One can always make a good product even better, so here goes - some dreams..Ideas for TATA to make the Aria even better.
The Aria is already well featured but it can be even better. The quality is decent so what can they do.
1) Wiper Blades should be like those in the Laura, Linea, Punto, Civic – Bosch Aero Twin single slab of rubber. Yes the movement style is similar to that in the Civic but similar rubber should also have been used, this would cost so less yet and would make the vehicle seem better compared to the present inelegant blades.
2) Daylight running lights (possibly with the front fogs) – just a software feature that can be added.
3) Autofold the mirrors when key is removed from ignition. (will help improve the life of the mirror fold button and make it more convenient. This would improve WOW factor at Zero additional cost as it is purely a software feature.
4) Give a range of tyre upgrades upto which warranty on the car will still be valid.
5) Sell the accessories painted at the factory end with cost of painting included.
6) Power though good should have been close to 165 bhp with 0-100 timings close to 13 Sec. (like the fortuner
. Am sure a remap would achieve this easily with the present new drive train and superb stability handling this extra power will be fine.
7) TATA car buyers always feel that first editions are tryouts for the company and they will lose out. Hence many people avoid the first versions of TATA vehicles. For a change ensure that the first time buyers of the ARIA are protected and pass on improvements to the car to them even if at a specific optional cost. The word getting out about this will boost the brand value of TATA MOTORS as a company that takes care of their customers. Unlikely to happen but no harm in dreaming right?
8) Provide 3D floor mats with the car by default, the Rs. 980 Mats on offer feel a bit cheap for this car.
9) Powered Front Seats would help a lot. How about memory seats that also track the ORVM settings.
10) Headrest mounted DVD Screens and player would help. I can get one of good quality fitted outside for as less as Rs. 8500, then why is this basic feature that even the Safari VX has been skipped on. It would make the top end model seem even better value.
11) Remote for middle row to control the infotainment would have helped- alternatively audio controls in the middle row armrest would be nice to have.
12) Middle row arm rest is a bit too shot to be comfortable enough, needs to be longer.
13) Front and middle row seats could have been bolstered and curved a bit more for a more snug fit on the passengers on the seats. Sportier seats anyone.
14) Official Side Step as an accessory (similar to safari side step) rather than the present dealer sourced one would be nice to have.
15) Roof Rails (not luggage carrier) would improve the looks of the Aria significantly.
16) Led Parking lights don’t really add too much to the cost, and kinda moves the car a segment higher.
17) Xenons could come in at a later stage, not too essential right now.
18) It is hard to fold the last row seats, always get the pants dirty on the rear bumper each time as the motion involved pulling the nylon tag while pushing the seat forward. Powered fold for the last row seats would add to the plush factor - like the Merc GL / R-Class. How about a powered rear door close feature?
19) An original front guard as an official accessories would help those who want to mount additional auxiliary lights. The Aria would be used a lot for long distance travel and these lights are useful at night. Plus this helps in bullying the ricks.
20) The front seat belts are a bit short for large six footers like me, they limit the extent to which I can raise the front driver seat.
21) The front row seats should go back a further couple of inches at the max back position. The space compared to the Safari is reduced in the front seat travel needs to be increased a bit.
22) Parking sensors also be retained even though there is a camera in the pride version, the sensors make a sound and give distance info. Infact the sensors if added to the front like in cars like the Laura would aid parking since one can’t see the entire front and it would help the judgement.
23) Hooks for luggage / nets in the rear space.
24) Manual sliding sun netting on the middle row door glasses would again take the car to a higher level without too much addition in the cost at your end. Powered ones..
25) Just go ahead a load the woofer space in the rear door panel with a wired unit however small.
Phew.. anyone want to add to this? from a fun perspective, am sure TATA has been watching the ownership threads on TBHP.
A lot of what I have suggested above is really practical infact get a feeling that all of this could be done in less than 1-1.5L more to make for a dream vehicle. Half of the pointers can be brought in at the current price itself. When one spends so much time in the car one does get ideas about what one can do to it.