I was blessed with a second child and sadly, had to let go of my 1998 Zen VXi(silk smooth jelly bean). No money to buy a bigger MNC car but needed a 3 box sedan with a big boot, what to do? The Indigo had just been released a couple of months back, I think, and the price-size combo seemed attractive so out came the paper, pen and calculator.
1.Research I made a data base of about 22 cars of the time(2004). Now, my wife and I are both a shade short of 6 feet in height, so, front and especially rear leg room were critical. The rear leg room of the Indigo was not matched by ANY of the balance 21 cars, NOT EVEN BY THE MERCEDES E-CLASS. Other higher end cars were out of reach.
2.First Look A neighbor in Suratgarh(where I had been posted at the time) got one and I checked her out(the car, not the neighbor;-) The size of the boot, the legroom, the fit and finish seemed a helluva lot for the terrific price. I had to be satisfied with only sitting on the seats, extremely comfy. After my dad’s Esteem, the sense of space was really liberating. My wife, who drives a lot, was quite impressed. After the Ze, this was a HUGE car, inside-out. Decision made, booked one at Pandit Auto, Pune.
3.Delivery Got the delivery in Jan 2004. Cooperative dealer, but poor lower staff. The elderly lower staff tended to abuse the power steering by turning the steering wheel while the car was stationary, was brutal with the accessory fitments etc. I had to give the MD of the dealership a rocket for that. Otherwise, good dealer experience.
4.5 years and 32000 kms later. 2004: Pune to Suratgarh, first trip and a long one at that. Absolutely hassle free, rock-steady at 90 kmph(max speed for first 1000 kms as advised by the windscreen sticker, obeyed it.), nice weighty pwr steering, excellent brakes with adequate feel, good AC.
Even then, I could feel the AC sap about 30% of engine power specially while moving off and then overtaking at around 60 kmph. The habit of reflexively switching off the AC at these times got inculcated pretty early;-) Later, over the years, Suratgarh to Jammu, Jammu to Vaishnodevi & back, Jammu to Patni Top & back, Jammu to Delhi, Delhi to Doon & back, Delhi to Jaisalmer & back, Delhi to Pune, Pune to Goa & back were some lovely rides. Plus lots of short trips in all these places for shopping, work or just feeling the breeze.
The feedback below is of my personal experiences, others may have others. I maintain my car very carefully in all ways - clean/change filters before time, use the best fuel available, keep tire pressures correct and treat the car with feeling and respect.
5.Strengths.
Max car for the price in India. Terrific front and rear legroom, humongous boot -3 large s’cases and 2 duffel bags on the sides, no prob.
Solid built, will definitely save your life in a crash. Very comfortable front and rear seats, roomy and wide.
Dirt cheap spares, specially the notables like fuel, oil, air filters.
Fuel efficiency completely dependent on driving style. 90+(highways), max 16 or so. A more sensible 75 to 80, easily 18.5 or more.
6. Hassles
-In Delhi(2005) consistent coolant leakage from radiator hose jubilee clips. Repeated tightening solved the glitch, never to return.
Again Delhi, (2007) summer, hot engine, stopped and switched off engine in front of shop, on return, refused to start. Ominously, it happened once in Rajasthan trip, at Pokhran. Had to push-start her like a truck, she started in 5 meters though. Starter motor turning the crankshaft but engine not firing up. Allowed her to cool, instant start. Took her to service stn, serviced the self starter, prob not resolved, changed bty, ok then onward.
Again Delhi(2007) high voltage surge destroyed two sets of headlight bulbs. Some prob with the shaft of the alternator, changed it, ok then onwards.
Pune(2009) Remote locking fuse blew, replaced it, ok now.
7.Conclusion. An honest, down-to-earth "Honey I Shrunk The Kids" version of the ubiquitous OK TATA 207/407/607/ etc etc. Very much like the average Indian family - generously proportioned, large-hearted, very forgiving of minor ill treatment, when badly upset will do a Tandava on your head, has her/it’s own little quirks and idiosyncrasies, cheap to start and maintain one, one or two serious kicks to you to remind you of how precious she/it is in your life and VERY MUCH INDIAN!
And nowadays, sadly, going out of fashion and being subjected to much abuse by people ignorant of her/its true values and merits. Also, the only car in the world today at it’s price with a 1405 cc TDI engine, 3 link indep rear suspension and 500 lit boot