Review of INDIGO CS e GLX - Purchased in Jnuary, 2011 and done 2,800 km till now

 

 

 Dear friends,

I purchased one Indigo eCS GLX (BS-IV) in January, 2011. Before this car I owned one Premier Padmini that was with me for more than 11 years. I don’t like changing cars too often but would like to continue with one car till its full life. As production of Padmini has been stopped way back in 1998, procuring spares and getting quality mechanic became a major issue. That’s why I decided to go for a new sedan. In the process of choosing the new car I was immensely helped by two sites namely carwale and mouthshut. I feel duty bound to share my experience with this new car.

My parameters for choosing a car were:

(i) It has to be a sedan.

(ii) It should have enough cabin space

(iii) It should have sturdy & heavy body

(iv) It should be durable and last at least 15 years or 1,00,000 km.

(v) I was not at all bothered about resale value as I will be using the car for at least 15 years.

I checked 3 brands of cars before closing in on Tata Indigo CS eGLX. Other 2 were Swift Dzire, Hyndai Accent. Other sedans were beyond my budget. I didn’t like the restricted interior space and legroom of Dzire. Secondly the price of Dzire (VXI) was greater by a good Rs. 1.75 lakh (in comparison with Indigo CS eGLX). However driving comfort, AC, interior furnishing of Dzire is much better than Indigo CS eGLX. I really felt cramped in the back seat when it had 3 passengers. I liked the Hyndaui Accent Executive very much. The price difference was not too high either. Two things I did not like in accent. First the back seat. Secondly there are very few accent executive on road, at least in Kolkata. With such a few cars running in road, I am afraid that the company may stop production at any moment.

So I decided on Indigo CS eGLX. While doing that I had the following apprehensions:

(i) The bad reputation TATA has earned in the segment of after sales service.

(ii) Lack of experience of TATA in making petrol cars and also the failure of Indica XETA.

(iii) So many features in such a low price – yes I had and still have some apprehension on this. To what extent the features will last after few years, I still have my doubt. The reason for the apprehension is the low price of Indigo CS eGLX.

Now let me share my experience with this car.

1. I have driven it over 2,800 km of which approx 1,400 km is on highways. Its really a pleasure to drive this car in highways. I have driven up to a speed of 120 kmph and the car was rock steady at that speed. Although there is some engine noise after 110 kmph (or when one crosses 3500 rpm). The FE I got varied from 14 – 16 kmpl (with AC) and 18 kmpl (without AC). One issue that is slightly distracting in highways is – if the speed goes down below 65 kmph then for good acceleration one need to come back to 4th gear. Second issue – the steering wheel is placed in such a position that sometime the wheel obstructs the view of indicators lights.

2. The mileage in city is 8 kmpl (with AC) to 9.5 kmpl (without AC). I believe in modern cars there will not be any improvement in mileage after servicing.

3. The gear shift was bit stiff in the earlier satge. Now it has become easy or may be I have got accustomed with it. The entry and exit in the car is really easy. No one needs to bend and twist to place himself in the car.

4. I am satisfied with the performance of AC till now although it takes at least 10-15 minutes to cool the interiors. However I have my doubt as how effective the AC would be in peak summer in between 11.00 to 04.00 hours.

5. I did not have any problem with the service of TATA motors till now. They are courteous people and till now responded to my full satisfaction. I have to change a bulb (break light) and need to change the cover of break light as well because it developed a crack.

6. One big advantage is the front lights. When one puts on the high beam the low beam does not go off. I first saw this feature in FIAT PALIO & FIAT CIIENA. In night its really helpful. Further the head lamp can be leveled at 5 different levels. The wiper has many many speeds with the scope of customized speed. I mentioned these features as these are not mentioned in the advertisement. In my opinion Indigo CS has been built on FIAT PALIO platform and not on Indica platform.

7. One disadvantage is a big really big blind spot on the right. One has to be really cautious while taking right turn in congested roads.

8. As far the durability of the car along with its features are concerned one can comment on it only after a few years. I have seen and driven 5-6 years old Indigos (Diesel) and they don’t seem to have any problem.

I would be pleased to answer if there is any further query on Indigo CS GLX raised by any of our prospective car buyers.

Amitava Sen; amitavasen@ymail.com

 

 

Space, Price, Features, Sturdy Body, Weight, Stability at high speed & Fuel economy in highwaysPlastic quality, Position of the steering wheel, No space for placing bottles & Fuel economy in city