My Indica V2 Turbo DLG has completed 1 year of sucessful running in July 08. Till date it has clocked 20000km+. Before going for this car I also had an eye on Maruti Swift diesel. I from my calculations, I did not feel it worth to invest another 1.5 Lakh rupees just for the additional bit of performance. Anyway I was not going to participate in a Race, specially between diesel cars.
From day One this car has been a winner.
FLASHBACK!
On the 1st rainy night I rammed into a cow sitting on the middle of the road. I must be doing 80-90kmph. suprisingly, nothing happened to the Cow(Except that it flipped over in the air, landed on its feet and just walked away) as well as me(Was wearing seatbelt). The cars bumper, radiator and the condensor of AC got damaged. But the service of the TATA Dealer in Goa, M/s N.D. Naik was commendable. The car was up in 8 days including 2days of delay due to late arrival of fog lamps. The workmanship was so good that it was difficult to believe that the car had met with an accident.
NOW!
The performance of the car is quite good if compared with other diesel cars with diesel engines of same technology(Non-CRDI). The 68BHP of power generated by the TCICI engine is adequate for normal use. Although It does not feel that powerful, but at the same time it also does not feel underpowered. The key lies in keeping the engine over 2000 RPM all times to get the performance. Top Speed! I have taken it upto 120 KMPH(Cannot go beyond due to congested roads of Goa), but it is comfortable cruising at 90-100 KMPH.Noise levels are much lower than previous models of Indica. The in cabin noise is negligible. Vibration level are bare minimum( Atleast after 1 year & 20000 km of running).
MILEAGE!
I have consistently been getting an average of between 17-20KMPL in 70%-30%, City-Highway driving conditions(On a second thought, there is hardly any Highway left in Goa. Goa is just a big city). The worst mileage that I have ever got is 15KMPL on a trip through the interior winding roads of Goa, Loaded with 5 people and nowhere a chance to use the 4th gear, forget the 5th. I use normal diesel in my car, and may have used premium fuel once or twice with no difference in performance or economy.
COMFORT!
I can safely say that Indica is a benchmark in comfort levels not only in case of Hatchbacks but many of the sedans avialable in India. Although the suspension is slightly on the stiffer side, it is just right for indian conditions. It can crunch miles and miles of road without breaking your back.
REALIABILITY!
Till date I have not faced any breakdown or Major Problem ith the car. The one and only one being the problem with the drivers side glass which sometimes gets stuck in between. I have not yet brought it to the notice of the main service centre in margao(I do my regular servicing at a small service centre in Mapusa), hence no complains about it.
OVERALL!
I guess this is the best entry level car that money can buy for you in india. Now since tata has introduced indica with ABS and DICOR(CRDI) engine, one can quit complaining about dated technology. Till date in India, 90% of the cars are used for the purpose of commuting and a very few for pleasure. Hence it makes a whole lot of sense to go for a Car like Indica keeping the above in mind. In my case I use the car for commuting between my home and office. And I am extremely happy to Own it.