Indica V2 DLS 2004 version
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I was previously having Indica DLE 1999 version which we purchased
second-hand. The car was in good condition and was 1 year old then.
We rigorously used it for 3 years with frequent long drives of about
550 Km every two months and well used in city as well. Other then the
wheel-disc problem and poor AC, we did not find anything wrong in it.
But let’s see what the Indica V2 DLS 2004 version has to say.
COMFORT
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As far as comfort is concerned, Indica has not depressed its buyers
since its launch. The new version has good comfortable seats.
The rear seats are now more comfortable for longer drives. You can
rest your head easily. Good leg room and very spacious in this car
segment. However the head-room is quite small for good-heighted
persons. Sometimes the roof just touches your head. The front seats
are now even more comfortable. You are now not easily bounced from the
seat on rough roads without seatbelts. The bucket type seats give
you edge support from the sides and in the bottom.
Suspensions are good, however sometimes on roughroads the car gives
you more bounce, which is not risk but enough to disturb your mild
sleep.
STABILITY
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Indica has always been very stable at high speeds and on rough roads
as well. The car runs smooth and grips the road tightly as the speed
increases. This is due to its more width. With the windows closed,
you will never know that the car is running at 100+ Kmph. It is so
smooth on good-highways and the driver has full control.
Excellent braking.
However due to low ground clearance, which all other cars have today, the driver needs to
be specially careful on rough roads. There is always a risk for the
bottom of the car hitting the ground as the suspensions absorb the
shocks. But this is not the problem with Indica alone. You have the
same problem with Maruti Esteem. But I was amazed to note that my old
Maruti 800 had never such problem. The reason is that 800’s weight
is less then that of Indica. The DLS version is a Diesel version with
a heavy engine. Indica also has a robust body as compared to other
cars.
Power Steerring is very good and gives you more control without any
effort. You might notice problems with the DLE versions where there
is no power steering. You can manage Maruti 800, Alto, Santro without
power-steering, but always go for the Indica Power-Steering version,
since you have to really put some effort in cities.
RELIABILITY
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The car is reliable if driven single-handed and carefully, which you
must with other cars too. Spares are quite costly as compared to
Maruti, but this might be because of Maruti being an established
company after 15+ years.
AC is still not very effective in the DLE and DLS versions. However,
the DLX version specifications say about a different and powerful
type of AC.
You still have to put in more effort with the AC ON because the car
asks for lower gears on straight rough roads. You have to frequently
change the gears. If you require to overtake another vehicle on
quite rough roads with the AC ON, you might find it very difficult.
Better switch the AC OFF. This is also because of heavy weight of
the car.
I have not yet noticed any Wheel Disc problem with the V2 version
even after long drives on rough roads. The company has worked on
the problem.
STYLE
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The 2004 version of Indica has a more sporty look and looks more
stylish. Fronts and Rear lights are now more attractive and effective.
ECONOMY
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The car gives 16-17+ average on good highways, and in city also the
fuel economy is satisfactory.
SAFETY
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Excellent braking.
Good control.
Seat belts on rear and front seats.
Very stable even at high speeds.
SERVICE SUPPORT
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We got excellent and prompt service support here at Jabalpur. But
I can’t say about other cities. I once gave my old Indica at Nagpur
service station, but the service was not satisfactory.
But this does not mean that the service support of the Indica is poor.
It is backed by TATA, hence I hope that you might not be depressed.
My Decision
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Indica Diesel is a very successful car in its segment. If budget is
not a problem for you if Indica is in your mind then go either
for the DLS or the DLX version.
If you want the car for a long time and you have confidence in your
driving, then GO FOR IT.
I have myself purchased it the second time.
_________________
Rohit Prakash