do in a regular driving style : Upshift in the early 2, 000s and go over 4, 000 only during a spirited drive or when it’s necessary to overtake that truck in the same gear.The diesel’s mid-range is useful. Even on an old school highway, overtaking 80 kph trucks is not a problem at all. But choosing the right gear (staying within the engine’s power band) is important. On the expressway, she was easily cruising at 140. Beyond this, the Manza starts running out of breath and progress is slow (1.3 liter engine after all). You can stretch her legs to a realistic 165 odd kph, but it’s simply not worth it . This car is best driven as a sedate (safe) comfortable cruiser. The turbo-lag raises its ugly head on a steep incline.
If you come to an absolute stop midway, you will have to generously slip the clutch (surely not a good thing). The 1.3, ironically, feels a tad more spirited in the Manza than in the Linea. The Manza’s power to weight ratio (74 BHP / ton) is superior to the Linea (66 BHP / ton) and Dzire (69 BHP / Ton). Yet, the Dzire feels the most sprightly, probably due to its lower gearing and punchy turbo action. The Manza is running taller gearing in the interests of fuel efficiency.
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