OREANDA-NEWS. September 20, 2012. Tata Motors launched its new-generation sedan, Tata Indigo Manza, built on its new car platform. A complete new body on the new platform houses an all-new interior.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Johnny Oommen, head, international business, passenger cars, Tata Motors, said, “After seeing wide acceptance across various countries, we are proud to offer the Tata Indigo Manza, a modern and contemporary sedan, to the South African market. We hope to see it become the best-seller in this market as well.”

With a length of over 4.4m, a width of 1.7m and a wheel base of 2,520mm, the car has grown in size and in interior space. The front wraparound three barreled headlamps – one of the most striking headlamp units on any car – add to the linearity while giving the Tata Indigo Manza a feline aggressive appearance. The large 15” alloy wheels, ensconced in their flared arches, give it a higher and more commanding stance. The new rear monolithic angular shaped tail lamps give the profile an unmistakable noticeability for following cars. The trunk has a capacity of 460 litres to meet every need while travelling.

The Tata Indigo Manza is designed to offer the very best in comfort, both for the driver and passengers, compared to any other car in its category. The spacious right inclination rear seats, with a centre armrest, allow one to sit back and relax in a living room like comfort and ambience. The interiors exude a fine blend of technology and luxury. The rich two-tone fabric endows the cabin with a warm feel. The tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat allows a comfortable driving posture. The car comes equipped with electronically adjustable and controlled outer rear view mirrors. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature, while the sporty instrument cluster shrouded in the swoop of the soft-feel dashboard completes the styling statement. A 2 DIN music system offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5, a feature not even available in premium cars. The audio controls of the music system are mounted on the steering wheel for ease of access while driving.

The safety features in the Tata Indigo Manza include a collapsible steering column, anti-lock braking system and dual frontal airbags amongst others. Instead of the usual red line on the tachometer, the critical rev indicator needle turns red when the engine crosses a critical RPM. The engine immobiliser and the central locking feature are conveniences for additional security.

The drive refinement of the Tata Indigo Manza stems from the internationally-acclaimed 90hp / 66KW Safire petrol engine, sourced from Fiat. The petrol engines are configured using a continuous variable cam phaser, which smartly adjusts valve timings and intervals for power delivery. In addition, the electronically controlled intelligent port resizer function in the Safire engine delivers a perfect balance of power and economy. The quadrajet diesel engine features a variable geometry turbocharger for smoother running and an aluminum bedplate, along with superior insulation, that reduces NVH levels while delivering a superior power-to-weight ratio. The drive-by-wire technology virtually eliminates all throttle lag, leading to a faster and smoother response.

Initially the car is being introduced with only a petrol engine option. The diesel variant of the car will be introduced later in the South African market. The Safire petrol engine is certified by the ARAI (India) to give a mileage of 14.5kms/litre.

The car comes with a factory warranty of three years / 100,000kms, standard three-year / unlimited kms roadside assistance and four years / 100,000kms service plan. The car will also come with standard data dot technology. The car will be available in a range of five colours through 45 dealerships across South Africa.

The car has a recommended retail price of ZAR119,995 for the base version INI, going up to ZAR134,995 for the top version IGNIS.