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Originally Posted by windsurfer  But would it be driveable? I have my doubts. Automatics need more power and indica lacks it. |
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Originally Posted by iraghava Don't you think that with the Auto tranny, it could become slower than it is?? Even the Turbo version when coupled with the Slush box might not be any great shakes. |
Wont be too difficult for Tata to add 10 - 15 horses. Their new common-rail is already capable of it; only the drivetrain needs an upgrade. The focus must be on torque delivery as a slushbox hatch is more suited to (and should be used only in) the city.
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Originally Posted by Rtech However, I don't think price was really the main stumbling block for the lack of success of auto's in India. Some countries just do not have an auto culture, and we happen to be one of them, albeit for maybe the wrong reasons. i.e. people think it would be more expensive and give trouble in the long run, low FE, saps power, etc. |
Correct. But the only competitive auto-hatch so far has been the Santro. The auto-zen was a waste : 3 speed auto with a zero-torque engine. Also, this has a lot to do with awareness. Most simply dont think of an auto when considering a car purchase. It just doesnt cross their mind. Tata would, of course, have to market it heavily.
Again, only Tata could make an auto a value-proposition. Well-priced, decent FE and low maintainence costs.
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Tata sales are primarily to the taxi market, and for them, an auto is simply a higher overhead and more expensive to run day to day. So there is not market there.
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Absolutely correct. Thats why I post:
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If Tata wants the Indica to make greater inroads into the personal segment, I have reasons to believe that an automatic Indica would be just the product for the purpose.
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They already have a strong commercial presence. This product could potentially increase the number of personal customers. Also, this may not necessarily takes customers away from existing hatchbacks; it could create an entire new segment of buyers.
Is it worth a try for the ever-ambitious Tata? Hell ya! What have they got to lose? The Indica petrol isnt a match for the Jap / Korean hatches and Tata knows it. They must differentiate to increase sales.