Tata Indigo CS [2008-2011] User Reviews

Bought Indigo CS GLS on 31/3/08  thereby saving some amount of money. Sporty looking sedan type vehicle at even less cost than a hatchback. This is the first time owning a TATA vehicle, earlier used to only Maruti vehicles. It is a real revelation how myths can really be shattered.

Maruti has brand value and as such deprives us of simple comforts like a driver side Outside Rear View Mirror adjustment from the inside without opening the glass windows.  This car provides it on both sides, driver and co-passenger. This feature really helps when you are driving with A/c on and want to adjust the rear view mirror. 

Front and back twin fog lamps are a good addition to this sedan. Similar segmented but premium priced cars like Mahindra Logan give only one lamp even for reverse. 

In cabin improved lamp clusters for driver and all passengers is good, giving liberty to the occupants.  TATA has digital clock as standard fitment, it sure adds some value which is not available in all the vehicles of the same pricing bracket. 

Anti reflector rear view mirror inside the cabin is real useful in night time driving. We can avoid the high beam flashing cars following us and beaming headlights into our eyes by just flicking a knob on the mirror. Seats are comfortable and elegant. If you slip on a decent upholstry the car gives real neat and flashy look.

Had a deal with dealer under corporate scheme to fit central remote locking, and added retro fitted power windows. So the lacking luxury element was inducted in the vehicle. The cost is not much when compared with same segment cars offering similar comforts. (It actally costs a whopping 40-50k more if you go factory fitted power windows and keyless entry luxuries)

Coming to driving, it is smooth. Power steering offers good control. Independent wheel suspension is real good as the pothole on the left wheel does not feel on the  right .

Mileage, in city conditions with a/c on (summer is scorching!!) is about 12kms / ltr. Quite reasonable for the look and size of the car.  A/C is good and effective. Gear shifts are smooth and are flawless.

Here i wanna make a point.  Recently i drove this vehicle from Mangalore to Chennai. About 12 hours out of the 15 hrs travel, vehicle was driven continuously.  The car felt fabulous. The roads through Madikeri, Kushalnagar, Mysore, Bangalore to Chennai felt like butter as the car sails. The surprise element, i notched up 19kms average mileage on the entire stretch of approx 850 Kms. That i think is really great.

Power of the vehicle is a concern, but not that it keeps worrying you. Has a decent pickup. But, given the other compensations in styling and pricing, city drivers can very well forget about that and go ahead and indulge in the sedan luxury.

Thumbs Up for this little wonder package. 

Diesel or Petrol?

If your annual run is lesser than 15000 kilometres, don’t even think of Diesel. Petrol is the clear answer.

Less power or high power?

If annual driving in city areas is 75 % or more, you require power to move swiftly especially though congested areas. Most of us can compromise bit extra power for better mileage.

I bought Indigo CS GLS (Petrol) mid April 08.

# Nice looking sedan very attractive price. I owned M800 till then. The interiors are decent and dashboard is good.

# Good leg room- one can get spacious feel instantly.

# Fantastic independent wheel suspensions

# Side Rear view mirror adjustment is handy when AC is on

# Lower beam adjustment is provided for the driver. That’s cool.

# RPM meter on the dashboard can immediately indicate if you aren’t driving in economy zone

# Dashboard is very readable, especially when lit.

# Driving is comfortable & smooth. One can get a feel of being in control.

#  AC is powerful. I suppose it is 1.5 ton AC. Even in scorching heat with 40 degree temperature the cooling is good.

Thumbs down:

# Boot space reduced a bit. Even so, two regular size air bags (28 Inches) can be comfortably accommodated.

# For the performance-response minded individuals, when the AC is on, the vehicle drags on the second gear, however it is manageable fairly. The performance is fine with other gears with AC on.

# No space for cabin baggage. If you are used to small cars, like M800, you will definitely feel this. One cannot access the rear boot space when the vehicle is on the move.

Missing things:

# Power Windows

# Remote central Locking

# DVD/MP3 player

# LCD screen

I got these accessories done with the delivery.

The power windows (autocop) and remote central locking (Indilock) cost me around 18k.

LCD (make: Nippon, size: 9 inches, 2 yr warranty) @ 9k and

Pioneer DVD player with one year insurance and two yr warranty @ 16 k

*Milage:

Without first servicing

City: 11 to 12 Kmpl (With mid-low AC /  With two seats Occupied )

Highway- 11.5 Kmpl ( With AC on Max /  With four seats occupied)

After first Servicing

City : 13 Kms (With mid-low Ac / With two seats occupied)

Highway : 13 to 14 ( With mid Ac / with four seats occupied)

After 5 months

City : 15 Kms (With low Ac or No Ac / With two seats occupied)

*with fuel additive and 5000kms of run till now.

Over all a nice car against the price that one is paying. Real value for money.

