Tata’s Manza CS spotted testing

Despite being frequently updated time and again, the Tata Vista and the Manza have been failing to sell in decent numbers. Aiming at a fresh start, the ’Project Falcon’ was outlined by Tata to create all-new cars, a hatchback and a sedan. The sub-four metre sedan segment has turned out to be profitable for car manufacturers like Maruti and Honda. Despite getting off to an early start when it launched the Indigo CS to avail the government’s excise concessions, sales have been floundering for a while now. But with the Manza CS, Tata now hopes to turn around its fortunes, as it introduces a new contender in the segment. 

The hatchback, Falcon-4, has been spotted many times now. But for the first time, the Manza CS sedan, which we think is the Falcon-5, has been caught on camera by Zigwheels. Based on the X1 platform like the Vista and the Manza, it will share the wheelbase, exterior and interior styling with the full length sedan. The smaller rear section of the car reduces its overall length. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned and a new front grille give the car a fresh look. The car also gets a reworked boot lid and wrap-around tail lamps. Where the Manza is expected to properly score over its opponents is, in the interior cabin space. 

Sticking to the regulations, the Manza CS is expected to employ the newly launched Revotron 1.2-litre petrol or the 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine, both mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. While the former produces 85bhp and 140Nm of torque, the later one produces 75bhp and 190Nm of torque. 

With the Maruti-Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze having established a strong foothold in the sub-four metre division, Tata has its work cut out with the Manza CS. We expect the car to be priced competitively and to come bundled with many creature comforts to make it a worthy competitor in the segment.