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Old 5th September 2011, 21:07   #1
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CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Remember the recently launched Indica eV2 (Link to thread)? The same engine now gives the Indigo the title of "India's most FE sedan".

High Points

- 25 kpl mileage (ARAI) now on the Tata Indigo e-CS VX too.

- Powered by the CR4 engine from the Indica eV2. 69 BHP @ 4000 RPM and 140 Nm of torque starting at 1800 rpm. Note that the CR4 is a tuned variant of the erstwhile DICOR.

- Among other things, Tata claims to have reduced the kerb weight of the car. The Indigo (just like the Indica eV2) should have the same anti-stall feature too, that helps while climbing inclines.

- The inflated price is going to raise a lot of eyebrows. The Indigo e-CS VX is priced at Rs. 580,339 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the CR4 diesel. The Manza Quadrajet - a superior car in every way - starts at only 36,000 more (616,397 ex-showroom Delhi). Who is handling the market positioning at Tata again?!

CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!-tata-indigo-ecs-image-medium.jpg
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Old 5th September 2011, 21:26   #2
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
- The inflated price is going to raise a lot of eyebrows. The Indigo e-CS VX is priced at Rs. 580,339 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the CR4 diesel. The Manza Quadrajet - a superior car in every way - starts at only 36,000 more (616,397 ex-showroom Delhi). Who is handling the market positioning at Tata again?!
and mind you - the manza has ZERO excise benefits, so it a manza CS may technically be same price/cheaper than this model, which is incredible.

Dear Tata Marketing,
I hope you realize the e_CS is NOT a flagship vehicle that you can sell a few hundred a month and meet your targets. The e-CS better be priced well,else be content with moving brochures, not cars!

PS: There's a recession, double-dip and all that on the way, sales growth has faltered, right? Just saying #kthxbai
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Old 5th September 2011, 21:40   #3
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

At this price point would expect the power train to go beyond the 140 torque.
But that's a rating limit on the Gearbox. Till they do that whats the point
in bettering the engine per se.

Wonder if that Gearbox upgrade is to ever happen.

Any insider info ?
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Old 5th September 2011, 21:44   #4
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
- The inflated price is going to raise a lot of eyebrows. The Indigo e-CS VX is priced at Rs. 580,339 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the CR4 diesel. The Manza Quadrajet - a superior car in every way - starts at only 36,000 more (616,397 ex-showroom Delhi). Who is handling the market positioning at Tata again?!
May be there is a bit of demand in the taxi segment, for a slightly more "loaded" variant of the IndigoCS. After all, the IndigoCS is nowadays a darling of the taxi sector. So, they could probably sell some numbers of this at this price.

For, keyless entry and ABS, Tata are charging about 30k more, which seems reasonable to me. At the end of the day, the Manza and IndigoCS appeal to completely different category of buyers.

I doubt, many Manza Aqua version buyers will move to IndigoCS VX variants. And even if they do, I think there will be a bigger margin for Tata in a IndigoCS VX than in a Manza Aqua.
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Old 5th September 2011, 23:27   #5
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

If we compare with the previous high end model the indigoCS LX price, then the VX costs around 30K more. For this 30K, the car offers ABS, Alloys, keyless entry, et al. It looks reasonable for me.

OT - Looks like TaMo is refreshing all it's entire line up. Indica, Aria, Vista and Indigo are done. So can we expect some upgrade/face-lifts for Manza, Sumo and Safari in the coming days?

Last edited by safari_lover : 5th September 2011 at 23:28.
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Old 6th September 2011, 00:27   #6
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Does this also mean that there is no Manza CS coming up ? If indeed its coming up, then we can see this as a marketing exercise to build the Indigo CS brand. Also the pricing could be intentionally kept high to mark the premium for the Manza CS when they launch it. Just my thoughts.
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Old 6th September 2011, 01:02   #7
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Frugal BS4 engine, ABS, Bluetooth, driver's seat height adjuster, power mirrors, alloys, a boot, everything is there on the CR4 VX at around 5.9L ex- showroom. Appears to be an appealing package in the segment it is positioned. Only steering height adjustment is missing.
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Old 6th September 2011, 08:42   #8
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

^^ agreed ; but all said and done it is a CS ; and 5.9 lacs is too high for a model whose bodyshell is a generation old.

This is like plonking the once mileage king Honda iDSi 75bhp in a Premier and selling it for 4lacs ; any takers?
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Old 6th September 2011, 08:52   #9
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post

- The inflated price is going to raise a lot of eyebrows. The Indigo e-CS VX is priced at Rs. 580,339 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the CR4 diesel. The Manza Quadrajet - a superior car in every way - starts at only 36,000 more (616,397 ex-showroom Delhi). Who is handling the market positioning at Tata again?!

Attachment 604772
Even the eV2 is positioned close to Vista Quadrajet. May be they are forcing the buyers to go for the Vista/Manza even as they offer older models at only a little lower than their hot ones.
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Old 6th September 2011, 10:33   #10
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Checked out the Indigo eCS CR4 BS IV VX (huuhhhh.) model price on TM website for Pune, it is 5.76 lacs ex-showroom. Seems to be an attractive offering given that it has most of the features one is looking for in an entry level sedan. Though they have provided ABS, one thing sorely missing is the Airbags, not even for the driver. Are they just targeting the fleet operators?