____

*  ps. Do indicate if you liked this review.

    Now Dear Folks 2009 review

    I have now done 14000kms on my Indigo CS LS (Mint White). The car doing very very well. The best mileage is 18.5 for highway with a/c. In city it constantly gives 14kmpl. I am a percentage driver. I cover pretty long distances. Pune to Nagpur 730ms I covered in 12hrs flat. Have touched max speed of 140kmph on various stretches. My car has now travelled as far as Bhubaneswar, Koraput (Orissa), Solapur, Pune, Gwalior, Aurangabad and Jabalpur all from Nagpur and back. All other sundry runs are covered in between. I have discovered that its braking is really excellent. I was saved on one occassion when an old lady jumped on to the middle of the road when I was cruising at above 100kmph the car came to a halt in 15-20mts sharp and with some tyre burning smell. No complaints whatsoever. The car has been very very solid in its demeanor so far. After the second free service its acceleration has increased by almost 30% and mileage has also been positively affected. As I told you the figure of 18.5 is after the servicing. My driving is not that good as I go on top speeds, road permitting. With some decent frugal driving I am sure the car can achieve mileage figures of above 20kmpl. It augurs well in these times of extreme depression.

The New Indigo CS is superb in terms of style, economy & Performance. Handling of the car is good. New rear tail lamps, good steering which gives a costlier look. Gear rats have changed. Pick up has increased due to less body weight. You get a sedan for nearly a price of a hatchback. good cabin insulation against engine sound

I got Indigo CS GLX model ( Top end petrol with power window, central lock & defogger lamps)delivered on 8th jan 2009 , booked a month earlier hence got additional discount of 4% excise cut & dealer offer. On Road it costed 4.51 with blaunkpont Music system with rear speaker & remote, mobile charger,mud flaps mattings , sun flim, seat cover. Last two month being winter month so 60% time AC was off  .Driving seems pleasurable, smooth gear shifting , reliable breaks & last 15 days tested AC against outside temprature of 42degree , it work well.Total average 10.6 to 11.2 km /lit.Actually uptill in city I have driven 1030 km & filled 85 lit of petrol on delivery meter was showing 33km mark.On highway I yet need to test the vehicle but late night when you drive 70 or 80 plus you feel steady & safe. Most amazing thing   this sedan provide is space,it is incredible. Even if boot space is reduced the back seats are extremly spacious and comfortable with ample leg room, even driver seat compared all other car is comfortable ( personal) . The top end model provide all the frills which are there in premium cars except ABS & Airbags which is new fad introduced to match  up with inernational trend, belive me I am driving four wheeler for more than a decade , I never felt to have ABS fitted , it is for those rashless youth who try to immitate filmy style.In end verdict is if you need a car ( Sedan ) for commuting then this is the car at mouth watering price. I selected Petrol Version as my daily commuting is less than 15 Km/day. Also pleasurable driving for last three month have broken the myth that TATA vehicle are diesel freindly  only . Petrol version is equally refined . After first servicing it get more smoother. But you need to drive & maintain the vehicle as per the guidline provided by the manufacturer. Enjoy the TATA INDIGO CS GLX  . 

We bought an INDIGO CS LX TDI model two months ago.It's the topmost model with reference to features having a diesel engine.At the price of a hatchback it provides the following features - central locking, rear power windows lock, rear door lock, a powerful H.V.A.C.(Heater, Ventilation and Air Conditioner),good - looking interiors, electric rear demister, a L.C.D. panel in the instrument panel, audio warning for - driver's seat belt, key in entry, door open, and also power steering,etc.

BEST NOTICABLE FEATURES - The car's unique centralised power window winding switches' console(located in front of the gear shifting lever) helps to wind up/down windows as desired even when the driver is busy in driving, which is generally done by co-driver.The car exhibhits leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shifting lever(only on deluxe versions).  With the built-in antenna, the car doesn't need any external antenna which is an aid to the car's outer styling(unlike many other cars which need an external antenna for catching radio stations, which may reduce their outer styling). There are bright fog lamps, & a number of other lights which are an aid when driving at night.A head-light levelling switch has also been provided; with the help of it the head-lights can be adjusted according to the load on the car. When it comes to shocker response this car does really very well, however, suspension makes some noise. When it comes to ground clearance, this does well like a SUV and is quite manuouvarble on the toughest of the roads. Plastic quality is average. Space in the car is greater than any hatchback's; however, there is not much space in the dicky, not as much as I desired; but that is another aid to the car's styling. Engine is powerful enough for speeding up the car to a maximum of 155 km/ph. The H.V.A.C. system (for reference see the first paragraph) is powerful, and cools down or heats up the car in a few minutes. However, one can hear the sound of the fans, which is at its loudest at 4th level. And when it comes to safety, the lack of ABS, EBD and Airbags make this car a little unsafe, and these are not even an option. Hoever, at such low price we must not complain over it, andthis has been cured with the launch of Indigo Manza.

REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS - I would like to have- more soft and round edges in the interior of the car, and a choice of bright & beautiful colours both in exteriors and interiors.TATA should promote this car as it is so well built.         

This car provides, in short, luxury of a sedan, style, and, the most important, comfort. All this at the rate of a hatchback!! And, when one summarizes the whole features of this budget-friendly family car, he/she gets only one word in his/her mind - awesome!                                                          

Buy it, you get everything you desire at a low cost.

CHEAP AND BEST CAR. 

Tatas cars,  trucks every product tooo good I suggest every indian to buy Tatas any car and cs the best,economical, strong,good looking sedan in its class.why waste our money for foriegn cars ,bye indian be indian .proud to be indian.

Thanks balamurugansahab for appreciation.

 I  want to tell my Indian brothers buy our apna gadi forign companies sell old models in our country and our people spend lots of money on that .Tata really shining star of India .All over the world Tata make proud for our nation like land rover and jaguar. so if you want real value for money buy Tata Indigo cs

The world’s cheapest saloon, the Indigo CS, gets Tata’s common-rail diesel engine (Dicor), and a lot of tweaks to improve the overall package. The CS DiCOR does cost Rs 50,000 more than the existing Indigo CS TDi’s Rs 4.41 lakh, but it is still cheaper than its nearest saloon rival (the Swift Dzire LDi) by a substantial Rs 60,000.

Almost everything about this diesel motor is the same as on the Indica/Indigo DiCOR. It uses the same variable geometry turbocharger, the same 1600-bar common-rail direct injection system, the same twin overhead camshafts and also injects fuel into the cylinders thrice during each combustion cycle. It even uses the same gearbox and, importantly, the shorter gear ratios of the Indica DiCOR. However, there are a few key changes to this engine (from the Indigo DiCOR’s) that improve refinement levels. The engine head covers have been modified and the valves have been optimised to reduce noise. There’s also more material in the firewall (the bit that separates the engine bay from the cabin) to block excess noise from getting to your ears.

The CS feels different from its bigger brother. The tendency to stall is still there, as the engine falls below 1000rpm quite easily. However, once past this, throttle response is perky, and as long as you stay above 1400rpm, part-throttle response is peppy as well. The regular Indigo DiCOR has a lot more lag, something that seems to have been sorted on the CS, thanks to the shorter gears. Flat-out performance is adequate, the CS DiCOR getting to 100kph in 14.9 seconds, but it feels a lot faster than this thanks to the minimal lag in throttle response.

Out on an open road, the CS DiCOR will run to a true 166kph before the engine runs out of breath. And thanks to the short gearing, the engine spins at 2400rpm at 100kph, bang in the middle of its powerband. This means that in most cases, all you need to do to overtake is tap the throttle. We are really thrilled with the improved driveability, because it reduces the need for a gearshift when you need to up the pace. However, the imprecise and rubbery gearshift has been carried over from the regular Indigo; it’s a serious shortcoming in every Indica-based model.

However, the car is certainly more silent. The tweaks to the engine have resulted in a slight improvement over the regular Indigo DiCOR. Yet, you can still hear that familiar gravelly note that is characteristic of the DiCOR motor. It is still lags way behind the Swift Dzire or a Mahindra Logan diesel in terms of refinement.

What we do appreciate is the CS’ improved ride. Tata engineers have played around with the spring rates (made them stiffer) and changed the viscosity of the oil in the dampers and this has made a world of difference. The biggest is the refined feel of the suspension. Handling too has improved, thanks to the suspension tweaks. Body roll is well controlled around corners, and minor adjustments to the steering have improved the on-centre feel, thereby taking the uncertainty out of where the car is heading in a corner. Bottom line, is it worth forking over money for? It meets the needs of interior space, has a boot, a peppy engine and overall fuel efficiency is good as well (15.05kpl). However, its equipment list is short, with only power steering and airconditioning as standard. It doesn’t have power windows, central locking or a rear defogger. The CS DiCOR is available only in this LS trim Model

Still rough around the edges, the Indigo CS DiCOR doesn’t quite hit the spot in terms of general quality and finesse. However, if you want a big car but are on a tight budget, this car delivers all the must-haves.

How did the rate the car?

