The much expected Indica Dicor is here but not with the expected 1.3L MultJet Diesel. The ageing Indica ultimately needs a new heart to compete with the superior Swift and Fabia. We test drive the Indica Dicor and find whether the new heart actually serves the purpose.
1) Tata Indica Dicor: is powered by a 1.4L DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) which pumps out 70PS at 4000rpm of maximum power. This is the engine which is already doing the service in Indica’s bigger cousin Indigo. Though the engine is not as refined as Swift’s DDIS but is responsive enough. The strong mid range makes cruising easy between two traffic signals.
2) Tata Indica Dicor: There is not much improvement in ride and handling characteristics. It remains average. Steering is responsive and gains weight as you opens the throttle. Suspension at the front is through Mcpherson strut and at the rear it is through semi trailing arm with coil spring.
3) Tata Indica Dicor: Indica has grown in size. Yes, believe me Tata has further increased the length and height of the indica by 15mm. I’m sure that you cannot get such a spacious hatchback in the market.
4) Tata Indica Dicor: Tata seems to be concentrating on quality. Fit and Finish has improved and hence panel gaps are minimal. Paint quality is good and body coloured bumpers, body coloured door handles and full wheel cover adds attraction. Door trim is nice especially the fabric lining gives a rich look to the car.
5) Tata Indica Dicor: Similar to the Indigo CS cubbyholes are absent, even there are no map pockets. Tata has shared most components between Indigo CS and Indica Dicor. Except for the four spoke steering wheel dashboard resembles the one in indigo CS. Cup holders inside the glove compartment not a good idea though.
6) Tata Indica Dicor: To pave way for the all new Indica Dicor (with 1.3L Multi jet engine), Tata has kept a check on price. Hence ABS and Airbags which featured in the recently launched Indica V2 turbo DLX does not find any place in new Indica Dicor. Seat belts, side intrusion beam and collapsible steering column are the safety features. Indica dicor notifies you through audio warning when a door is opened. Indica Dicor also comes equipped with front and rear fog lamps. What if a product doesn’t come with chrome lining. Chrome strip is plated on the hood and the front grille.
7) Tata Indica Dicor: Control for power windows are mounted in the central console and that too only for front passengers. But the other controls such as HVAC are accessible.Rear wiper is absent though rear demister is an useful addition.
8) Tata Indica Dicor: is available in six attractive colours – scarlet red, salsa red, carbon black, mint white, arctic silver and cavern grey. The DLG variant by which Tata calls the Indica Dicor is priced Rs4,71,194 (on- road, chennai). Summing up the spacious hatchback now gets some necessary grunt. Tata could have added more features to make this car an attractive option.
