Tata Indica eV2 Xeta: A car for the budget-conscious family

The decision to buy a car that started life almost a decade ago could be termed brave. But it also has much to do with one's budget – and the Indica eV2 Xeta is all about budget.

It connects closely with the original Indica. It is spacious enough to seat five in reasonable comfort. A familiar sight on Indian roads, it continues to offer more car per car.

Termed as the Indica Xeta when it was launched in 2005 with a smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine, the addition of eV2 to the name points to the recent refresh the car was given. The eV2 nomenclature includes an LPG variant and a diesel variant.

There's also the V2, powered by a 1.5-litre in-direct injection naturally aspirated diesel engine. The eV2, in comparison, is powered by a 1.5-litre common-rail (CR4) turbo-charged diesel engine.

The eV2 and the eV2 Xeta look similar. The styling of the car is close to that of the original Indica launched in 1998. Created by IDEA design Institute of Italy, the styling hints at a mild cab forward stance, offering above average space inside.

Not exactly stylish, the appearance of the car is not mundane either. A good blend of style and functionality has the car appearing elegant, though starting to look a little dated. The Indica eV2 Xeta looks better than the original, shedding as it does some of the elements and embellishments added during the earlier refreshes - the fake wheel arches and skirts in particular.