Under 10 Lakh midsize cars sedans

Style: 5 stars - Fiat Linea

Comfort 5 stars - Optra

Performance 5 stars - Ford Duratorq

Performance 4 stars - Fiat Linea

Performance 3 stars - Swift Dzire

Performance 2 Stars - INDIGO

Performance 1 Star - Hyundai Accent

Fuel Economy 5 stars - Ford Duratorq

I test rode the following cars

1. Wagon R Duo

2. Indica V2

3. Indica Vista

4. Ford Duratorq

5. Santro Xing

6. i20

7. Mahindra Xylo

8. Fiat Linea

9. Fiat Punto

10. Indigo CS LX DiCOR (Diesel)

My Conclusions

• If you want a formal car, Fuel Efficient Car and Less Maintainance.
• Vote for INDIGO CS LX DiCOR (Diesel)
• ORP : 5,57,000/- (Hyderabad)
• Have to find the various Dealers Prices.
• As the FIAT and Tata Wheels dealerships is coupled at Paradise, HYD. Interesting to see the Salesman of the Fiat Downplaying the TATA product and TATA salesmen Downplaying the FIAT product. You will get nothing honest and substantial from them.
• Dealing with this nut jobs is tough.
• -ves of INDIGO CS XL(Diesel) less power.
• Another car that was a close competitor was Swift LDi (Diesel).
•  ORP : 5,33,277 (Varun Motors - 3 Year Warranty)
• ORP : 5,29,701 (Acer Motors - 3 Year Warranty)
• Swift LDi has no body colored bumpers. No body colored rear view mirrors.
• No Power Windows
• INDIGO has all of above.
• If you want that in Swift you will have to go for VDi. ORP : 5,71,000/- (Dealers vary by 3,000/- as you might have noticed)
• Further, the proof of blind buying and the maruti hype is the three month waiting period (@ Acer Motors). You need to pay 2,50,000/- for delivery within one month.
• Swift has got no goodies coming with it.
• So you need to loosen your pocket further.
• All this makes the Swift VDi in the above 6L bracket. Finally it remains a butt-less machine. Guys which girl looks good one with a butt or without ?
• Swift plus point : Has More power. But you will never require that kind of power. On the contrary INDIGO can be driven efficiently in low speeds without much gear changes. Thats a key factor in city driving.
• Ford Ikon (Duratorq) has outstanding fuel efficiency and performance.
• ORP: 6,12,319 (Mody Ford, Begumpet Hyderabad)
• Price Difference with INDIGO: 56,000/-
• Its Base Model cost is comparable to Swift VDi.
• Ford Parts are manufactured in India now. Whats the difference between Ford and Tata then. Spare parts are costly (But Parts last longer). But FORD is currently giving a two year/One Lakh km warranty. Ford rejection is a tough decision. I still like this josh machine. 
• Dealers are no-nonsense guys.
• Regular Service is good. Unlike maruti they dont get flooded with vehicles. (I hear from owners). Maruti owners of complain of trying to be First In .. ..Last Harassed Out.
• Wagon R (Duo)
• put your dining table chairs on the table.
• lets put wheels underneath.
• Vola! We have Wagon R. It feels like a Wagon.
• +ve point. Good Road View. Your wife can drive it easily. And you kids can watch the road pass by.
• The New Wagon R Model that was released in JAPAN looks good. Dunno when it will be released here!
• Looks do matter. Wagon R Loses here. No wonder it doesnt ask for a dowry!
• Santro ECO GLS (ECO)
• If you looking for fuel efficiency, value for money and near zero maintainence.
• ORP : 4,17,000/- (Talwar Hyundai)
• This is your car. You can close you eyes and buy one.
• Not for ass lovers! Car is never a car unless its a sedan. The Car is an image. About you. Ford Cares a damn about price. Build world class high performance car. If your seen with one people think you a result oriented guy. With a INDIGO you are seen as a practical guy. With a LINEA your a classy guy. With a SANTRO. Well one among the many beggars like me. Takes you from place X to place Y - Period. Doesnt burn your pocket. With a i10, i20 you are seen as guy with an iQ in the SPECIAL PEOPLE range.   
• Finally LINEA
• If you dont travel much. You want a car for style and status symbol.
• Its has to be FIAT LINEA Active (Petrol)
• ORP: 6,84,019
• It looks like a BMW. The styling is superb. Drop Dead looks. This is an excellent option if you travel less than 25km per day.
• Mileage claim :17kmpl
• Mileage lets assume :12kmpl
• 25(daily travel) X 25(Days) X12 (Months)=7500
• 7500/12(mileage) = 625 (Litres) = 625 x 50(Petrol Price) = 31250
• Diesel Engine Variant of LINEA is approx 2Lakhs more. To recover that cost you will need 5-6 years. Makes no sense. Diesel engines require more Maintanence. That further increases the Cost of ownership.
• If your beggar wanting to live life KING buy LINEA the model i suggested. Buy it BLACK. Then you dont have to bother about body colored heads and noses. BLACK looks royal with the steel grill. MAJESTIC

Hope this Analysis is useful in your decision making. Finally rememeber to verify if you engine Bharat stage- IV Compliant. It is being introduced across 11 cities from April 2010. Dont end up with an brand new uncompliant Engine.