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Tata Manza Diesel Aura+

Tata Manza Diesel Aura+

Tata Manza Diesel Aura+ Review and Images

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Overview - Tata Manza Is Best Sedan From Tata Motors Till Date

The year 2009 has been a grand one for Tata Motors. They started deliveries of cheapest small car - Nano - this year and also launched some new products including Xenon XT, Jaguar and Land Rover cars. And now Tata has launched the next gen model of Indigo which has been christened "Tata Manza" which is expected to increase the overall Tata sales in mid to luxury car segment.

Tata Manza was unveiled in Mumbai by Ratan Tata on Wednesday, 14th October. Tata Motors has tried to give Indigo Manza a different look with all new headlamps, tail lamps, bumpers, new interiors and well integrated boot. The intention to launch it around Diwali is that Tata Motors don't want to loose any customers and wants to cash in this festive season. The New Indigo has been christened "Tata Manza", which is another name which ends with "a" alphabet. Presently we have Indica "Xeta", Indica "Vista" and Indigo "Marina". Indigo Manza features a huge boot and promises best in class interior space.

Typical of Tata cars, the Indigo Manza offers good value for money as it comes packed with loads equipments and features. Tata Manza is based on Indica Vista's stretched platform but the company insists that Tata Manza is an altogether new car with complete new body on a new platform which houses an all new interior and makes a bold styling statement. With a length of over 4.4m, a width of 1.7m, and a wheel base of 2,520mm, the sedan has grown in size and thus in interior space.

Price Of Tata Manza - Starts At Rs. 5.47 Lakhs - On Road Mumbai

Tata Indigo Manza has been priced very competitively at Rs. 4.90 lakhs for the base model of petrol (Ex-Showroom Mumbai) and Rs. 6.85 lakhs for the top model of diesel (Ex-Showroom Mumbai). Here is a list of price of Indigo Manza in Mumbai. All these prices are on-road Mumbai.

Variant/Model Petrol - Safire90 Diesel - Quadrajet90

Tata Manza Aqua
Tata Manza Aura
Tata Manza Aura (ABS)
Tata Manza Aura+
Rs. 5,47,000
Rs. 5,86,000
Rs. 6,13,000
Rs. 6,68,000
Rs. 6,46,000
Rs. 6,79,000
Rs. 7,13,000
Rs. 7,64,000


It is for sure that Tata Manza is going to heat up the competition as it features more fuel efficient engines, more features and spacious interiors in comparsion to its major rival sedans which include Dzire, Logan, Fiesta, Accent and Aveo. Here is a list of ex-showroom price of Tata Indigo Manza In Major Cities In India.

Variant/Model

Chandigarh New Delhi Chennai Pune Kolkata
Tata Manza Petrol Aqua 4,83,000 4,80,000 4,64,000 4,85,000 4,75,000
Tata Manza Petrol Aura 5,17,000 5,15,000 4,98,000 5,19,000 5,10,000
Tata Manza Petrol Aura (ABS) 5,41,000 5,40,000 5,22,000 5,43,000 5,33,000
Tata Manza Petrol Aura+ 5,90,000 5,90,000 5,71,000 5,92,000 5,82,000






Tata Manza Diesel Aqua 5,73,000 5,70,000 5,54,000 6,68,000 5,62,000
Tata Manza Diesel Aura 6,01,000 5,99,000 5,82,000 5,96,000 5,91,000
Tata Manza Diesel Aura (ABS) 6,30,000 6,29,000 6,12,000 6,25,000 6,20,000
Tata Manza Diesel Aura+ 6,75,000 6,75,000 6,57,000 6,70,000 6,65,000

Design Of Tata Manza - Conventional But Smart Looking

The nose of Tata Manza retains the Indica’s sweeping angular headlights, but the design inside the headlight is different from Indica Vista. Indigo Manza's headlights are more bold looking with dual projector barrel shaped reflectors. Also the turn indicators are well integrated in the headlights. It features the same bold looking central crease line on the bonnet which gives character to the car. The side turn indicators are mounted on the door alongside the rear view mirror like Indica Vista. The front bumper of Indigo Manza features a big air dam which is finished in black shade which also consists of round fog lights which give Tata Manza very broad look and feels like a big car.

The front grille of Tata Manza consists of four horizontal lines which is dominated by big Tata logo and chrome finish upper lip which looks very familiar - nothing new here. The top model of Tata Manza features full chrome grille. Rear of Tata Manza is the best looking part with vertical tail lamps which looks quite striking and lends it a classy look. Though the size of tail lamp is very huge and may not appeal to everyone. The rear bumper of Manza is plain with chrome strip running across it, which gives it a very wide and big car look. tough the chrome inserts on the rub rails and outer door handles add that touch of class. The new rear monolithic angular shaped tail lamps give the profile an unmistakable noticeability for following cars.