Though the CR4 engine has come a long way (from its previous DICOR avatar), I want to check with experts here, how does it fare when compared to our national engine, the ubiquitous 1.3L multijet/quadrajet/DDiS, whatever you may like to call it.
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Old 6th September 2011, 10:49   #11
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Quote:
Originally Posted by swiftnfurious View Post
Does this also mean that there is no Manza CS coming up ?
My sources confirmed, There will be a Manza CS, But no confirmation on dates, so not in the immediate future. But i guess, even when the Manza CS comes out, they could continue to sell the current CS (it is okay even if there are not many takers) and quote the AARAI numbers in sales/marketing materials.
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Old 6th September 2011, 10:59   #12
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Quote:
Originally Posted by AutoIndian View Post
Though the CR4 engine has come a long way (from its previous DICOR avatar), I want to check with experts here, how does it fare when compared to our national engine, the ubiquitous 1.3L multijet/quadrajet/DDiS, whatever you may like to call it.
For this we need an official Team-BHP Test Drive! GTO, you are reading this?
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Old 6th September 2011, 11:11   #13
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

Few more details regarding the same from their press release mailer.

Quote:
Tata Motors today launched the Tata Indigo e-CS VX, the most fuel-efficient sedan in the country, with a mileage of 25 kmpl, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). With a host of other exciting features in the car, the Tata Indigo e-CS VX is a new trim in the Tata Indigo e-CS range.

It sports the all new CR4 Common Rail Diesel engine that has a displacement of 1396 cc delivering 70 PS @ 4000 RPM. With a higher torque of 140 NM at a lower 1800-3000 RPM, improvements in gear ratios, clutch-to-start and reduction in the weight of the car by around 10 kg, the Tata Indigo e-CS VX ensures better pickup.

The Tata Indigo e-CS VX is also available with the MPFi petrol engine. Both these engines are compliant with BS4 emission norms.

This mileage of 25 kmpl in the CR4 Common Rail Diesel engine is hinged on five technological advancements.

1. SMART EMS (Engine Management System) CHIP that involves perfectly calibrating engine components every micro second to optimise functionality -- right from valve timing to compression ratios, to pressure volume ratios, to air fuel mixture, flawlessly synchronising every engine function to deliver 25 kmpl mileage.

2. MAXIMUM CHARGE COMBUSTION- An innovatively designed engine head, block and piston assembly that ensures effective intake and circulation of charge (mixture of air and fuel), thereby minimising pumping friction losses. The result is maximum combustion of charge, increased efficiency and power.

3. DRAG REDUCTION - Redesigned wheel arches and subtle alterations on the exteriors, combined with a lighter shell and engine, have collectively contributed to making the car more aerodynamic, reducing the drag coefficient.

4. TRANSAXLE (Gear Box) - With optimised Gear ratios to give best fuel efficiency and driveability together.

5. TYRES - For drag / rolling losses reduction, optimised tyres were developed which provide low rolling losses coupled with good riding comfort and handling.

Other class defining features in the Tata Indigo e-CX VX are stylish R14 alloy wheels, satin finish front grill, headlamps and ORVM with blinkers. They, coupled with body coloured bumpers and chrome inserts on the rub rails, endow it with head turning looks.

The interiors have been enriched with dual-tone beige seating and dashboard, premium wood-finish centre console, new instrument cluster with chrome rings and rear centre armrest for enhanced comfort. The plushness is enhanced with keyless entry, ABS, Bluetooth connectivity and electrical controls for ORVMs, besides carrying forward the comfortable AC, power steering and power windows.

The car comes with a warranty of 18 months and unlimited kms, for private usage.

The Tata Indigo e-CS VX is priced at Rs. 580,339 (ex-showroom Delhi), for the CR4 diesel engine and the Tata Indigo e-CS GVX is priced at Rs. 497,727 (ex-showroom Delhi), for the MPFi petrol engine.

The Tata Indigo CS has dominated the entry mid-size segment in the country for almost 4 years with its proposition of being the most compact sedan in the market. It has been appreciated for its classy styling as much as the great value proposition that it offers at an unbeatable price to a sedan aspirant.

Last edited by Rehaan : 6th September 2011 at 15:02. Reason: Removing formatting tags.
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Old 6th September 2011, 11:50   #14
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

When Indica eV2 was launched, I had mentioned that it seemed to be clearly for the Taxi customers. I think the strategy is still the same with Indigo CS. Give great mileage, and the taxi segment will lap it up. They will get back the savings due to a fuel efficient engine much faster.

I think it is a good move by Tata, except for the pricing. This also allows for the engine to be tested well by high-volume users (read taxi cabs) so Tata can make appropriate changes when they launch it with Vista and Manza. Well, whether pricing is fine or not is yet to be seen based on the volumes.

Also, clearly, nobody other than taxis would buy a decade old car, when the Manza is available at just about 30 to 40k more. It all seems like a test platform, to let it get tested by however few are going to buy, and then replace the national engine on Vista/Manza with this one when it is refined enough.
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Old 6th September 2011, 12:50   #15
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Re: CR4 engine now makes the Tata Indigo an ARAI kpl topper!

If the car is targeted at the Taxi segment then why offer ABS and other electrical goodies like power mirrors. A car with better FE and all standard features like PS,PW at a much lower price tag would be a boon for them. For those wanting the extra features and a better car, Manza/Manza CS is there for them.
IMO, TM is confusing the buyers with its numerous iterations.
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