Truth and Only Truth. Best VFM Sedan.

Interiors of Tata Manza Interiors Are where the Manza scores highly. The cabin feels airy and there is a sense of space. In fact, interior space is probably best among the sedans. The large windscreen is best. The A pillar is small and does not restrict much vision.

Space – ‘Unbelievable’

There is only one word for the amount of room at the rear 'Unbelievable'. The wheelbase is now 50mm longer and the space is visually evident. Even with the front seat in their fully back position, the rear seat passenger’s legs don't touch the front seat. The angle of the seats is also perfect and makes them the best place in the car to be in. The rear can easily accommodate 3 passengers comfortably and the rear armrest with built in glass holders gives the car an expensive look. The Boot is massive 460 litres.

Seating

The front seats are pretty firm, and they are quite large and there is plenty of space for the elbows on both sides. Driver seat has height adjust too. Lumbar support has two stages, in and out. With the Manza, Tata has also shown that safety is on their minds. The Manza is equipped with ABS, Dual Front Air-bags, and Collapsible Steering Column etc. The front Passenger airbag can also be turned off if it’s not required.

Plastics and Storage

Plastics used are of high quality and totally the opposite of what you would expect from a Tata product. The feel of the Dashboard is awesome and I particularly like textured feel and the slightly Grey colour near the windscreen which does well to block the sun’s reflection off it into the driver’s eyes (apart from the Front Defogger Vents which are clearly visible). The two tone fabrics, which are available across all variants, also look and feel very good. Storage space is pretty good. The door pockets each were able to hold two 500ml aerated water bottles. Seat pockets also are just adequate enough to hold a few magazines. However the Glove Box is very spacious. It could easily hold my laptop. Tata has put some very nice thought into it. The glove box is lit (though not cooled like in the Fabia) and has a slot where you can keep your pen and visiting cards. There is also a Sliding tray under the Front Passengers seat. The gear knob is wrapped in quality leather and feels good to hold and use.

Ride & Performance:

The Quadrajet Engine (Diesel) / Safire (Petrol)

The diesel engine on the Manza is the same that we have seen on many cars in India. It must be noted that though the same powertrain is used on many cars, each manufacturer has the engine in a different state of tune and refinement. The 1.3 Quadrajet on the Manza produces 90PS@4000RPM. Torque is rated at 200NM @ 1750-3000RPM. Even though the Manza is on the heavier side at 1210kgs, its power to weight ratio at 74.3PS/ton is much higher than the competition. The engine is pretty and feels highly refined too. Above 1800RPM it feels like a little rocket. Hit the throttle a little and it zooms past the vehicle in front. Climbing up the Ghats was a breeze and we did it in such quick time that we didn't realize the climb section was already over.

The 1.4 Safire petrol units produce 90PS@6000RPM and have Torque figures of 116NM@ 4750RPM. It has a 'Continuous Variable Cam Phaser' as Tata calls it along with an intelligent port resizing which translates into better power delivery and higher fuel efficiency. The engine is quiet, pretty Rev Happy and has a very linear acceleration curve. I felt the steering to be pretty precise and the car went wherever I wanted it to.

cont......

Fuel Efficiency, Engine, Features, Price, Space, Looks (based on evryone's taste), ride quality.Platic quality of the Interior Handles and the Glove box knob.