Not much of new products and sprucing up activities were seen with Tata Motors in recent times until now. The new Safari Storme, Manza Club Class and now the Vista QuadraJet 90!
Ever since its launch, Vista ('Indica' prefix has been dropped) has been considered as a potent hatchback with class leading space, adequate engine options and features, and excellent ride quality. And now the hatchback gets a VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) to its 1.3 litre QuadraJet powertrain to boost-up the power and torque figures to a commendable 88bhp and 200Nm respectively, from the existing fixed geometry turbocharger motor's 75bhp/190Nm.
This makes the Vista one of the powerful hatches in the segment. The refreshment of the Vista doesn't end with a VGT. The hatch also gets an interior tweak, with the instrument cluster moving to the conventional position behind the steering wheel from the top of the center console, a derivative from its sedan sibling the Manza.
This move can be partly attributed to negative customer response and for a better class image. And all Vista QuadraJet 90s will have a black painted roof, which may look sporty. The suspension may have been reworked to handle the boosted performance.
However, the rest of the design and features remain the same as the earlier Vista. The speculated replacement of the TDI diesel engine in the lower Vista variant with the improved CR4 engine (from the eCS) did not happen this time and may take sometime regrettably.
While the lower variants continue to employ the 74 bhp version of the QuadraJet, the Vista 90 is available in two variants - VX and ZX. One gets ABS and EBD in VX variant, while ZX extends the list with dual front airbags and alloy wheels. Pricing is where the Vista 90 scores much. The VX variant is priced at Rs. 6.03 lakhs, while the ZX is Rs.6.63 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai), making the car a value-for-money performance offering.
Though Punto 90 has the same diesel heart with better looks and ride and handling package, price does matter and will attract many prospective buyers.
Will the Vista with additional power manage to convince car buyers that it is a pocket rocket?
[Note : This article is written by our intern Mr. Dhiyanesh Ravichandran]
[Source: Autocarindia.com]