The boot of Tata Manza looks well integrated and part of the sedan unlike the current generation Indigo in which boot looks like a add-on. All models comes with smart looking matt finish full wheel covers though I expected alloy wheels for the top models. It also features a wide chrome deck lid like we have on the Swift Dzire and New Ikon Ikool. Also it comes with chrome strips on front and rear bumpers with body colored side moulding on doors. The B-pillars of Tata Manza have been blacked out to give it a feel of big cars like we have seen in Fiat Linea, Chevrolet Aveo and Honda City.

Interior & Comfort Features Of Tata Manza

Tata Manza has spacious right inclination rear seats with a center armrest, rich two tone fabric, tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat, 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. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5. The audio controls of the music system are mounted on the steering wheel, for ease of access while driving. The trunk has a capacity of 460 litres to meet every need of travel.

The wheelbase of Tata Manza which stands at 2520mm, is longer than the current gen Indigo. Indigo Manza feature many high end features to give a up market look. Tata Manza features steering mounted audio controls, dash integrated music system, dual SRS airbags, high quality fabric seat covers and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors. First, it was expected that the dashboard design of Tata Manza is going to be similar like the Vista’s but Tata Manza's instrument cluster is behind the steering wheel unlike Vista's instrument cluster which is mounted in the centre of dashboard. Tata Manza also features centrally mounted MID (Multi Information Display) for the driver like we have seen in Hyundai i20 and other segment leaders.

With all these features in the top model Aura+ of Tata Manza the company wants to compete with the likes of Hyundai Verna, Maruti SX4 and Ford Fiesta. But in comparison to all these cars Tata products are low on quality, fit and finish. But Tata want to change all this with the launch of Indigo Manza and set new standards in terms of features, quality, ride quality. The base model Manza Aqua is going to compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki's Swift Dzire, Ford's Ikon, and Mahindra Renault's Logan.

Engine Options In Tata Manza - Quadrajet90 Diesel & Safire90 Petrol

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 (IPR) 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, smoother response. Tata Indigo Manza is available in both petrol and diesel. Both the engines have been picked from Fiat's stable and are mated to 5-Speed manual transmission.

- Quadrajet 90, 1.3 Litre, 89 Bhp - 200 Nm, Diesel
- Safire 90, 1.4 Litre, 89 Bhp - 116 Nm, Petrol

The Qudrajet90 diesel engine of Manza develops maximum power of 89 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. This reliable and fuel efficient Multijet diesel engine has been a major hit among car manufacturers. Like Tata Manza it also powers many hatchbacks and sedans in India like Maruti Swift Dzire, Maruti Swift, Maruti Ritz, Fiat Linea, Fiat Palio and Fiat Punto. The Safire90 petrol engine generates maximum power of 89 Bhp at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 116 Nm at 4750 rpm.

Ride & Handling Of Tata Manza - New Suspension System To Improve Ride Quality

Tata Manza uses a twist beam suspension at the rear like Tata Indica Vista on which it is based. While, the old Indigo model featured independently sprung suspension. The damping rates are different from the Vista’s suspension to accommodate for the extra weight of the boot and the better ride comfort levels that the saloon car owner demands.

At low speeds, the ride of Tata Manza is absorbent due to the softer suspension settings, but at higher speeds, it doesn’t have that ultimate ride and handling mix like the Fiat Linea. It’s a family car, so you shouldn’t expect too much by way of handling. Still, it surprises by having decent front-end grip and though there’s some body roll, there’s nothing overtly wrong with the way it handles.

Tata Manza vs. Maruti Swift Dzire vs. Ford Ikon Ikool vs. Mahindra Renault Logan 'PLAY' - Top Variants - Diesel

