Tata guys seem to do a lot in a very short span of time. We are hearing something new from them almost everyday. The latest news is, Tata launched longer-wheelbase Indigo, the Indigo XL finally last week. Tata had revealed this car in Auto Expo-2006, New Delhi last year. You must have heard of Indigo LWB? It's the same!
Indigo XL, as per its name (eXtra Large), has got 200mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor, as a result car's length has increased to 4377mm. Other dimensions of the car have been kept intact. Indigo has been considered as the most spacious car in its class, now with wheelbase of 2650mm, it has left no room for criticism in this regard. Refined interiors, upholstery and equipment levels give a luxurious feel to driver and passengers. As far as equipments are concerned, consider Indigo XL as an successor of Indigo SX-series, a series of cars virtually no-one bought due to its high prices.
Apart from wheelbase, for the first time Indigo has got major changes in engine too. Indigo XL's 1396cc, 16valve, DOHC, DICOR (Direct Injection COmmon Rail) Diesel engine can produce up to 70ps of power (same as non-DICOR Indigo) and up to 140Nm of torque (15Nm more than non-DICOR Indigo). I was expecting Indigo DICOR to have a little more power (at least 15-20ps more), extra 15Nm will not do, I guess. The latest Common Rail Diesel technology promises great refinement in NVH (Noise-Vibrations-Harshness), fuel economy and performance, but 70ps? I say again, Dicor Indigo had to be a bit more powerful, oh Tata, are you not intending to sell it?
1396cc, 16valve, DOHC, Petrol engine can produce up to 101ps of power (16ps+) and 124Nm of torque (17Nm+). So, Tata is concentrating on its Petrol cars? 101ps from an Indigo is like surprise of the day. Petrol version is promising one, no doubt.
Now, the most important part of the story: Unfortunately, it's a sad one! Indigo XL is priced very high i.e. 6.7 lakh for Petrol and 7.35 lakh for Diesel, ex-showroom Delhi. You can read it as approx 7.5 lakh on-road Mumbai for Petrol and 8.25 lakh on-road Mumbai for Diesel. 8 lakh plus for an Indigo? Yes, you got it right! So, Tata has left Fiesta behind and competing with Verna VGT as far as price is concerned? Who's going to buy it, I am wondering?
More on the Tata Indigo XL:
