The Test Drive Today after work I headed to Autofin Tata motors showroom in Secunderabad for a Test drive.
I had to wait about 15 minutes since the TD vehicle was away on a test drive. The sales guy told me that since just before noon, the car had been tested nearly 30-40 times.
Finally the "Cavern Grey" Vista turned into the showroom towards the waiting area. Luckily is was the top end Quadrajet Aura variant, just as I had prayed.
Externally there is no question it looks very good. Majestic in fact. Though it doesnt carry the sporty stance of Swift, it looks more "regal", if that is the word for it.
I got onto the driver's seat and promptly tried out the height adjustment! its a very thoughtful addition, IMO. The height can be adjusted by "pumping" the lever up or down, as preferred. very convenient. The tilt adjustable steering is a great boon too. The vastly improved seating position as a result of these two features would be appreciated by the missus because she currently uses a small cushion for height while driving our V2.
The pedal are very conveniently placed compared to the V2. I spent some time familiarizing myself with the easily accessible controls - headlamps with level adjustment, turn indicators, wipers, fog lamps (front and back), rear wiper and defogger. The air con controls could have been a little higher though. I ignored the ICE for now. The quality of the switches and stalks is very good and they dont feel flimsy. The knobs and stalks for the headlamps and wipers feel strong and move with a solid click. The driver side door sports the power window buttons along with the safety lock for rear windows. this is a vast relief from the buttons on the console as in Indigo and V2.
I turned the ignition and was waited for signs of life. nothing. The sales guy looked at me puzzled and asked what was wrong, why dont I drive. It was then I realized that the car had started! Nothing was audible inside the cabin (windows up) and if there was any slight shudder, I think I missed it! I opened the window and craned my neck out to hear a low thrum of the diesel. This is a major achievement! Fabia could pick up some tips from this car!
The clutch was smooth and the gear lever eased into '1' with a click (no more "gluebox"...!!!). i gently eased my foot off the clutch and the car moved with very low noise, smooth as butter. Astounding. Once outside the gate, I shifted to 2nd gear and pushed the pedal. no jerks, no vibes though the air con was running! the car swooshed towards the gap in the median on the road. The U-turn was not a problem. The turning radius was more than the Swift and the Honda City but the responsive and slick steering ensured that I didnt have to wrestle with the power steering, unlike my V2. Not bad at all.
I now eased into 3rd and then 4th as I headed towards the Necklace road. the acceleration was sweet and jerk free. I could literally feel the increasing power as I floored the pedal. once on the necklace road, I slid the car into 5th gear and it took off with a gentle roar. I revved until the tacho crossed the 1500 rpm and the rush of power was reassuring. I could then decelerate to below 40 kmph (the speedo was connected since it was a bonafide demo car) in 5th gear and then accelerate smoothly to 60. this car can pull, with aircon running!
now for the drivebility test. I moved down to 4th gear and decelerated. I could slow down till below 30 until I heard a protesting noise (but no jerks) from the engine. I could then accelerate smoothly to 60 again.
then I tried out the third and second gears. here I let go the accelerator and clutch and let the car move by its own power. I could come down to 10kmph in third gear without an issue and acceleration was smooth after that. in 2nd gear of course the speedo needle was almost at 0 and still the car kept moving. very impressive! almost palio like. this is definitely a car for heavy traffic with very less use of clutch needed.
Then I took it to a muddy track used for parking cars. because of recent rains, it resembled a wet lunar crater. I again tested the car in 2nd and 3rd gear without clutch and accelerator, on the bad stretch. It moved nimbly over the bad "kuchcha" road and we were very comfortable inside. I have to get someone to sit in the back seat and tell me what they felt on this stretch.
After satisfying myself, I once again came back on the road and drove back to the showroom.
By that time, it was dark enough to look at the lights from outside. The glowing head lamps looked good. examined the fog lamps (front and rear) and indicators too. putting the side indicators under the ORVM is a neat touch IMO.
after having driven this I must say that positioning the console at the center is not really inconvenient for the driver. I didnt need to turn my neck to look at the speedo or tacho. a mere sideways glance for a second would do. the console is attractively lit and visibility is good. it doesnt divert attention from the road. IMO, i now feel glancing "down" towards the conventionally placed speedo/tacho is more distracting, compared to this one. about the looks, its subjective. I like it.
The delivery period is minimum 10-15 days after booking, as per the sales guy and the booking amount for now is Rs.20000/-
I am impressed with the new levels of quality in this "un-tata-like " car. its a huge leap forward for them. I wish Tata all the best! |