Data Tata Manza Renault Logan Ford Ikon Ikool Maruti Swift Dzire
Engine Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel
Displacement 1248cc 1461cc 1399cc 1248cc
Maximum Power 89 Bhp-4000 rpm 65 Bhp-4000 rpm 68 Bhp-4000 rpm 75 Bhp-4000 rpm
Maximum Torque 200 Nm-1750 rpm 160 Nm-2000 rpm 160 Nm-2000 rpm 190 Nm-2000 rpm
Overall Length (mm) 4413 4247 4145 4160
Overall Width (mm) 1703 1740 1632 1690
Overall Height (mm) 1550 1534 1439 1530
Clearance (mm) 165 172 171 170
ABS Yes Yes No Yes
Airbags Yes, 2 Yes, 2 No Yes, 2
Boot Space(litres) 460 510 400 464
Mileage (approx.) 18/14 kmpl 19/14 19/14 20/15
Music System Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rear Centre Armrest Yes Yes Yes No
AC/Climate Control Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/Yes
Price (On-Road) Rs. 7.64 lakhs Rs. 7.02 lakhs Rs. 5.66 lakhs Rs. 7.71 lakhs

Fuel Economy/Mileage Of Tata Manza - 21 Kmpl For Diesel & 14.5 kmpl For Petrol

Tata Manza diesel is certified by the ARAI to give a mileage of 21.02 kms to a litre, while the Manza Petrol is certified for a mileage of 14.5 kms to a litre. But it is expected that petrol variant of Tata Manza is going to deliver around 10-11 kmpl mileage in city driving conditions and on highway Petrol Tata Manza is expected to deliver 13-14 kmpl. As far as diesel variants of Tata Manza are concerned it is expected that it is going to deliver around 12-13 kmpl mileage in city driving conditions and on highway Diesel Tata Manza is expected to deliver 14-15 kmpl.

Variants Available In Tata Manza - Aqua, Aura, Aura (ABS) & Aura+

Tata has launched Indigo Manza in eight variants - 4 of diesel and 4 of petrol. The variants has been christened as Aqua, Aura, Aura (ABS) and Aura+. The base model is Aqua which comes with following features:

- Front Power Windows
- Air Conditioner
- Power Steering With Tilt Adjustment
- Rear Seat Center Armrest
- 2 DIN Music System With AM/FM/MP3/CD
- Storage Tray Under Co-driver's Seat
- Tachometer With Critical REV Indicator
- 7 Speed Front Viper With SMART WIPE
- 15" Wheels With Full Wheel Covers
- Manual Central Locking

And in addition to the Aqua variant the top of the line Aura+ comes with following features:

- Rear Power Windows.
- Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
- Bluetooth Connectivity + Aux Support + USB Playback In Music System
- Rear Defogger/Demister
- Front & Rear Fog Lamps
- Electrically Adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors
- Remote Central Locking
- ABS (Anti Lock Braking System)
- Dual SRS Airbags
- Retractors, Load Limiters & Pretentioners On Front Seat Belts
- Fuel Consumption, Distance To Empty & Ambient Temperature Indicator
- Cup Holder On Rear Seat Center Armrest
- Lumbar Support For Front Seats - 2 Way Adjustable
- Chrome Inserts On Rub Rails & Door Handles
- Magazine Pockets Behind Front Seats
- Illuminating Ring Around Keyhole

Shades Available In Tata Manza - 7 Colors To Choose From

Tata Manza is available in seven shades. Tata Motors has announced a new shade with the launch of Indigo Manza - The Gold Satin shade. In addition to Gold Satin Tata Manza is available in 6 more shades:

- Minimal Grey - Grey Noir - Monarch Red
- Dew White - Infinity Black - Breeze Blue

Safety Features In Tata Manza - Much Needed ABS & Dual Airbags In Top Model

Active safety features in Tata Manza are Dual Front SRS Airbags that offers safety in case of collision, ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) and Front Disc Brakes. Passive safety features in Tata Manza includes Side Impact Beams, Height Adjustable Front Seatbelts with load limiters and pretentioners, Warning Lamp for Driver Seatbelt, Front Passenger Seatbelt Reminder, Child Locks and Central Locking.

Major Drawbacks & Plus Points Of Tata Manza

There are some drawbacks and some features which are missing in Indigo Manza which are quite shocking for a car of this segment.

- No Passenger Side Outside Rear View Mirror In The Base Model Aqua
- No Alloy Wheels Even In The Top Model Aura+
- No Climate Control System In The Top Model As Its Main Rival Swift Dzire Has This Feature
- Panel Gaps In The Dashboard
- Plastic Quality Of Power Window Buttons Are Not Upto The Mark

But to overcome all these drawbacks there are some features which makes Tata Manza's deal a tempting one. All the models of Indigo Manza comes with following five features:

- Front Power Windows
- Audio System
- Central Locking
- Power Steering
- Air Conditioner

What To Expect From Tata Manza...??

