Few months back I tested the car with the longest name. It is an indigenous entry with Italian heart. The full name of the actor of this plot is: “Tata Indigo Manga Quadrajet/Saphire 90 Aura Plus". Before even looking at the vehicle I was sure that Tata product will give me ample space at competitive pricing. And after looking at the vehicle I was tempted to ask --- Whether Tata is making any money out of it?
From its front looks one might be tempted to call it Indica Vista with a boot, but it would be huge disservice to Tata’s who have came a long way after launching Indica way back in 1998. Manza has (50mm) longer wheelbase as compared to Indica Vista and the boot is grafted in a very subtle manner. The rear look will give a feel of Retro Look which might get little hatred. Front looks are quite similar to Indca Vista, then longer wheelbase promises more space than Vista and well crafted boot acts like a bonus. But when compared to its competitors, Manza will get just average rating in Looks department.
Interior quality is far better when compared to Tata Standards, but is still very behind the standards set by Ford and Maruti in this Segment. I gave Thumbs up to Soft Touch IP, Driving Information, Rear Arm rest, Broad Seats and huge leg room. But glaring gaps on door trims, heavy looking steering wheel and awkward pedal position will make you realize that this is not the best product in the market. Tata tried to give its best to Manza by hiring Bluetooth technology from Fiat and by introducing Airbag and ABS in its car. But somehow I was never impressed after using all the features. Small controls on steering were difficult to operate, Audio settings were not user friendly, Opening and closing of door was not pleasant and to top it all heavy feeling while tuning the key inside key cylinder were irritating factors.
On the test track, I felt the power of 90 hp. 1.3 litre multijet engine with variable geometry turbocharger is available only in Fiat Linea and Manza. But somehow Linea tuning is far better than Manza. I hit the top speed of 163 kmph in Manza but trust me it wasn’t the safest drive test. Steering effort will reduce considerably at high speeds, which is quite risky as it will not give appropriate amount of feedback from the road. Even lane changing at 80kmph was the most difficult stunt one could perform on this car. So in terms of Ride and handling I will rate it below average.
Then I tested the feel of chauffer driven vehicle. Even the rear seat wasn’t very comfortable on potholed roads. But nonetheless I will be looking towards next Tata product. They are improving at a much faster rate.
Why Buy: Space, Cost and Engine
Why Deny: Compromise on driving pleasure, Jerks on rear seat, Handling at higher speeds, Interior quality.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
New Skoda Fabia
I really dont want to see the new Fabia. The reason was simple-with the kind of regard I had for the old Fabia, I didn’t want to see a stripped down version and change the image I had in my mind of the first true luxury hatch in India. But, I was left with no choice and had to go to check her out.
One first look at the car and I slightly felt comfortable. The car, though cheap by around 70k compared to the previous avatar, did not look as bad as I had expected. Instead, the fresh new face, with the wider peeled headlamps and bold new grille and the monstrous looking fog lamps, gave it a character, like some of its higher priced siblings. The flow lines from the sides of the bonnet gel with the upper grille so well, and looked inviting. The lower grille had also received fair amount of makeup, and with the low air dam at front, the car gave an impression of a toned up version of the old Fabia. The car length has also been increased by 8 mm and comes quite close to the line of control between a compact and an entry mid car. The height has also, gone up by 8mm, and the ground clearance by 12mm, which is…huge. Skoda seems to have learnt from the previous experiences with the old Fabia, which never spared a decent speed breaker on its path. The new alloys give it a much bolder stance. But, what came as a shock to me was the fact that Skoda has done away with the elegant sunroof atop the old car. Also the rear wiper as also nowhere to be seen, thanks to the cost lowering exercises. But overall, the car appeared sleek and better poised than the old Fabia. Truly Fab, is it?
To answer the question, we stepped inside and was greeted by the same familiar cabin that had taken its place in the old Fabia. Everything were pretty much the same and I was happy the car had not lost its charm owing to cost reduction. Every single panel looked as it was born to fit inside and the kind of build quality that is associated with a Skoda is still very much alive in the new Fabia as well. The steering looked same as before, but the dials of the speedo and odometer were tinkered with. The two spoke needles were replaced by new single spoke ones, and also the quality of the console was also a bit below the old car. It was then I noticed some change in the music system and controls. The old system with a big knob at centre gives way to a new system, with twin knobs and switches all around. A welcome addition was an Aux-in port and a power outlet on the floor console. The overall interior conveyed an impression of high quality standards, and I could hardly find any part that could give me a proof of the frugal cost reduction done in the car. New features include pinch guard protection on all four power windows and a 3 way adjustable parcel shelf, but the best of the lot was the vents for rear cooling given under the front seats. Skoda, has definitely put in a lot of thinking in to this hatch to make it better appealing to the Indian buyers.
