Tata Motors refreshes 8 models in line up for 2013; three CNG variants unveiled

Tata Motors has announced that it has refreshed eight cars in its lineup for 2013. The refreshed cars are the Indigo eCS, Indica eV2, Sumo Gold and Safari facelift and they will go on sale immediately. The refreshed line up also includes CNG variants of the Indigo eCS, Indica CNG and the Nano CNG that will go on sale in July. 

The Indica eV2 gets chrome treatment on the outside in the form of a three-step grille and chrome garnish at the rear, refreshed headlamps and electrically adjustable rear view mirrors. On the inside, the Tata has fitted dual tone interiors, beige seats and has replaced faux wood accents with a chrome trim.

The limited edition Tata Safari Storme Explorer gets an all-new two-DIN touchscreen infotainment system which was unavailable in the previous version. The upgrade also features the inclusion of outdoor nudge guards, chrome garnish, leather seats and ‘Explorer’ badging. Under the hood, the Storme is unchanged with power being drawn from the 2.2-litre VariCOR engine which has a maximum power output of 140PS@4000rpm and 320Nm of torque.

Changes to the Sumo Gold include a roof-mounted rear AC blower, audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity as well some new graphics on the front and back of the vehicle. The Sumo Gold will continued to be powered by the 3.0-litre diesel mill that produces 69PS and 223Nm of torque or 84 PS and 250Nm depending on BS3 or BS4 compliance. Alloy wheels are an optional extra at the dealer level for the Sumo Gold.

The new Indigo eCS gets a refresh both inside and outside. The car is now powered by a new refined CR4 engine that produces 70PS and 140 Nm - an increase of 40Nm over the previous model. The vehicle also sports a new ‘F-Shift’ gearbox that is claimed to be smoother, lighter and more positive than before. A new duo float front suspension system is claimed to improve ride and handling. On the feature front the Indigo eCS gets rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable mirrors with dual curvature to help eliminate blind spots and ABS is present on the top-spec variant. Aesthetics of the Indigo have also undergone tweaks with a new beige and black dual-tone interior, a new four-spoke leather-wrapped steering and a new audio system, and rear chrome garnish and a new chrome grille on the outside.

During the launch of the vehicles, Tata also announced the launch of its HorizonNext customer strategy for its passenger vehicle division. The company says the strategy is a four-pronged approach that aims to provide the best customer experience -- from best vehicle experience to superlative purchase experience and followed by technology-intensive service support.

Starting price for the refreshed lineup (ex-showroom Delhi)

2013 Tata Indigo eCS BS3 Rs 4.99 lakh

2013 Tata Indigo eCS BS4 Rs 5.29 lakh

2013 Tata Sumo Gold Rs 5.83 lakh

2013 Tata Nano Rs 1.5 lakh