Tata Indigo Manza is very important for the company because its Indigo’s sales have fallen sharply in the last two years. In the first 6 months of 2009, they have sold only 16,000 units of Indigo versus 49,000 units last year. So, Tata Motors wants to get back into C-Segment where earlier it had dominance. Tata Indigo Manza has the latest technology, better interiors, and more spacious, luxurious and bolder styling etc from inside. It was also expected that Tata is going to discontinue/phase out all the variants of current generation Indigo but they have discontinued only the Basic Indigo models. The Indigo range now comprises of:

- Tata Indigo Manza - Based On Stretched Platform Of Indica Vista
- Tata Indigo CS - Most Compact Sedan Based On Shortened Platform Of Indigo
- Tata Indigo XL - Based On Stretched Platform Of Indigo
- Tata Indigo Marina - The Station Wagon Based On Indigo

Maruti New SX4 ZXi

Maruti New SX4 ZXi

Maruti New SX4 ZXi Review and Images

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Overview - Upgraded Engine + Minor Facelift + Automatic Variant Option

Maruti had launched Maruti SX4 in May 2007 to compete with the likes of Honda City which is the most popular and successful sedan in its segment. Maruti Suzuki was the first automobile company to introduce class leading premium features such as air-bags, steering-mounted audio controls, auto climate control, glass antennae and many others in an A3 segment car for customer benefit. The tradition continues in the new SX4 with the company bringing in advanced VVT technology, which has so far been used only in the luxury SUV, Suzuki Grand Vitara.

But Maruti SX4 could not compete with City's superior technology and brand image. At the time of launch SX4 has been very well recieved by indian customers, as it was a true value for money sedan which comes fully loaded with all the features at a very affordable price. But with the launch of 2009 model of Honda City, the sales of SX4 started to decline.

Now Maruti Suzuki India is back with new improved SX4 to make the deal better in comparison to Honda City, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo & Hyundai Verna. They have plonked new 1.6 VVT engine in SX4 so that it complies with the strict emission norms which will be in effect from April, 2011 in 11 cities in India. The new engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing 104 Bhp which is 2 Bhp up from previous 102 Bhp. Maruti has also given some cosmetic design upgrades to the exterior and interiors to make it look more muscular and smart in comparison to Fiat Linea and Honda City.

8 Additions & New Features Of Maruti SX4

1) Upgraded 1.6 Litre engine with VVT head which now develops 104 bhp. It also meets the Bharat IV norms.
2) All New Brown/Beige Interiors plus option of leather interior in ZXi variants.
3) USB Input for the Dash Integrated Music System - only in ZXi variants
4) Wooden finish door console for power window buttons and control of rear view mirrors.
5) Flush fitting central rear seat arm rest - but surprisingly without cup holders
6) New Honeycomb Grille - looks much better than the grille of outgoing model
7) New 10 spoke 16" alloy wheels - but the 5 spoke design was more muscular and sppealing
8) Automatic Transmission Option - only in Zxi variants

Design & Style Of New Maruti SX4

Designed by Guigiarro and ITAL Design, it was actually developed as a crossover whose platform is shared by Fiat and Suzuki. A lot of crossover is visible in the New SX4's styling. The massive wheel arches have been built to accommodate new 16" 10 Spoke alloy wheels with high-profile tires. Other macho features of New SX4 are tall upright windscreen, massive widescreen mirrors and the upright seating position of the passengers.

Apart from the oversized wheels which look out of proportion, the design of New Maruti SX4 is well balanced. The headlights wrap around onto the fenders, there are big front wheel arches and the integration of the rear of New SX4 is well executed and in line with the design of the nose as well. A stylistic touch is the way the front quarter glass dips down into the beltline.

The Front of New SX4 features large, elongated wrap-around style, clear-lens headlamps, a muscular bonnet slab and a compact bumper that features matching design lines greet the onlooker at the front. New SX4 also features all new honeycomb grille finished in black matte shade. An air dam, twin fog lamps and a two-slatted grille in the middle with chrome lipping and chrome Suzuki logo round-off the front side of New Maruti SX4. It sports an unconventional design and is built to offer the look and drive feel of a crossover vehicle.

The extended wheelbase, the short overhangs, the mildly cab-forward design, the raised ground clearance, the large glass area, the oversized tail-lamp cluster and the lower wedge in the A-pillar quarter glass are reminiscent of Maruti's focus on offering practical features that will be able to better handle Indian usage pattern and road conditions. At the rear of New SX4, the tail-lamps dominate the stubby, nearly notch-back style boot lid. Reflectors integrated into the rear bumper and a third stop lamp offer additional safety. SX4's overall fit and finish quality has been benchmarked to European standards and so its design is unaltered, panel gaps and shut lines are tight and the paint job is superb.

Interiors & Comfort Features Of New Maruti SX4

The interiors of New SX4 are more or less same like the outgoing model with minor changes which includes new upholstery for seats and new gear lever in automatic variant. Also an option of USB support has been added in the dash integrated music system. Also New is Wooden finish door mounted power window console. But overall the interiors of SX4 feel a little bit cramped with less rear leg room and small rear windscreen. Front seat headrests are very big in size and the distance between the seats is also very less. Leather seats are optional in the top-end ZXi variant; it also comes with a neatly integrated in-dash music system as part of the standard package.

Automatic air-conditioning with attractive matt-silver dials and steering-wheel-mounted controls for the music system are also part of standard fitment in the ZXi variant. The pair of brushed chrome strips that straddle the central console looks good and the chromed air con controls also look and function well. It is obvious there are a lot of bits carried over from the Swift on the insides as well, stuff like the steering wheel, power window buttons, air con vents, some switchgear and the gear stick. The electric mirror adjuster knob feels particularly tacky. A nice touch, however, is the fact that there is space to store a bottle in all four door pockets and that this car can be bought with leather seats. In terms of equipment, the New Maruti SX4 is really good.

Engine, Mileage & Ride Quality Of New Maruti SX4

Last Gen SX4 was powered by 1586cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine with developed maximum power 102 Bhp with maximum torque of 154Nm. The New engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing maximum power of 104 Bhp at 5600 rpm with maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4100 rpm. ARAI has also announced the mileage figures of new SX4 - the manual version willl return 15.5 kmpl while the automatic variant is expected to return 12.5 kmpl.

The VVT or Variable Valve Timing allows the timing of the intake valve to be changed while the engine is in operation, thereby ensuring that there is never a shortage or wastage of power. This leads to improved engine efficiency, optimized fuel consumption and lesser carbon emissions. With the advanced VVT technology, the car starts, accelerates and climbs steep slopes better. In essence, the technology is an intelligent system leading to a smoother, more luxurious drive and better mileage.

Maruti SX4's suspension setup is too stiff to be comfortable on low and high speeds. Low-speed ride is a touch lumpy over small undulations and you sometimes can feel the additional unsprung mass of those large tyres. Grip is fantastic from the wide tires and you can carry a fair amount of speed into corners, but the SX4 is nothing if not fidgety. There is massive torque steer tugging at the steering wheel from left to right as you floor the throttle. The SX4's inconsistent steering feedback keeps the driver on alert as you have to constantly make little corrections.

Variants & Price Of New Maruti SX4

Maruti has launched New SX4 in five variants - SX4 VXi, SX4 ZXi, SX4 ZXi Leather, SX4 ZXi Automatic & SX4 ZXi Leather Automatic. The extra features in ZXi in comparsion to base model VXi are Dual SRS airbags, Alloy Wheels, ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Audio system controls on steering wheel, Front fog lights, Body colored door moulding, Automatic control system and Silver finish interior door handles. The ZXi leather variants have leather clad steering wheel, gear knob and leather seat covers.

The Automatic variant has same features like the ZXi variant - the only difference is that it comes with 4-speed automatic transmission. A cluster of computer controlled sensors constantly manage the throttle input and optimize the engine response accordingly, thus requiring no changing of gears. The overdrive mode in the Automatic Transmission provides additional power on the tap, whenever needed.

Here is a price list of New Maruti SX4, Ex-Showrrom New Delhi:

- New SX4 VXi --------------- Rs. 6,68,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi --------------- Rs. 7,37,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi Leather ----- Rs. 7,71,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi AT ----------- Rs. 8,02,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi Leather AT - Rs. 8,35,000.00

Shades Available In New Maruti SX4

New Maruti SX4 is available in seven shades. Two new shades have also been introduced - Oyster Blue & French Eclair. Following shades are available:

- Azure Grey
- Pearl Arctic White
- French Eclair - New Shade
- Oyster Blue - New Shade

- Clear Beige
- Silky Silver
- Midnight Black

What To Expect From New Maruti Suzuki SX4

Overall SX4 is a great car, is very well equipped, is good looking and fun to drive. And it is expected that the New SX4 is going to increase the bar further with more powerful engine and enhanced looks. Maruti Suzuki has also launched automatic variant of New SX4 to compete with the likes if recently launched New Honda City's Automatic "V" variant. Maruti has signed Bollywood actor John Abraham as the brand ambassador of the revamped Maruti SX4. John Abraham appeals to both young men and women, who is also the target audience for the SX4.