I took the test drive on 19-Sep-08. Even before that I took a test drive on Indigo CS TDI engine. So I kept the performance of Indio CS as the bench mark even though both having different engine, but both come under diesel category. And I have driven Swift diesel. And Indica vista contains the same engine from FIAT.
Interior: The meter console is situated in the middle of the dash board, the blue color digital meter is attractive. The door handle is almost near to the mirror handle. The power window switches are just below the door handle. Power window lock switch is missing. The inbuilt sterio perfomace is good. The driver seat can adjust the height and tilt steering(Only for Aura). The AC is powerful enough. The back seat is comfortable compared to other hatch backs. The boot having enough space for a small family.
Exterior: The front look of Vista is different from indica V2. It is because of the petal shape light. The side indicator is just below the side mirror. From back side it looks almost similar to indica V2. Vista got more height than Indica V2. Even I noticed some gap between headlight and hood even though it make no point.
Riding: The initial pick-up of the vehicle is too good compared to ordinary diesel cars. You can feel a bit delay for that pick up but it wont affect your pleasure of driving. The vehicle was already passed 1700kms. The hanling of the car is very smooth and you will enjoy the ride because of the silent engine. When you shift to the higher gear level, the vehicle will take a slight delay to achive the power. (Hello.. it is a diesel vehicle and it giving the pleasure of petrol. So that delay is managable).
I was able to reach 80km/h so easily.( I was not able to go beyond that because of police checking). If you are driving with A/C or without, it makes no difference in the performance of the vehicle. And the A/C is very powerful even compared to Swift. The gear shift is accurate. You wont get confused between the gears. While giving the accerarator in 3rd and 4th gear, I was able to hear the sound of the engine. (It was a demo car and by that time more than 200 people drove that car. I guess it can be a reason for that sound). The turning radious is good. The car is user friendly in every angle.
Milage: The agent told me that it will give 17-18 in city and 20+ on high way. But I am taking only 14-15 in city and 19-20 on high way.Surely it will give a tight competition to Swift Diesel. I think Tata have to concider this engine in Indigo CS too. The on-road price for the higher end is 5.73 Lacks. You just have to fit mud flap and floor mats extra. All other equipments are already avilable.
Happy Riding