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The Tata Indica is a small car. It is Tata’s original small car, of course if its measurements in terms of leg-room, width and space are to be increased; it could become a medium-size car. This is exactly what has been done and the all-new Indica is a massive hatchback that has so much rear seat comfort and width for passengers that it feels like a luxury saloon.

Though it may look familiar owing to the long lights and the Indica-like tail-lights but don’t be mistaken, this is an all-new car and every part of it, be the chassis, suspension and even the engine, has been changed. It has been ten years since the Tata Indica has been launched and the new Indica is the best indication of how far this car has evolved in last decade.

It is bigger, better and more appealing than any other Tata car and could be their best so far.

The new Indica has been designed by a team led by Justin Norek, ex-IDEA design Italy. They were asked to design a recognisable Indica and at the same time, give it a fresh and distinct look from the original car.

So, the new car has the earlier Indica’s smiling grille and that other Indica trademark, the vertically stacked tail-lights, but despite these similarities, the cars don’t share a single part. Changes to the front include wider front grille and air inlet and new headlamps that stretch back into the front wings in a Peugeot-esqe way.

There is a mild central ridge to the bonnet and the new Indica has a single flowing shape and tight new skinning that looks modern and attractive. In addition, a chrome grille bar and other up-market details such as the badge at the base of the A-pillar have also been incorporated.

The generous interiors have always been the Indica’s USP. And, the new car has grown outward even more. The length has been increased by 120mm to 3795mm, height is up 65mm to 1550mm, width 30mm and the wheelbase has been stretched by a good 70mm. This means more legroom, headroom as well as shoulder room.

The quality of interiors has also improved with a wide, two-tone dashboard. The centrally mounted panel is well finished and the car has more of an upmarket feel to it. These in fact will be further improved as the car that was on display at the Auto Expo 08 didn’t have the final plastics.

There is space for a double-size music system and the front seats are ample. The rear seats offer outstanding comfort and have a perfectly reclined backrest, perfect thigh support and the cabin feels as wide as a Honda Civic.

Powering the new Indica will be two new engines, both from partner Fiat. The petrol uses variable valve timing technology-enabled 1.4-litre FIRE engine to make 65bhp. The award-winning 1.3-litre Multi-jet, that’s already doing duty in the Maruti Swift diesel and the soon-to-be-launched Fiat Palio D, will also be used in 75bhp guise and is dubbed the ‘Quadrajet’. Expect higher end versions to come with a full complement of safety equipment. Yes, this means airbags, ABS and even possibly ESP. Complementing these features are the wider and lower profile tyres (175/55 R14) as against the Indica’s 165/65 R14’s.

The original Indica will continue to be built alongside the new Indica. All that remains now is good pricing and Tata should offer a substantially improved product at a not-so-substantial jump in price. However, the fact remains that the new Indica is better in every way.

(Diesel/Petrol)

L/W/H 3795/1695/1550mm

Wheelbase 2470mm

Turning circle diameter 10m

Engine Four cylinders,

in line, 1248cc,

turbo-diesel/1368cc, petrol

Layout Front,

transverse, FWD

Gearbox Five-speed, manual

Power 74bhp at 4000rpm/

64bhp at 6000rpm

Suspension (F/R)

Independent, lower wishbone,

MacPherson strut,

anti-roll bar/Non-independent,

twist beam, coil spring,

stabiliser bar

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