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Tata Indica 1.4 D (54 Hp)
Overall Rating
Tata Indica:
The Tata Indica is a B-segment car launched by the Indian manufacturer Tata Motors in 1998. It was the first Indian hatchback with a diesel engine. It was the first passenger hatchback from Tata Motors, with previous models being station wagons and SUVs.
Indica is also considered one of India's indigenously developed passenger cars, though not the first. As of August 2008, more than 9. 1 lakh units had been produced and the platform had spawned close to 12 lakh vehicles. Annual sales of Indica were as high as 1,44,690 units in 2006–2007. As of July 2009, monthly sales of Indica were around 8,000 units. The models were also exported to European and African countries from late 2004. The car was discontinued in April 2018....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Indica Overview:
Tata Indica (Indica). With 83 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.2 l/100km). Weighing only 850 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17 s). The top speed reaches 135 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The original Tata Indica generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety standards of the era were generally lower, and the Indica focused more on affordability and practicality.
1.4 D (54 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Marginally better than the 49 Hp diesel, still sluggish but offers a slight improvement in responsiveness.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy, making it a very economical choice for daily city commutes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Highly affordable purchase price and running costs
- • Spacious interior for its segment, especially rear legroom
- • Fuel-efficient diesel engine options (especially TD)
- • Robust and simple mechanicals, easy to maintain
- • Good for city driving and navigating congested areas
Cons:
- • Basic and unrefined interior quality
- • Uninspiring performance from naturally aspirated engines
- • Dated design and features compared to rivals
- • Average safety features by modern standards
- • Ride quality can be firm on rough roads
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Tata |
| Model: | Indica |
| Generation: | Indica |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 D (54 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 54 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 38.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 83 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1405 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.7 kg/Hp, 63.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.2 kg/Nm, 97.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 850 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 37 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3660 mm mm |
| Width: | 1625 mm mm |
| Height: | 1485 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1400 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/70 R13 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
If you could change one thing about the Tata Indica, what would it be?