The year 2009 has been a grand one for Tata Motors. They started deliveries of cheapest small car - Nano - this year and also launched some new products including Xenon XT, Jaguar and Land Rover cars. And now Tata has launched the next gen model of Indigo which has been christened "Tata Manza" which is expected to increase the overall Tata sales in mid to luxury car segment.
Tata Manza was unveiled in Mumbai by Ratan Tata on Wednesday, 14th October. Tata Motors has tried to give Indigo Manza a different look with all new headlamps, tail lamps, bumpers, new interiors and well integrated boot. The New Indigo has been christened "Tata Manza", which is another name which ends with "a" alphabet. Presently we have Indica "Xeta", Indica "Vista" and Indigo "Marina". Indigo Manza features a huge boot and promises best in class interior space.
Typical of Tata cars, the Indigo Manza offers good value for money as it comes packed with loads equipments and features. Tata Manza is based on Indica Vista's stretched platform but the company insists that Tata Manza is an altogether new car with complete new body on a new platform which houses an all new interior and makes a bold styling statement. With a length of over 4.4m, a width of 1.7m, and a wheel base of 2,520mm, the sedan has grown in size and thus in interior space.
Price Of Tata Manza - Starts At Rs. 5.47 Lakhs - On Road Mumbai
Tata Indigo Manza has been priced very competitively at Rs. 4.90 lakhs for the base model of petrol (Ex-Showroom Mumbai) and Rs. 6.85 lakhs for the top model of diesel (Ex-Showroom Mumbai). Here is a list of price of Indigo Manza in Mumbai. All these prices are on-road Mumbai.
| Variant/Model | Petrol - Safire90 | Diesel - Quadrajet90 | ||
| Tata Manza Aqua Tata Manza Aura Tata Manza Aura (ABS) Tata Manza Aura+ | Rs. 5,47,000 Rs. 5,86,000 Rs. 6,13,000 Rs. 6,68,000 | Rs. 6,46,000 Rs. 6,79,000 Rs. 7,13,000 Rs. 7,64,000 |
| Variant/Model | Chandigarh | New Delhi | Chennai | Pune | Kolkata |
| Tata Manza Petrol Aqua | 4,83,000 | 4,80,000 | 4,64,000 | 4,85,000 | 4,75,000 |
| Tata Manza Petrol Aura | 5,17,000 | 5,15,000 | 4,98,000 | 5,19,000 | 5,10,000 |
| Tata Manza Petrol Aura (ABS) | 5,41,000 | 5,40,000 | 5,22,000 | 5,43,000 | 5,33,000 |
| Tata Manza Petrol Aura+ | 5,90,000 | 5,90,000 | 5,71,000 | 5,92,000 | 5,82,000 |
| Tata Manza Diesel Aqua | 5,73,000 | 5,70,000 | 5,54,000 | 6,68,000 | 5,62,000 |
| Tata Manza Diesel Aura | 6,01,000 | 5,99,000 | 5,82,000 | 5,96,000 | 5,91,000 |
| Tata Manza Diesel Aura (ABS) | 6,30,000 | 6,29,000 | 6,12,000 | 6,25,000 | 6,20,000 |
| Tata Manza Diesel Aura+ | 6,75,000 | 6,75,000 | 6,57,000 | 6,70,000 | 6,65,000 |
The nose of Tata Manza retains the Indica’s sweeping angular headlights, but the design inside the headlight is different from Indica Vista. Indigo Manza's headlights are more bold looking with dual projector barrel shaped reflectors. Also the turn indicators are well integrated in the headlights. It features the same bold looking central crease line on the bonnet which gives character to the car. The side turn indicators are mounted on the door alongside the rear view mirror like Indica Vista. The front bumper of Indigo Manza features a big air dam which is finished in black shade which also consists of round fog lights which give Tata Manza very broad look and feels like a big car.
The front grille of Tata Manza consists of four horizontal lines which is dominated by big Tata logo and chrome finish upper lip which looks very familiar - nothing new here. The top model of Tata Manza features full chrome grille. Rear of Tata Manza is the best looking part with vertical tail lamps which looks quite striking and lends it a classy look. Though the size of tail lamp is very huge and may not appeal to everyone. The rear bumper of Manza is plain with chrome strip running across it, which gives it a very wide and big car look. tough the chrome inserts on the rub rails and outer door handles add that touch of class. The new rear monolithic angular shaped tail lamps give the profile an unmistakable noticeability for following cars.
The boot of Tata Manza looks well integrated and part of the sedan unlike the current generation Indigo in which boot looks like a add-on. All models comes with smart looking matt finish full wheel covers though I expected alloy wheels for the top models. It also features a wide chrome deck lid like we have on the Swift Dzire and New Ikon Ikool. Also it comes with chrome strips on front and rear bumpers with body colored side moulding on doors. The B-pillars of Tata Manza have been blacked out to give it a feel of big cars like we have seen in Fiat Linea, Chevrolet Aveo and Honda City.
Interior & Comfort Features Of Tata Manza
Tata Manza has spacious right inclination rear seats with a center armrest, rich two tone fabric, tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat, electronically adjustable and controlled Outer Rear View Mirrors. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5. The audio controls of the music system are mounted on the steering wheel, for ease of access while driving. The trunk has a capacity of 460 litres to meet every need of travel.
The wheelbase of Tata Manza which stands at 2520mm, is longer than the current gen Indigo. Indigo Manza feature many high end features to give a up market look. Tata Manza features steering mounted audio controls, dash integrated music system, dual SRS airbags, high quality fabric seat covers and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors. First, it was expected that the dashboard design of Tata Manza is going to be similar like the Vista’s but Tata Manza's instrument cluster is behind the steering wheel unlike Vista's instrument cluster which is mounted in the centre of dashboard. Tata Manza also features centrally mounted MID (Multi Information Display) for the driver like we have seen in Hyundai i20 and other segment leaders.
With all these features in the top model Aura+ of Tata Manza the company wants to compete with the likes of Hyundai Verna, Maruti SX4 and Ford Fiesta. But in comparison to all these cars Tata products are low on quality, fit and finish. But Tata want to change all this with the launch of Indigo Manza and set new standards in terms of features, quality, ride quality. The base model Manza Aqua is going to compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki's Swift Dzire, Ford's Ikon, and Mahindra Renault's Logan.
Engine Options In Tata Manza - Quadrajet90 Diesel & Safire90 Petrol The petrol engines are configured using a Continuous Variable Cam Phaser, which smartly adjusts valve timings and intervals for power delivery. In addition, the electronically controlled Intelligent Port Resizer (IPR) function in the Safire engine delivers a perfect balance of power and economy. The Quadrajet diesel engine features a Variable Geometry Turbocharger for smoother running and an aluminum bedplate along with superior insulation that reduces NVH levels while delivering a superior power to weight ratio. The Drive by Wire technology virtually eliminates all “throttle lag” leading to a faster, smoother response. Tata Indigo Manza is available in both petrol and diesel. Both the engines have been picked from Fiat's stable and are mated to 5-Speed manual transmission.
- Quadrajet 90, 1.3 Litre, 89 Bhp - 200 Nm, Diesel
- Safire 90, 1.4 Litre, 89 Bhp - 116 Nm, Petrol
The Qudrajet90 diesel engine of Manza develops maximum power of 89 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. This reliable and fuel efficient Multijet diesel engine has been a major hit among car manufacturers. Like Tata Manza it also powers many hatchbacks and sedans in India like Maruti Swift Dzire, Maruti Swift, Maruti Ritz, Fiat Linea, Fiat Palio and Fiat Punto. The Safire90 petrol engine generates maximum power of 89 Bhp at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 116 Nm at 4750 rpm.
Ride & Handling Of Tata Manza - New Suspension System To Improve Ride Quality
Tata Manza uses a twist beam suspension at the rear like Tata Indica Vista on which it is based. While, the old Indigo model featured independently sprung suspension. The damping rates are different from the Vista’s suspension to accommodate for the extra weight of the boot and the better ride comfort levels that the saloon car owner demands.
At low speeds, the ride of Tata Manza is absorbent due to the softer suspension settings, but at higher speeds, it doesn’t have that ultimate ride and handling mix like the Fiat Linea. It’s a family car, so you shouldn’t expect too much by way of handling. Still, it surprises by having decent front-end grip and though there’s some body roll, there’s nothing overtly wrong with the way it handles.
Tata Manza vs. Maruti Swift Dzire vs. Ford Ikon Ikool vs. Mahindra Renault Logan 'PLAY' - Top Variants - Diesel
| Data | Tata Manza | Renault Logan | Ford Ikon Ikool | Maruti Swift Dzire |
| Engine | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Displacement | 1248cc | 1461cc | 1399cc | 1248cc |
| Maximum Power | 89 Bhp-4000 rpm | 65 Bhp-4000 rpm | 68 Bhp-4000 rpm | 75 Bhp-4000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 200 Nm-1750 rpm | 160 Nm-2000 rpm | 160 Nm-2000 rpm | 190 Nm-2000 rpm |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4413 | 4247 | 4145 | 4160 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1703 | 1740 | 1632 | 1690 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1550 | 1534 | 1439 | 1530 |
| Clearance (mm) | 165 | 172 | 171 | 170 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Airbags | Yes, 2 | Yes, 2 | No | Yes, 2 |
| Boot Space(litres) | 460 | 510 | 400 | 464 |
| Mileage (approx.) | 18/14 kmpl | 19/14 | 19/14 | 20/15 |
| Music System | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Centre Armrest | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AC/Climate Control | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes/Yes |
| Price (On-Road) | Rs. 7.64 lakhs | Rs. 7.02 lakhs | Rs. 5.66 lakhs | Rs. 7.71 lakhs |
Tata Manza diesel is certified by the ARAI to give a mileage of 21.02 kms to a litre, while the Manza Petrol is certified for a mileage of 14.5 kms to a litre. But it is expected that petrol variant of Tata Manza is going to deliver around 10-11 kmpl mileage in city driving conditions and on highway Petrol Tata Manza is expected to deliver 13-14 kmpl. As far as diesel variants of Tata Manza are concerned it is expected that it is going to deliver around 12-13 kmpl mileage in city driving conditions and on highway Diesel Tata Manza is expected to deliver 14-15 kmpl.