Then came the next big step, a test drive. I was thrilled. But, my happiness was short lived as I was informed that the car could not be taken out on the highway owing to the incomplete registration process. I had to satisfy myself with a ride around the park. I started the diesel motor and waited for the thrums of the engine. But, the wait never seemed to end. I was surprised to find that the car was quite silent as compared to its predecessor, which was regarded as a luxury tractor on road. I engaged the gear and the car leaped forward. The throttle response was brisk and the steering, responsive enough. But the steering was not as light compared to some other cars, and I had a not so good time reversing and parking. The ride also appeared decent on the broken roads and had a comfy feel. The brakes when applied, feels lost for a while, but comes to your rescue all of a sudden, creating a slight panic feeling.
Overall, the car, in its new avatar has made a complete turn around. Offering almost all features as its competition, and quite aggressively priced, I feel this car will be a true game changer for Skoda. Truly Fab…it is…
Why Buy: Luxury Feel, Ride, Comfort, Cost (No longer expensive) and Brand
Why Deny: Service and spare parts cost
One first look at the car and I slightly felt comfortable. The car, though cheap by around 70k compared to the previous avatar, did not look as bad as I had expected. Instead, the fresh new face, with the wider peeled headlamps and bold new grille and the monstrous looking fog lamps, gave it a character, like some of its higher priced siblings. The flow lines from the sides of the bonnet gel with the upper grille so well, and looked inviting. The lower grille had also received fair amount of makeup, and with the low air dam at front, the car gave an impression of a toned up version of the old Fabia. The car length has also been increased by 8 mm and comes quite close to the line of control between a compact and an entry mid car. The height has also, gone up by 8mm, and the ground clearance by 12mm, which is…huge. Skoda seems to have learnt from the previous experiences with the old Fabia, which never spared a decent speed breaker on its path. The new alloys give it a much bolder stance. But, what came as a shock to me was the fact that Skoda has done away with the elegant sunroof atop the old car. Also the rear wiper as also nowhere to be seen, thanks to the cost lowering exercises. But overall, the car appeared sleek and better poised than the old Fabia. Truly Fab, is it?
To answer the question, we stepped inside and was greeted by the same familiar cabin that had taken its place in the old Fabia. Everything were pretty much the same and I was happy the car had not lost its charm owing to cost reduction. Every single panel looked as it was born to fit inside and the kind of build quality that is associated with a Skoda is still very much alive in the new Fabia as well. The steering looked same as before, but the dials of the speedo and odometer were tinkered with. The two spoke needles were replaced by new single spoke ones, and also the quality of the console was also a bit below the old car. It was then I noticed some change in the music system and controls. The old system with a big knob at centre gives way to a new system, with twin knobs and switches all around. A welcome addition was an Aux-in port and a power outlet on the floor console. The overall interior conveyed an impression of high quality standards, and I could hardly find any part that could give me a proof of the frugal cost reduction done in the car. New features include pinch guard protection on all four power windows and a 3 way adjustable parcel shelf, but the best of the lot was the vents for rear cooling given under the front seats. Skoda, has definitely put in a lot of thinking in to this hatch to make it better appealing to the Indian buyers.
Then came the next big step, a test drive. I was thrilled. But, my happiness was short lived as I was informed that the car could not be taken out on the highway owing to the incomplete registration process. I had to satisfy myself with a ride around the park. I started the diesel motor and waited for the thrums of the engine. But, the wait never seemed to end. I was surprised to find that the car was quite silent as compared to its predecessor, which was regarded as a luxury tractor on road. I engaged the gear and the car leaped forward. The throttle response was brisk and the steering, responsive enough. But the steering was not as light compared to some other cars, and I had a not so good time reversing and parking. The ride also appeared decent on the broken roads and had a comfy feel. The brakes when applied, feels lost for a while, but comes to your rescue all of a sudden, creating a slight panic feeling.
