Redefining the essentials

Hi friends,

This is my first review being posted at Carwale.com. To begin with, let me apprise that this is the first car I have owned and been driving, except for the santro (2000) model which I drove for about 21 days at driving school. As such, the points or views stated herein may not match with those of other Carwale members.

I had been to the TATA motors showroom at Chembur, looking out for a Nano, but then a smart looking young lady dressed in Gala Red standing beside the Nano caught my attention. I moved slowly towards her and noticed a very young bride in her Red joda, shimmering beauty and full of life. Just then a man approached me and said, "yes, she is Indica Vista".

I then took a close look of the Vista and was very impressed with the looks, fit and finish and of course the interior layout and space. The centre mounted console, the tiltable steering wheel and height adjustable seat were just more than sufficient to lure me for changing my decision. I booked the Vista immediately.

The post booking and ownership experiences of Vista were rather different.

1. Interiors: This is one of the major strengths of Vista over the competition. Stepping inside the  cabin will make anyone forget that they are inside a "small car". It has a premium sedan feel to it with dual tone beige theme. The plastics used viz, inside door opening lever, central locking lever and the grab handles on top of doors, and especially the console housing teh power window switches, and the rotory knob of the music system, however impart a very cheap feel. The stalks have adequate feel and have no reasons to complain. The storage spaces (except for map pockets on doors) feel quite adequate. Special mention has to be made of the glove compartment which is also quite huge. There is a knob on one side of front seats for lumbar support (only Vista among the B+ segment cars, provides lumbar support). Despite many attempts, I was unable to figure out, how it helps (i.e., whether it really helps or not). With just 232 litres capacity the boot seems just adequate for daily commuting and weekend outings.

2. Exteriors. If you are bored seeing the old indicas, I10s, Santros, Wagon-Rs and Swifts everywhere, the Vista offers a very different and refreshing look. Albeit, as a latest trend, almost every new car being launched comes with swap around type head lamps, no other model (except for the SX4) manages to integrate the swap around concept precisely to match  with the body contours, as has been done in the Vista (as per my personal liking). The petal shaped head lamps (dual barrel) with the TATA trademark smiling grill is simply impeccable and spot on. It surely turns heads of ongoers on the road. A simple proof to it is, it has been hardly 25 days since delivery and more than 50 people (neighbours and mostly other car owners at traffic signals) have enquired me about the car. Surprisingly women are more attracted towards the Vista. The quality of external door handles however leaves room for speculations. They are not as firm as they should be.  

3. Driving experience: Stepping into the drivers seat is a whole new experience by itself. The tilt adjustable steering and height adjustable seat combo will assure that you are in the most comfortable driving position. The windscreen is huge and gives a commanding view of the road ahead (there is a serious blind spot at 45 degrees though). The pedals are light and responsive. Turn on the ingintion  and one can hardly notice that the engine has truned on and is doing around 1500 rpm. no vibrations at all. I have to floor the pedal further to reaffirm whether the engine is started or not. the ride is simply smooth and no jerks are tranferred to the occupants. The quality of gear shift however is not inspiring and very rubbery, especially at 1 and 2 positions. The 3, 4 and 5 positions are effortless and spot on.  No problems with reverse position as well.

4. Servicing: I have read people saying that after sales services of TML is not at par with  Hyundai and Maruti.  But in my view it is not true. The service centre of TATA was very responsive, cooperative and competent. They heard my issues patiently and resolved each one of them very carefully. The cost was also very very nominal. The car was delivered  on the exact time they promised.

Just An Update:(as of 15.12.2009)

5. Performance. The Car has been sucessful to impress me in terms of performance also. Just completed the second scheduled service. The Engine starts up in no time and picks up briskly.  The intial pick up though is rather slow and sluggish. One could easily feel this aspect at traffic signals  where the light turns from Red to Green, and by the time you gain sufficient momentum, the traffic behind you starts honking like hell whereby others can manage to just zip off like a breeze. However, within seconds once you click the gear shift in 3rd slot you are once again in lead and well ahead of the others. 

Recently completed my first highway trip from Mumbai to Pune and back on M-P expressway. The performance on highway was a mixed bag.  On the positive side the vehicle remained stable at high speeds giving a feel of confidence. Could reach up to 125 Kmph (On Speedo with all windowns open) easily without any hassles. One the downside the vehicle seriously struggled to climb the ghats on 3rd and 4th gears

Over all a very good and competent car. Good Job TATA.

Looks, tons of features, comfort, interiors, space, fuel economy, ease of driving.Quality of plastics, rubbery gear shift, door handles, blind spot.