Tata Indigo DiCor - 14000 kms

kpsriram · 19th April 2008, 18:51

The Odo crossed 14K kms today morning on my way to office. Thought it would be good to pen down my experiences so far.

When i went about hunting for a car sometime in July last year, Indigo was not even my "n"th choice. I desperately wanted to replace my old Carb-Zen due to increasing fuel costs and my office had moved 20 kms further away from my place!!. My Budget was around 5 - 5.5 L and was looking out for a diesel car.

After driving around a zen for 4 years, i wanted a car which had better head/leg/shoulder room and comfortable for a 6 footer. Didn't have much of a choice with my budget. TDed Logan and Indigo (TDI and DICOR).Felt both Logan and TDI were sluggish and settled with Dicor

I have not driven the TDI much; but whatever I could feel in the test drive was - Dicor is much more drivable than the TDI. Contrary to what most of you believe here, i didn't mind that extra 50k for the engine.

Dealer experience
=================
i had booked this car ("whatever" gold Indigo LS Dicor) from VST motors (Chennai) on 31-Jul-2007. After all the loan/registration formalities, i got hold of the car on 5-Aug-07. The people in VST were helpful and prompt; no complaints. All you need is little bit of patience. Got the usual freebies (Mats, Mud guard, Leather steering cover). Paid for the remote lock and tint.

I have read a lot about TATA "A*S". I have never felt anything wrong till now (2 scheduled services and one adhoc). They have fixed whatever issues (rattling and pick up) i had complained. They were prompt and understand what you tell them (like once i told them about over steer at high speeds for which they changed the power steering belt which was faulty!!! - don't know whether that was the right thing to do, but it solved the problem).

I used to have a tough time explaining similar stuff to Maruti "A*S" guys.

First few days....
==================
The first few days with the car was sort of a "culture shock". Being a die-hard maruti fan, it was tough to adjust to a TATA vehicle. Everything from the driving/steering/Pedal position to the fit-finish were completely different from what i had experienced before. BUT, one thing i liked about this car from the beginning was the drivability part. It can be driven sedately or abused to the core. Trust me, i have abused it like devil-may-care, but never once did it complain!!

The Pedal position is too high (esp., if you come from Zen/Esteem....). Workaround is to put some layers of door mats under the rubber floor mat to get to your comfortable position!!!!

The interiors are too plain (i hate beige, but there is no choice). After some time it does get too boring to sit inside. The Plastic/console have nothing to write about. Everything does its job, don't expect more. The Console lighting is easy on the eyes and has 2 trip meters.

One thing I was extremely happy about was S P A C E. Man, don't i love it!!. Getting out of a Zen and getting in to Indigo - You know what i mean!!!

Used to be a big lover of Zen's seating position - Seats pushed all the way back and inclined to 140 degrees - legs and arms stretched out. If you like what i just said, don't ever drive an Indigo!!. First few days were nightmarish, felt like driving a truck (the position not the engine). Got used to it later and started appreciating it. you never get tired in this position and i felt i can control the car better this way.

The steering is ok, nothing great. i read everywhere that it is vague, i never felt that way at any speeds. May be i have a better hand-eye coordination to make it behave the way i want ;-)). My Zen didn't have power steering, that could also be a reason that i don't feel anything wrong with Indigo's steering (Except over steer which was fixed).

The best thing about this car (other than the engine of course!) is the A/C. Its very good even in Chennai's heat. Doesn't take more than 2 minutes to cool the cabin with 4 people inside.

Brakes are ok; way better than Zen, but still doesn't inspire too much confidence from the driver.

ICE - i had a good ICE in my zen which i plucked and plugged in to Indigo. I don't remember the model names. Will post it when i get the names.

0 - 2000 Kms
==============
I followed the run-in guidelines; occasionally pushing it past 2000 RPM in 4th and 5th gear. I was pretty happy driving it sedately and let the engine bed in properly. The first 2k kms were 90% highway driving and was covered in quick time (2 weeks to be exact).

One lazy Saturday afternoon i wanted to rip the car and see if it can handle it (it had done around 1400 kms). Took it to OMR, there is a beautiful stretch of tarmac after thiruporur. The stretch is around 6 kms and is normally deserted. This stretch has good smooth curves, a straight stretch to drive flat out and bumpy roads to test the ride!!
The first thing i tried was to test the ride in the bends. Pushed the car to 130 kmph and tried to negotiate the "S" bends, it scared the s**t out of me. This car is no way smooth in the curves like a Zen (and i didn't expect that handling from this Sedan anyways). Tried the same at around 110 kmph and it felt better. Next was the straight line speed!! I didn't want to floor the accelerator (First service was still pending!!), prayed to the almighty and started from stand still, the maximum i could hit was just above 150 kmph before i ran out of road and guts!!. I also wanted to test 150-0 kmph, but wasn't too sure how the car would behave, so dropped the idea. Took the "U" turn and tried it again, this time i was just able to touch 150 kmph when my worst nightmare came true.

I was looking at the speedo, when a moron in a Scorpio (coming from the opposite direction) decided to take a right turn cutting right across my lane without any indication!! I panicked for a few milliseconds and then hit the brakes hard, cut the gear to 4th and put my left hand on the hand brakes (just in case). To my surprise, the car didn't lose its shape. i had unknowingly, turned the steering to the left (Instinct!!!), the right wheels locked up and brought the car in to a straight line. I over corrected and the car swerved right, now the left wheels locked up and again the car was back in a straight line!!!!. All this happened in a few milliseconds!!!. The car stopped, i got down (was completely shaken up!!) and looked for the scorpio, he was no where!!! (How did this happen??)

That ended my eventful testing!! I have driven on that stretch numerous times after this incident (but at much lesser speeds) but that was scary!!

2000 kms - 14000 kms
=====================
I have thoroughly enjoyed driving this car. Its a gem on the highways even at 150 kmph. you will never feel that speed sitting inside. The NVH levels are way too less than what one would expect from a "TATA" car. City driving is no pain either, thanks to VGT, you don't have to push it way past 2000 RPM to move the car. Keep it above 1400 RPM and it will move and how!!!.

Why doesn't TATA publicize VGT???? Verna has this badge stuck all around it??

The Independent suspension does its job admirably. Nothing to complain, neat.

There are some rattling issues from the dashboard. But its not that bad as people think. I can live with it!!
I have not changed the stock wheels/rims. I am not a big fan of alloys either (i got 4 bent rims in Zen and the wheels would have broken in to pieces if it had been alloys - the hit was nasty). The ride is pretty good with stock stuff. (Guess, Indigo is known for that)

After 2 services and oil change, the engine does feel settled down. I have tried to stretch the engine and this is what i noticed
2nd gear - 70 kmph ~ 3700 RPM
3rd gear - 110 kmph ~ 4200 RPM - The whole world looks at you, its so damn noisy!
4th gear - 130 kmph ~ 3800 RPM
5th gear - 155 kmph ~ 4000 RPM - Max i have done in this car. But it feels like it can do more than this.

RPM speeds are just approximate as it was tough to take my eyes off the road and note the speed and RPM!!

My Quest for pick up
=====================
I read somewhere that pete's box cannot be fitted in TATA ECU's. Is this true. Is there some other alternative to get that "Pete"fied performance?

Strangerintown · 20th April 2008, 15:50

That was a very well written review! Do keep us updated as you keep munching the miles

.

BTW are you sure the Indigo Dicor has a VGT? I wasnt aware of that either. If it does, Tata's should really be going to town with that information just like every other manufacturer does. I'm more surprised since the VTT (Tata's version of VGT) is well publicised for the Safari 2.2 and so they should logically advertise that for the Indigo Dicor as well.

wanderernomad · 21st April 2008, 02:07

Well written one. Yes it has a VGT. I bought my Indigo Marina Dicor on 14th Aug and till date has put on 11K on the odo. I am glad you are happy with the TATA guys. read my review and see what I have been through.But no complaints from the car though. I ahve hit 160 (speedo) on the highways and yet it looked ok for a small bit more. Wish you long happy and safe driving hours ahead.

gemithomas · 21st April 2008, 08:46

Good review. I also think tata has done a very good job with the DiCOR engine. I;ve ddriven the Indica DiCOR and was bowled over.NEver expected this from a TATA. Its been 10 years of tremendous improvement.

rkbharat · 28th April 2008, 13:58

very nice and detailed review. Please keep posting your feedbacks.

Also post some pics of your car.

krichared · 31st December 2014, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanderernomad

Well written one. Yes it has a VGT. I bought my Indigo Marina Dicor on 14th Aug and till date has put on 11K on the odo. I am glad you are happy with the TATA guys. read my review and see what I have been through.But no complaints from the car though. I ahve hit 160 (speedo) on the highways and yet it looked ok for a small bit more. Wish you long happy and safe driving hours ahead.

Hi, i see this is an old thread, but trying to work on my 2007 Indica Dicor - Does it have a VGT? I am not sure of the Indigo, but the indica seems to do with a fixed geometry turbo.

Also, i would like to upgrade the car with a few modifications. Want to tour around. Something like a suspension lift, auxiliary lamps etc. Its currently at 93,000 KMS.

greenhorn · 1st January 2015, 04:30

to the best of my understanding, the indica and indigo share the same engine, and use a VGT.

But are you sure you have a '07 Indica dicor? the Dicor was launched in '08.

The Turbo that was available in '07 had a FGT.

About mods - I hope you've upsized your tyres to 175/65 or 185/60 R14.
suspension lifts - Isn't it high already? I would love to lower mine

Fog lights - certainly. Driving on highways is horrible. Get a pair of nice horns too!

anky · 1st January 2015, 11:45

^^^ @ Greenhorn
Th Op says he has a Indigo Dicor .

I too had a Indigo Dicor Lx ( not Indigo cs and not Tdi ) that I had bought new in Oct/Nov (Can't remember the exact month ) 2007 .

I sold it in 2013 .

Great car , lots of interior space , gem of an engine , all spoilt by horrible after sales of Tata .

greenhorn · 1st January 2015, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by anky

^^^ @ Greenhorn
Th Op says he has a Indigo Dicor .

I was replying to krichared

wanderernomad · 2nd January 2015, 10:58

The first lot of Indigo Dicors came in July/August 2007. And as per the manual it says it has a VGT.

krichared · 2nd January 2015, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn

to the best of my understanding, the indica and indigo share the same engine, and use a VGT.

But are you sure you have a '07 Indica dicor? the Dicor was launched in '08.

The Turbo that was available in '07 had a FGT.

About mods - I hope you've upsized your tyres to 175/65 or 185/60 R14.
suspension lifts - Isn't it high already? I would love to lower mine

Fog lights - certainly. Driving on highways is horrible. Get a pair of nice horns too!

Mine is a 2007 make. I am not sure if DICOR had a VGT.I could get no reference of that any where. Thats a great feature the TATA seem to have overlooked in their marketing.

I am running stock size of tyres itself.
Looking at having a stiffer suspension.
My idea of suspension lift is only to accommodate higher profile tyres. I am just worried about the increased size rubbing against the body when doing end to end turns. I don't want to invest much on after market stuff :(
so probably just work on the math and see the highest possible profile of tyre i can run with a possible increased ground clearance(GC) advantage.

well, this ain't the kind of car i would love to attack corners, so i don't mind getting the advantage of those extra MM of GC till i can afford an SUV

i do have the stock fog lamps, i like to turn them on and make believe cornering lamps. Once upgraded the headlamps to 100/90 philips with hella relay kit, didn't last long :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanderernomad

The first lot of Indigo Dicors came in July/August 2007. And as per the manual it says it has a VGT.

I will run through the manual over again to read more about the turbo

greenhorn · 2nd January 2015, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by krichared

Mine is a 2007 make.

very strange. I have a '07 turbo, and recall the dicor wasnt out during 2007, though the specs did appear in the manual
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...-imminent.html

Quote:

I am running stock size of tyres itself.
Looking at having a stiffer suspension.
My idea of suspension lift is only to accommodate higher profile tyres. I am just worried about the increased size rubbing against the body when doing end to end turns. I don't want to invest much on after market stuff :(
so probably just work on the math and see the highest possible profile of tyre i can run with a possible increased ground clearance(GC) advantage.

I'm running 175/65 without any scraping. you can manage 185/60 with minor scraping at full lock. If you are looking purely to increase the profile to take bad roads, you could switch to the indica 13" rims + higher profile

krichared · 5th January 2015, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn

very strange. I have a '07 turbo, and recall the dicor wasnt out during 2007, though the specs did appear in the manual
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...-imminent.html

I'm running 175/65 without any scraping. you can manage 185/60 with minor scraping at full lock. If you are looking purely to increase the profile to take bad roads, you could switch to the indica 13" rims + higher profile

Okay, we did go to pick up the turbo, but the sales guy promoted the DICOR, we bought it some time early /1st quarter of of 2008. The make was 2007.

thats good to know that you have tired the 175/65.
I am looking at 165/80 R14, don't want to change the rims

Here are the stats that i have worked upon

Current wheel/tyre
165/65 R14
Current RR: 285.05mm
Current circumference: 1791.02mm

New wheel/tyre
165/80 R14
New RR: 309.8mm
New circumference: 1946.53mm

Difference in circumference: 155.51mm or 8.68%

a speedo error of +10KMPH

Approx increase of about 5+ cm in diameter.

Got to figure out that Swift has the 165/80 R14 size. So, plan to check by borrowing a spare or two from someone who owns a swift and try.
Hope the PCD matches for the DICOR.

greenhorn · 5th January 2015, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by krichared

Hope the PCD matches for the DICOR.

nope. Swift is 100 pcd, Indica is 108. I suppose you can try putting the swift tyres on indica rims though

krichared · 6th January 2015, 11:02

Ah! seems like I am left with no other option then. Now will need to find a very patient swift owner or a tyre-wala to sort it out.