Overall, the car, in its new avatar has made a complete turn around. Offering almost all features as its competition, and quite aggressively priced, I feel this car will be a true game changer for Skoda. Truly Fab…it is…
Why Buy: Luxury Feel, Ride, Comfort, Cost (No longer expensive) and Brand
Why Deny: Service and spare parts cost
Volkswagen Polo
I woke up one fine morning to see a twelve page advertisement in Times of India. That was a clear signal that a tusker will start running soon in India. Few days later there, acquisition of 20% share in Suzuki Motor Corporation showed that Volkswagen do not want to take any risk in a market like India. The goal of becoming Numero Uno is clear in the minds of top management.
Equal efforts might have been poured to select the product that will begin the entry of the giant in the most challenging market. Considering the inclination of the Indian customers towards small cars and their liking for anything that offers them real value for money, and having a well established performer under its sleeve, selling over 2.1 lakh units in 2009 in just the top 4 European markets alone, the answer was simple. Bring in the Polo.
Volkswagen Polo is a well build car. Sharp creases all round its body, Hexgonal front facia, Small Panel gaps, clear head lamps and even the stance of the car point towards the sophisticate look of the vehicle. Among all other cute and beautiful cars, Polo stands like a gentleman.
This perfection is carried inside the cabin also. The dual colored interiors with chrome all around will greet its passenger with elegance. I was not able to locate any abnormal panel gaps inside the vehicle. The sound quality is the best one can get with a factory fitted audio. Instead of 4 speakers Volkswagen has opted for four sub-woofers to sit besides the mesh in the door. Even the stair pattern visible on audio controls assists the driver to operate in much better way.
But this all good story was soon broken by the ignition of the engine. The petrol engine sounds more than a diesel one. Every vibration of the engine is audible inside. It was difficult for me to settle down in a comfortable position on driver’s seat. It seems like VW has designed the car keeping the interests of its European customers and not Indians in mind. Pedal position quite awkard and one may get a problem of achy feet after driving it in city.
Accelerate, and the car moves forward in a calm and composed manner, as if unfazed by the world around. The ride is good at both low and high speeds and over all unsettled surfaces and feels quite relaxed. There is absolutely no problem in ride and handling department even if one decides to test it in extreme conditions. Cornering on a dirt track at high speeds is a no problem for Polo. The steering feels light at low speeds and taking it around in the city won’t be a tiring experience.
The problem of front seat was carried forward to rear passenger as well. It is difficult to be comfortable with a upright seat back. Tunnel in between (meant for 4WD) will make the ride even more uncomfortable for fifth passenger. It lacks many luxury features like Auto AC, USB Port and Electrically adjustable ORVM, but when it comes to buying decision, car has a good balance between all features.
Why Buy: Decent looks, Build quality, Luxury Interiors, Ride and Handling, Brand
Why Deny: Rear+Driver Seat Comfort, Noisy Engine, Less responsive engine.
Equal efforts might have been poured to select the product that will begin the entry of the giant in the most challenging market. Considering the inclination of the Indian customers towards small cars and their liking for anything that offers them real value for money, and having a well established performer under its sleeve, selling over 2.1 lakh units in 2009 in just the top 4 European markets alone, the answer was simple. Bring in the Polo.
Volkswagen Polo is a well build car. Sharp creases all round its body, Hexgonal front facia, Small Panel gaps, clear head lamps and even the stance of the car point towards the sophisticate look of the vehicle. Among all other cute and beautiful cars, Polo stands like a gentleman.
This perfection is carried inside the cabin also. The dual colored interiors with chrome all around will greet its passenger with elegance. I was not able to locate any abnormal panel gaps inside the vehicle. The sound quality is the best one can get with a factory fitted audio. Instead of 4 speakers Volkswagen has opted for four sub-woofers to sit besides the mesh in the door. Even the stair pattern visible on audio controls assists the driver to operate in much better way.
But this all good story was soon broken by the ignition of the engine. The petrol engine sounds more than a diesel one. Every vibration of the engine is audible inside. It was difficult for me to settle down in a comfortable position on driver’s seat. It seems like VW has designed the car keeping the interests of its European customers and not Indians in mind. Pedal position quite awkard and one may get a problem of achy feet after driving it in city.
Accelerate, and the car moves forward in a calm and composed manner, as if unfazed by the world around. The ride is good at both low and high speeds and over all unsettled surfaces and feels quite relaxed. There is absolutely no problem in ride and handling department even if one decides to test it in extreme conditions. Cornering on a dirt track at high speeds is a no problem for Polo. The steering feels light at low speeds and taking it around in the city won’t be a tiring experience.
