A budget buy

The world’s cheapest saloon, the Indigo CS, gets Tata’s common-rail diesel engine (Dicor), and a lot of tweaks to improve the overall package. The CS DiCOR does cost Rs 50,000 more than the existing Indigo CS TDi’s Rs 4.41 lakh, but it is still cheaper than its nearest saloon rival (the Swift Dzire LDi) by a substantial Rs 60,000. Is it worth the extra money you pay over the CS TDi?

Under the hood

Almost everything about this diesel motor is the same as the Indica/Indigo DiCOR. It uses the same variable geometry turbocharger, the same 1600bar common-rail direct injection system, the same twin overhead camshafts and also injects fuel into the cylinders thrice during each combustion cycle.

It even uses the same gearbox and, importantly, the shorter gear ratios of the Indica DiCOR. However, there are a few key changes to this engine (from the Indigo DiCOR’s) that improve refinement levels. The engine head covers have been modified and the valves have been optimised to reduce noise.

There’s also more material in the firewall (the bit that separates the engine bay from the cabin) to block excess noise.

The CS feels different from its bigger brother. The tendency to stall is still there, as the engine falls below 1000rpm quite easily. However, once past this, throttle response is perky, and as long as you stay above 1400rpm, part-throttle response is peppy as well. The regular Indigo DiCOR has a lot more lag, something that seems to have been sorted on the CS, thanks to the shorter gears. Flat-out performance is adequate, the CS DiCOR getting to 100kph in 14.9 seconds, but it feels a lot faster than this, thanks to the minimal lag in throttle response.

Driver’s deal

Out on an open road, the CS DiCOR will run to a true 166kph before the engine runs out of breath. And thanks to the short gearing, the engine spins at 2400rpm at 100kph, bang in the middle of its powerband. This means that in most cases, all you need to do to overtake is tap the throttle.

We are really thrilled with the improved driveability, because it reduces the need for a gearshift when you need to up the pace. However, the imprecise and rubbery gearshift has been carried over from the regular Indigo; it’s a serious shortcoming in every Indica-based model.

However, the car is certainly more silent. The tweaks to the engine have resulted in a slight improvement over the regular Indigo DiCOR, but only just. There’s less diesel clatter at idle and it doesn’t get as gruff when it is revving. Yet, you can still hear that familiar gravelly note that is characteristic of the DiCOR motor. It still lags way behind the Swift Dzire or a Mahindra Logan diesel in terms of refinement.

What we do appreciate is the CS’ improved ride. Tata engineers have played around with the spring rates (made them stiffer) and changed the viscosity of the oil in the dampers and this has made a world of difference.

The biggest difference is the refined feel of the suspension. Gone is the noisy ride of the regular Indigo (and Indica). In its place is a surprisingly quiet suspension. This newfound refinement is partly why the ride also feels so much better. It’s still mildly stiff over lumpy tarmac at low speeds (thanks to the tube-type tyres), but it improves greatly the faster you go.

Handling too has improved, thanks to the suspension tweaks. Body roll is well controlled around corners, and minor adjustments to the steering have improved the on-centre feel, thereby taking the uncertainty out of where the car is heading in a corner.

Push it hard and it will understeer, but very gradually.

The grippier Apollo Amazer XL tyres that seem to have improved lateral grip as well as shorten braking distance (compared to the Indica and the regular Indigo) can take credit for this.

Inside story

On the inside, the changes are so few, only Indi go/Indica anoraks will notice them. The steering wheel diameter is smaller (about 2cm less than the Indigo) and this makes it much nicer to hold and twirl in your palms. And the smart, new white-on-black dials look great, especially at night.

The rest is the same — the wide-opening doors, the high seats and the great visibility Too bad the vices also persist. The ape-like driving position, the flimsy wiper and headlamp stalks, the hard plastics and the ancient dashboard design (are still the same).

Final verdict

Bottom line, is it worth forking over money for? Well, the Indigo CS DiCOR is a step ahead of the Indica and the Indigo and at this price, it’s hard to fault.

It meets the needs of interior space, has a boot, a peppy engine and overall fuel efficiency is good as well (15.05kpl). However, its equipment list is short, with only power steering and air-conditioning as standard. It doesn’t have power windows, central locking or a rear defogger. The CS DiCOR is available only in this LS trim.

Still rough around the edges, the Indigo CS DiCOR doesn’t quite hit the spot in terms of general quality and finesse. However, if you want a big car but are on a tight budget, this car delivers all the must-haves.

Spec Check

Price: 4.92 Lakh* (approx)
Length: 3988mm
Width: 1620mm
Height: 1540mm
Wheelbase: 2450mm
Turning circle: 10.0m
Kerb Weight: 1065kg
Engine: 4 cyls inline DOHC, 1396cc, Diesel
Power: 70bhp at 4000rpm
Torque: 14.2kgm at 1400 2750rpm
Gearbox: 5 speed, Manual
Fuel Tank: 42 litres
Brakes (F/R): Ventilated disc /Drum
Tyre Size: 175/65 R14, Tube Type


Ouseph Chacko, The Personal Telegraph