The Hindu Business Line : The new-look Indica

After a redesign of the Tata Indigo sedan, it was the turn of the Indica to head to the cosmetologist. Tata Motors has just announced a new 2007 range of the Indica V2, bringing refreshed new looks to this popular hatchback. The Indica V2 range, including the Xeta, the NA Diesel and the V2 Turbo, now sport a new front bumper with chrome inlaid grille, a set of new dual-tone outer rear-view mirrors very similar to the new Indigo, and new front fog lamps.

The significant and most noticeable change at the front and rear are the new lamps. Stylish, new dual chamber headlamps in clear-lens glass replace the earlier version and a pair of new rear-combination lamps that Tata Motors calls bison tail lamps are the signature features.

The new versions of the Indica V2 have also been put through a makeover for enhancing the appeal of the interiors. The interiors now sport newly picked upholstery, a new instrument cluster and centre fascia, and a more contemporary steering wheel. While the Xeta range carries forward its first-in-class beige interiors, the diesel range wears a new, rich black interior.

The 2007 Indica V2 range is available in four new colours — Arizona Ochre, Amazon Blue, Cavern Grey and Pastel Green. They are in addition to the already available colours — Arctic Silver, Salsa Red, Mint White and Carbon Black.

But, unfortunately, those of you who have been waiting for this new version hoping that it will also feature a new common rail diesel engine will have to wait a while longer. The diesel variants of both the Indigo and the Indica have been primed for a change of heart. But the new Dicor engines will take some more time to come, though Tata Motors is said to have been testing the them for sometime now.

The new, face-lifted Indica V2 Xeta continues to be available in the 1.2 litre and the 1.4 litre engine options, while the diesel range comes in the naturally aspirated, turbo-charged, and turbo-charged-cum-inter-cooled 1.4-litre engine options.

Indica sales, at 1,02,361 units in April-December 2006 , grew at the above-industry-average rate of 35.8 per cent. The 2007 Indica V2 Xeta range comes at Rs 2.55-3.49 lakh, and the Indica V2 Diesel, at Rs 3.22-4.13 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi).

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