The problem of front seat was carried forward to rear passenger as well. It is difficult to be comfortable with a upright seat back. Tunnel in between (meant for 4WD) will make the ride even more uncomfortable for fifth passenger. It lacks many luxury features like Auto AC, USB Port and Electrically adjustable ORVM, but when it comes to buying decision, car has a good balance between all features.
Why Buy: Decent looks, Build quality, Luxury Interiors, Ride and Handling, Brand
Why Deny: Rear+Driver Seat Comfort, Noisy Engine, Less responsive engine.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Nissan Micra
Nissan tries to revamp its entire model offerings. It has plans to launch cars in all segments based on single platform. A small hatch has already been launched in Indian market and a sedan, MPV are much awaited cars on same V-Platform.
First, lets get into some statistics. Since the launch of Nissan Micra, Nissan India sales have grown by around 20 times over the same period last year. Nissan Micra has touched a sales figure of 1200 per month in India. The number might sound too small, but considering a small network of 19 dealers it can be termed as a magnificent job.
I was impressed by the exterior looks of the vehicle. As compared to other premium hatches, this car has surely brought unique identity. The smiling face, roundness feel everywhere and Slopping roofline give a cute look to the vehicle. Micra can be termed as mini Beetle and trust me it wont be an insult to curves to Volkswagen Beauty. The rear with its flat looks, is bit awkward but overall car will not disappoint with its exterior looks.
There is no need to pull the keys out of your pocket to enter the car. It just require a push on the request switch. Once seated, electric push start will give a classy feel. Micra is the first car in the segment to offer these features. One look around, and I was quite impressed by the look and layout of the instrument panel. The round theme followed all around, starting from the audio, AC controls and vents, dashboard, and not to forget, the steering wheel. The metallic finish, orange back lights and the greige color scheme gave a lively and cheerful atmosphere inside. Top variant is fully loaded and it flaunts features which are not even present in entry sedans.
But the story was different for lower variants of Micra. The lower variants carry all black interiors with no jazzy features. The lower variants may give a feel of cheap Chinese quality. I feel overall interior package of low and Mid variant is average. Seat comfort, Space, and feel just a notch below the standards of a premium hatch.
Even when it comes to initial pick up the car is quite sluggish. It stands nowhere close to the performance of Maruti, Hyundai and Volkswagen. Even the car gave a poor show in ride and handling. May be because of its exceptionally low weight it just sways during swift lane changing and floats over smooth road. Even the experience of riding over is quite noisy.
Why Buy:
Exterior looks, Features of XV Variant, Value for Money
Why Reject:
Ride and handling, Average Engine Performance
First, lets get into some statistics. Since the launch of Nissan Micra, Nissan India sales have grown by around 20 times over the same period last year. Nissan Micra has touched a sales figure of 1200 per month in India. The number might sound too small, but considering a small network of 19 dealers it can be termed as a magnificent job.
I was impressed by the exterior looks of the vehicle. As compared to other premium hatches, this car has surely brought unique identity. The smiling face, roundness feel everywhere and Slopping roofline give a cute look to the vehicle. Micra can be termed as mini Beetle and trust me it wont be an insult to curves to Volkswagen Beauty. The rear with its flat looks, is bit awkward but overall car will not disappoint with its exterior looks.
There is no need to pull the keys out of your pocket to enter the car. It just require a push on the request switch. Once seated, electric push start will give a classy feel. Micra is the first car in the segment to offer these features. One look around, and I was quite impressed by the look and layout of the instrument panel. The round theme followed all around, starting from the audio, AC controls and vents, dashboard, and not to forget, the steering wheel. The metallic finish, orange back lights and the greige color scheme gave a lively and cheerful atmosphere inside. Top variant is fully loaded and it flaunts features which are not even present in entry sedans.
But the story was different for lower variants of Micra. The lower variants carry all black interiors with no jazzy features. The lower variants may give a feel of cheap Chinese quality. I feel overall interior package of low and Mid variant is average. Seat comfort, Space, and feel just a notch below the standards of a premium hatch.
Even when it comes to initial pick up the car is quite sluggish. It stands nowhere close to the performance of Maruti, Hyundai and Volkswagen. Even the car gave a poor show in ride and handling. May be because of its exceptionally low weight it just sways during swift lane changing and floats over smooth road. Even the experience of riding over is quite noisy.