19th April 2008, 18:51	#1
kpsriram Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 1 Thanked: Once	Tata Indigo DiCor - 14000 kms The Odo crossed 14K kms today morning on my way to office. Thought it would be good to pen down my experiences so far. When i went about hunting for a car sometime in July last year, Indigo was not even my "n"th choice. I desperately wanted to replace my old Carb-Zen due to increasing fuel costs and my office had moved 20 kms further away from my place!!. My Budget was around 5 - 5.5 L and was looking out for a diesel car. After driving around a zen for 4 years, i wanted a car which had better head/leg/shoulder room and comfortable for a 6 footer. Didn't have much of a choice with my budget. TDed Logan and Indigo (TDI and DICOR).Felt both Logan and TDI were sluggish and settled with Dicor I have not driven the TDI much; but whatever I could feel in the test drive was - Dicor is much more drivable than the TDI. Contrary to what most of you believe here, i didn't mind that extra 50k for the engine. Dealer experience ================= i had booked this car ("whatever" gold Indigo LS Dicor) from VST motors (Chennai) on 31-Jul-2007. After all the loan/registration formalities, i got hold of the car on 5-Aug-07. The people in VST were helpful and prompt; no complaints. All you need is little bit of patience. Got the usual freebies (Mats, Mud guard, Leather steering cover). Paid for the remote lock and tint. I have read a lot about TATA "AS". I have never felt anything wrong till now (2 scheduled services and one adhoc). They have fixed whatever issues (rattling and pick up) i had complained. They were prompt and understand what you tell them (like once i told them about over steer at high speeds for which they changed the power steering belt which was faulty!!! - don't know whether that was the right thing to do, but it solved the problem). I used to have a tough time explaining similar stuff to Maruti "AS" guys. First few days.... ================== The first few days with the car was sort of a "culture shock". Being a die-hard maruti fan, it was tough to adjust to a TATA vehicle. Everything from the driving/steering/Pedal position to the fit-finish were completely different from what i had experienced before. BUT, one thing i liked about this car from the beginning was the drivability part. It can be driven sedately or abused to the core. Trust me, i have abused it like devil-may-care, but never once did it complain!! The Pedal position is too high (esp., if you come from Zen/Esteem....). Workaround is to put some layers of door mats under the rubber floor mat to get to your comfortable position!!!! The interiors are too plain (i hate beige, but there is no choice). After some time it does get too boring to sit inside. The Plastic/console have nothing to write about. Everything does its job, don't expect more. The Console lighting is easy on the eyes and has 2 trip meters. One thing I was extremely happy about was S P A C E. Man, don't i love it!!. Getting out of a Zen and getting in to Indigo - You know what i mean!!! Used to be a big lover of Zen's seating position - Seats pushed all the way back and inclined to 140 degrees - legs and arms stretched out. If you like what i just said, don't ever drive an Indigo!!. First few days were nightmarish, felt like driving a truck (the position not the engine). Got used to it later and started appreciating it. you never get tired in this position and i felt i can control the car better this way. The steering is ok, nothing great. i read everywhere that it is vague, i never felt that way at any speeds. May be i have a better hand-eye coordination to make it behave the way i want ;-)). My Zen didn't have power steering, that could also be a reason that i don't feel anything wrong with Indigo's steering (Except over steer which was fixed). The best thing about this car (other than the engine of course!) is the A/C. Its very good even in Chennai's heat. Doesn't take more than 2 minutes to cool the cabin with 4 people inside. Brakes are ok; way better than Zen, but still doesn't inspire too much confidence from the driver. ICE - i had a good ICE in my zen which i plucked and plugged in to Indigo. I don't remember the model names. Will post it when i get the names. 0 - 2000 Kms ============== I followed the run-in guidelines; occasionally pushing it past 2000 RPM in 4th and 5th gear. I was pretty happy driving it sedately and let the engine bed in properly. The first 2k kms were 90% highway driving and was covered in quick time (2 weeks to be exact). One lazy Saturday afternoon i wanted to rip the car and see if it can handle it (it had done around 1400 kms). Took it to OMR, there is a beautiful stretch of tarmac after thiruporur. The stretch is around 6 kms and is normally deserted. This stretch has good smooth curves, a straight stretch to drive flat out and bumpy roads to test the ride!! The first thing i tried was to test the ride in the bends. Pushed the car to 130 kmph and tried to negotiate the "S" bends, it scared the s**t out of me. This car is no way smooth in the curves like a Zen (and i didn't expect that handling from this Sedan anyways). Tried the same at around 110 kmph and it felt better. Next was the straight line speed!! I didn't want to floor the accelerator (First service was still pending!!), prayed to the almighty and started from stand still, the maximum i could hit was just above 150 kmph before i ran out of road and guts!!. I also wanted to test 150-0 kmph, but wasn't too sure how the car would behave, so dropped the idea. Took the "U" turn and tried it again, this time i was just able to touch 150 kmph when my worst nightmare came true. I was looking at the speedo, when a moron in a Scorpio (coming from the opposite direction) decided to take a right turn cutting right across my lane without any indication!! I panicked for a few milliseconds and then hit the brakes hard, cut the gear to 4th and put my left hand on the hand brakes (just in case). To my surprise, the car didn't lose its shape. i had unknowingly, turned the steering to the left (Instinct!!!), the right wheels locked up and brought the car in to a straight line. I over corrected and the car swerved right, now the left wheels locked up and again the car was back in a straight line!!!!. All this happened in a few milliseconds!!!. The car stopped, i got down (was completely shaken up!!) and looked for the scorpio, he was no where!!! (How did this happen??) That ended my eventful testing!! I have driven on that stretch numerous times after this incident (but at much lesser speeds) but that was scary!! 2000 kms - 14000 kms ===================== I have thoroughly enjoyed driving this car. Its a gem on the highways even at 150 kmph. you will never feel that speed sitting inside. The NVH levels are way too less than what one would expect from a "TATA" car. City driving is no pain either, thanks to VGT, you don't have to push it way past 2000 RPM to move the car. Keep it above 1400 RPM and it will move and how!!!. Why doesn't TATA publicize VGT???? Verna has this badge stuck all around it?? The Independent suspension does its job admirably. Nothing to complain, neat. There are some rattling issues from the dashboard. But its not that bad as people think. I can live with it!! I have not changed the stock wheels/rims. I am not a big fan of alloys either (i got 4 bent rims in Zen and the wheels would have broken in to pieces if it had been alloys - the hit was nasty). The ride is pretty good with stock stuff. (Guess, Indigo is known for that) After 2 services and oil change, the engine does feel settled down. I have tried to stretch the engine and this is what i noticed 2nd gear - 70 kmph ~ 3700 RPM 3rd gear - 110 kmph ~ 4200 RPM - The whole world looks at you, its so damn noisy! 4th gear - 130 kmph ~ 3800 RPM 5th gear - 155 kmph ~ 4000 RPM - Max i have done in this car. But it feels like it can do more than this. RPM speeds are just approximate as it was tough to take my eyes off the road and note the speed and RPM!! My Quest for pick up ===================== I read somewhere that pete's box cannot be fitted in TATA ECU's. Is this true. Is there some other alternative to get that "Pete"fied performance?
	(1) Thanks

