Mumbai: Encouraged by Indica's success in the Indian auto market, Tata Motors has launched a new model, Indica Vista, on 23 August in Mumbai. The automaker will roll out the new car from the new Rs5212 crore Ranjangaon facility in Maharashtra, which is a Fiat-Tata joint venture.

The Indica Vista, built on an all-new platform, is larger than existing Indica models and also sports additional interior space than the current one.

According to Tata Motors, the car will initially be available in seven variants, through 170 dealerships across the country. The car comes with a segment best 24 months (75000 km) warranty.

The entry level Vista is priced at Rs3.49 lakh, while higher models will go upto Rs4.88 lakh. The company plans to export the new Vista in six months.

Available in  both petrol and diesel variants, the car is powered by a range of internationally acclaimed powertrains - the new 75 bhp 1.3L Quadrajet common rail diesel engine and the 65bhp, 1.2L CVCP Safire MPFI petrol engine being manufactured at Ranjangaon.

The Quadrajet functions at 1400 bar with 4 injections per cycle and delivers a torque of 190Nm. The Safire has a continuous variable cam phaser (CVCP) for improved drivability and fuel economy and a drive by wire technology for accelerator pedal control. Both engines are mated to a new cable aided gearbox with twin synchronisers for precise shift feel and quality. It also has the option of the existing 1.4L turbocharged intercooled TDi engine which has been refined further and mated to a smooth shift gearbox.

The car stands 3.8m in length and has 1.7m width, with a wheel base of 2470mm. The exterior features complement a new central character line on the hood, sharp crease lines on the door below the beltline, and a honeycomb grille. The striking petal shaped headlamps complement the trademark smiling grille and tall tail lights that are distinctive to the Indica.

The spacious interiors have the instrument cluster placed in the centre of the dashboard to enhance in-driving passenger involvement and improved driver visibility. A dual tone grey and beige interior with a pleasing soft feel grain structure on the top end version gives the car a premium touch. A two DIN CD System with a USB port and remote control enables music to be customised to one's needs.

On comfort too, the Indica Vista has a number of unique, thoughtful touches. The height adjustable driver's seat and the tilt-adjustable steering wheel enable better driving posture. Utility space in the floor console under the seat and the deep glove box, which can accommodate a laptop, give that extra space when needed. Tubeless tyres, a new twist beam suspension, gas filled shock absorbers, a sub-frame construction for enhanced transverse stiffness lead to better ride and drive comfort as well as improved handling. The body has a higher use of high strength steel panels for enhanced torsional and bending stiffness. Tailor welded blanks have been used for the first time to reduce weight. Another interesting feature is the rear wiper, which switches on in reverse when the front wiper is on.

According to industry statistics, Indica was the second-largest selling model in the Indian car market in 2007-08. About 9 lakh Indica cars have been built since its inception in 1998.

Tata Motors will continue production of the existing Indica -  the lower versions of the 1.2l Xeta and the 1.4l naturally aspirated IDI diesel and one version each of the DICOR and TCIC diesel, the latter being available with ABS and airbags. Between the existing Indica V2 and new Indica Vista range, customers will have a choice at every step of the Rs2.6lakh - Rs4.88 lakh price range.

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