Why Buy:
Exterior looks, Features of XV Variant, Value for Money
Why Reject:
Ride and handling, Average Engine Performance
Ford Figo
Ford tried its best to offer a new product which may revive Ford’s image in India. But after closely analysing the vehicle I came to conclusion that the concept of Ford Figo is more of a World Car than an Indian Car.
Ford is trying to revive its image by launching world cars now. Probably they will come strongly with the launch of “Ford Focus” shortly.
Figo tried to satiate the needs of customer all across the world and was named as “Indian car” only because it was specially launched in India. The only parameter that satisfied Indian needs is “ex-showroom” tag of Figo.
Figo tried to minimize the cost by sticking to basic knowledge. It carried forward its age old platform, henceforth saved the Research and developmental costs. Figo shares its platform with Fiesta, Fusion and Ikon.
Figo inherits exceptionally good ride and handling from its siblings. One can cruise through potholes, brick roads easily and cornering at high speeds is just like child’s play.
But I guess customer might need little extra when it comes to engine. Though it carries 1.2L petrol power train, but the power delivery at lower rpms is questionable. One has to shift to first gear after crossing every speed-breaker, all thanks to taller gear ratio of second gear.
1.5 L diesel engine from Fiesta also fails to deliver the punch in FIGO.
After the engine even the exterior looks suggests that Figo is old man car. Lowest height in entire A2 segment, side looks similar to Fiat Uno, etc might not gel with youngster image.
Once seated inside the Figo, I was impressed by the space. Ample legroom, decent head room {despite of its low height} were the major positives of interiors. But, the plastic quality was the worst that ford could offer. Even one way height adjuster in top variant was an indication of cost-cutting measures. The audio comes with Bluetooth connectivity, but alas the USB feature is missing. Even the optional brick-red color of dash for top variant is worthy of being hated.
The boot opening lever on the left hand will surprise the driver everytime.
Before customizing the car for India Ford only judged one parameter namely cost which might be liked by Indian customer. It’s true that every car carrying attractive price tag will b evaluated closely by Indians, but at the same time Indians like cars like Swift or i20 which carry premium price tags.
Well, in the end lets see the positives and negatives of the car again:
Positives: Price Tag, ride and handling, interior space
Negatives: Low powered Engine, Interior build quality, exterior styling
Happy evaluating :)
Ford is trying to revive its image by launching world cars now. Probably they will come strongly with the launch of “Ford Focus” shortly.
Figo tried to satiate the needs of customer all across the world and was named as “Indian car” only because it was specially launched in India. The only parameter that satisfied Indian needs is “ex-showroom” tag of Figo.
Figo tried to minimize the cost by sticking to basic knowledge. It carried forward its age old platform, henceforth saved the Research and developmental costs. Figo shares its platform with Fiesta, Fusion and Ikon.
Figo inherits exceptionally good ride and handling from its siblings. One can cruise through potholes, brick roads easily and cornering at high speeds is just like child’s play.
But I guess customer might need little extra when it comes to engine. Though it carries 1.2L petrol power train, but the power delivery at lower rpms is questionable. One has to shift to first gear after crossing every speed-breaker, all thanks to taller gear ratio of second gear.
1.5 L diesel engine from Fiesta also fails to deliver the punch in FIGO.
After the engine even the exterior looks suggests that Figo is old man car. Lowest height in entire A2 segment, side looks similar to Fiat Uno, etc might not gel with youngster image.
Once seated inside the Figo, I was impressed by the space. Ample legroom, decent head room {despite of its low height} were the major positives of interiors. But, the plastic quality was the worst that ford could offer. Even one way height adjuster in top variant was an indication of cost-cutting measures. The audio comes with Bluetooth connectivity, but alas the USB feature is missing. Even the optional brick-red color of dash for top variant is worthy of being hated.
The boot opening lever on the left hand will surprise the driver everytime.
Before customizing the car for India Ford only judged one parameter namely cost which might be liked by Indian customer. It’s true that every car carrying attractive price tag will b evaluated closely by Indians, but at the same time Indians like cars like Swift or i20 which carry premium price tags.
Well, in the end lets see the positives and negatives of the car again:
Positives: Price Tag, ride and handling, interior space
Negatives: Low powered Engine, Interior build quality, exterior styling
Happy evaluating :)
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