20th April 2008, 15:50	#2
Strangerintown BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 241 Thanked: 190 Times	That was a very well written review! Do keep us updated as you keep munching the miles . BTW are you sure the Indigo Dicor has a VGT? I wasnt aware of that either. If it does, Tata's should really be going to town with that information just like every other manufacturer does. I'm more surprised since the VTT (Tata's version of VGT) is well publicised for the Safari 2.2 and so they should logically advertise that for the Indigo Dicor as well.
	() Thanks

21st April 2008, 02:07	#3
wanderernomad Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 2,552 Thanked: 1,296 Times View My Garage	Well written one. Yes it has a VGT. I bought my Indigo Marina Dicor on 14th Aug and till date has put on 11K on the odo. I am glad you are happy with the TATA guys. read my review and see what I have been through.But no complaints from the car though. I ahve hit 160 (speedo) on the highways and yet it looked ok for a small bit more. Wish you long happy and safe driving hours ahead.
	() Thanks

21st April 2008, 08:46	#4
gemithomas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,366 Thanked: 143 Times View My Garage	Good review. I also think tata has done a very good job with the DiCOR engine. I;ve ddriven the Indica DiCOR and was bowled over.NEver expected this from a TATA. Its been 10 years of tremendous improvement.
	() Thanks

28th April 2008, 13:58	#5
rkbharat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gurgaon/New Delhi Posts: 1,603 Thanked: 724 Times View My Garage	very nice and detailed review. Please keep posting your feedbacks. Also post some pics of your car.
	() Thanks

1st January 2015, 04:30	#7
greenhorn BANNED Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,878 Thanked: 4,910 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Indigo DiCor - 14000 kms to the best of my understanding, the indica and indigo share the same engine, and use a VGT. But are you sure you have a '07 Indica dicor? the Dicor was launched in '08. The Turbo that was available in '07 had a FGT. About mods - I hope you've upsized your tyres to 175/65 or 185/60 R14. suspension lifts - Isn't it high already? I would love to lower mine Fog lights - certainly. Driving on highways is horrible. Get a pair of nice horns too!
	(1) Thanks

1st January 2015, 11:45	#8
anky BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 402 Thanked: 115 Times	Re: Tata Indigo DiCor - 14000 kms ^^^ @ Greenhorn Th Op says he has a Indigo Dicor . I too had a Indigo Dicor Lx ( not Indigo cs and not Tdi ) that I had bought new in Oct/Nov (Can't remember the exact month ) 2007 . I sold it in 2013 . Great car , lots of interior space , gem of an engine , all spoilt by horrible after sales of Tata .
	() Thanks

2nd January 2015, 10:58	#10
wanderernomad Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 2,552 Thanked: 1,296 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Indigo DiCor - 14000 kms The first lot of Indigo Dicors came in July/August 2007. And as per the manual it says it has a VGT.
	(1) Thanks

6th January 2015, 11:02	#15
krichared BHPian Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 28 Thanked: 7 Times	Re: Tata Indigo DiCor - 14000 kms Ah! seems like I am left with no other option then. Now will need to find a very patient swift owner or a tyre-wala to sort it out.
	() Thanks