This would be my fifth review on the car. I bought Tata Indigo LS TDi precisely 6 months back on Oct’28’2006. I have done close to 11000 kms till date.
Let me start with my experience with the engine.
In my earlier reviews I had written that car is sluggish till it reaches 1800 rpm mark and after that, the car zooms. I still stick to that point. Car’s idle is set somewhere between 1000-1100 rpm. And by the time, you move to third from second gear, one would have crossed 1800 mark, then on driving is a sheer pleasure.
Coming to transmission, I would like to say that Tata’s can work with the gear ratio in Indigo’s. Gear ratio is not quite adjusted well. One has to constantly change gears in a slow moving traffic.
Airconditioning is neat and without hassles. Even with A/c on, TDi engine has enough power to pull the car with eases. Airconditioning could have been better in terms of cooling time.
Driving comfort and Maneoverability is quite good in this car. Power steering is very neat and one would get a feeling of driving a smaller car like santro.
Mileage wise, this car stands tall. Car give mileage somewhere between 14-15 in crowded city traffic and 19 plus on highways.
Tips for maintenance:
Get the oil filter and engine oil changed every 5000 kms mark.
Get catalytic converter cleaned every 3000 kms mark.
I would recommend System D solvents sold on all Tata outlets, this reduces the carbon and nitrogen/sulphur soot deposit in the catalytic converter.
Get the suspension bolts torqued up once in 4 months. I does not cost anything if the car is in warranty, even otherwise paying 100 bucks wont drill your pocket.
Tips
Euro 3 diesel powered cars require euro 3 diesel, which is actually not available in india. Euro 3 diesel have lesser content of sulphur. You can achieve euro 3 performance on euro2 diesel by using solvents like System D, they reduce sulphur content in the diesel.
To get maximum output from the car, then remember not to overdo the engine, by raising the accelerator unnecessarily. And avoid using excessive usage of clutch
Keep the engine running in idle for a minute or two after start / before stopping the engine. Keeping the engine running for couple of minutes in idle would let the turbo charger cool down, hence increasing the engine life.
Giving suspension torque once in 4 months would help reduce engine vibration noise as engine is mounted/suspended on the suspension/chassis on 3 points.
Comments:
Indigo/Indica engine borrows pre-combustion chamber mechanism from Rover ( Rover are known for their pre-combustion engines since early 70’s), thats why injection system is Indirect for Indigo/Indica. IDI engines are easier to maintain and replacement of injectors are less expensive compared to common rail direct injections systems.
Unique 3 link suspension of Indigo is a boon. Back seat comfort is absolutely amazing.
Minor features like rear reading lamps, hand rest, boot lamp prove to be handy.
14 inch wheel gives good grip on the road as compared to 13 inch wheels on the earlier indigo’s.
MUST HAVE FEATURE - Driver side height adjusting seat would be a big plus, even with little extra cost. I am sure this would turn to be real good value add to the car, since indigo/indica have poor front visibility.
Verdict:
Indigo is value for money. Nobody else would give a big car with fuel efficient diesel engine packed with decent power for less than 4.5 (ex showroom) price tag. Comfort and drive wise this car stands tall. Tata’s you’ve done a neat job on this car. Congratulations.