Variants Available In Tata Manza - Aqua, Aura, Aura (ABS) & Aura+
Tata has launched Indigo Manza in eight variants - 4 of diesel and 4 of petrol. The variants has been christened as Aqua, Aura, Aura (ABS) and Aura+. The base model is Aqua which comes with following features:
- Front Power Windows
- Air Conditioner
- Power Steering With Tilt Adjustment
- Rear Seat Center Armrest
- 2 DIN Music System With AM/FM/MP3/CD
- Storage Tray Under Co-driver's Seat
- Tachometer With Critical REV Indicator
- 7 Speed Front Viper With SMART WIPE
- 15" Wheels With Full Wheel Covers
- Manual Central Locking
And in addition to the Aqua variant the top of the line Aura+ comes with following features:
- Rear Power Windows.
- Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
- Bluetooth Connectivity + Aux Support + USB Playback In Music System
- Rear Defogger/Demister
- Front & Rear Fog Lamps
- Electrically Adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors
- Remote Central Locking
- ABS (Anti Lock Braking System)
- Dual SRS Airbags
- Retractors, Load Limiters & Pretentioners On Front Seat Belts
- Fuel Consumption, Distance To Empty & Ambient Temperature Indicator
- Cup Holder On Rear Seat Center Armrest
- Lumbar Support For Front Seats - 2 Way Adjustable
- Chrome Inserts On Rub Rails & Door Handles
- Magazine Pockets Behind Front Seats
- Illuminating Ring Around Keyhole
Shades Available In Tata Manza - 7 Colors To Choose From
Tata Manza is available in seven shades. Tata Motors has announced a new shade with the launch of Indigo Manza - The Gold Satin shade. In addition to Gold Satin Tata Manza is available in 6 more shades:
- Minimal Grey - Grey Noir - Monarch Red
- Dew White - Infinity Black - Breeze Blue
Safety Features In Tata Manza - Much Needed ABS & Dual Airbags In Top Model
Active safety features in Tata Manza are Dual Front SRS Airbags that offers safety in case of collision, ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) and Front Disc Brakes. Passive safety features in Tata Manza includes Side Impact Beams, Height Adjustable Front Seatbelts with load limiters and pretentioners, Warning Lamp for Driver Seatbelt, Front Passenger Seatbelt Reminder, Child Locks and Central Locking.
Major Drawbacks & Plus Points Of Tata Manza
There are some drawbacks and some features which are missing in Indigo Manza which are quite shocking for a car of this segment.
- No Passenger Side Outside Rear View Mirror In The Base Model Aqua
- No Alloy Wheels Even In The Top Model Aura+
- No Climate Control System In The Top Model As Its Main Rival Swift Dzire Has This Feature
- Panel Gaps In The Dashboard
- Plastic Quality Of Power Window Buttons Are Not Upto The Mark
But to overcome all these drawbacks there are some features which makes Tata Manza's deal a tempting one. All the models of Indigo Manza comes with following five features:
- Front Power Windows
- Audio System
- Central Locking
- Power Steering
- Air Conditioner
What To Expect From Tata Manza...??
Tata Indigo Manza is very important for the company because its Indigo’s sales have fallen sharply in the last two years. In the first 6 months of 2009, they have sold only 16,000 units of Indigo versus 49,000 units last year. So, Tata Motors wants to get back into C-Segment where earlier it had dominance. Tata Indigo Manza has the latest technology, better interiors, and more spacious, luxurious and bolder styling etc from inside. It was also expected that Tata is going to discontinue/phase out all the variants of current generation Indigo but they have discontinued only the Basic Indigo models. The Indigo range now comprises of:
- Tata Indigo Manza - Based On Stretched Platform Of Indica Vista
- Tata Indigo CS - Most Compact Sedan Based On Shortened Platform Of Indigo
- Tata Indigo XL - Based On Stretched Platform Of Indigo
- Tata Indigo Marina - The Station Wagon Based On Indigo
