The Hindu Business Line : Premium colours for the new Indigos

The Tata Indigo sedan was launched in December 2002, and the Indigo Marina, the station wagon or estate version, was introduced in September 2004. Both the sedan and estate versions of the Indigo became best-sellers soon after their launch and have remained at the top of their segments.

As of date, there are more than 1.25 lakh Indigos and Marinas on the roads. Thanks to spacious interiors, practical features and extremely attractive pricing, both the cars became instant hits. They were popular not so much for their premium design or luxury interiors.

With both models showing signs of ageing, a makeover was on the cards. But even as existing and potential new competitors will get to drive the new, refreshed Indigo and Marina, Tata Motors has shrewdly decided to retain the older versions of the two cars to offer potential small-car buyers an even more compelling option to upgrade to an entry-level sedan.

As a result, while the new Indigo and Marina variants will be priced marginally higher, the current variants (earlier design) have been re-christened the V-series and will continue to be available at a lower price.

Premium features

The redesigned version of the Indigo sedan range comes with refreshed premium features on the outside. The changes include new dual chamber, clear glass type headlamps that incorporate projection lens style construction, and twin lamps and coloured turn indicator bulbs.

A new chrome lined fascia tops the bonnet grille and the new leaf-shaped outside rear-view mirrors are now dual tone type and adorned with a thick chrome centre strip. Sill valence covers have been included and chrome insert rub rails for side panel protection are being offered (in the top-end variants).

All the new features add character to the new Indigo sedan and also lend a sporty touch to the relatively understated elegance of the vehicle.

At the rear, the sedan sports a new look with a chiselled body-hugging bumper that conforms to the latest international design trends.

While improving the Indigo's side profile, the new bumper should also be less prone to nicks and scratches.

For the Indigo sedan, Tata engineers have also reworked the rear combination tail lamps to be able to offer longer clear lens style lamps and a new registration plate garnish has been included.

Together, these features make the new Indigo's rear more apt with the rest of the car's proportions.

The interior trim and dashboard come in soft beige tones in both the Indigo and the Marina.

In addition to a few other changes to the cockpit, the new variants also feature a new chunky, three-spoke, sporty steering wheel that resembles the Tata Motors logo.

Luxury drive

As for the new Indigo Marina range, it now comes with monochrome, clear lens type full-length tail lamps and new compact bumper.

Two new luxury trims along the lines of the successful SX series of the Indigo sedan have been added to the Marina range with premium features such as beige leather seats, a video player with MP3 music system, and two headrest-mounted LCD screens to entertain rear passengers. Other premium features include seat height adjustment for drivers and new, classy alloy wheels.

The new Indigo and the Marina come in three new colours — Citadel Grey, Venetian Blue and Champagne Swirl — and is priced in the Rs 4.58 lakh to Rs 6.27 lakh range (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new V-series in the Indigo family will be available from Rs 3.99 lakh to Rs 4.84 lakh.

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