Tata Manza Review

The Tata Indigo Manza is an authentically capable car. It brings to the segment Tata's characteristic collection of strengths – space, comfort and value for money.

DESIGN AND STYLE

Tata has done an improved job of integrating the boot on the Manza, which also has been spun off the same platform as its hatchback sibling. The Manza is not really a head-turner but it's easily one of the best-looking in the segment. However, the Manza's huge front and rear overhangs have thrown the proportions for a toss and it looks a touch bulky.

CABIN

The Manza has a enormous cabin, and the interior ambience feels surprisingly upmarket. However, it's clear that Tata has spent a lot on the Manza's insides. The seat fabric is good quality, high-grain plastics have been used and there are lots of feel-good items like the leather-wrapped gear knob and the air-con blower controls which are actuated by servo-assisted knobs. The Manza is loaded too and the top-of-the-line Aura+ model gets goodies like power mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and music streaming. Seat comfort is very good as well. While the seats themselves are very generous, the front cushions are a bit too firm and the rear backrest is a bit too reclined.

Sitting three abreast is no problem but unlike its rival, the Etios, you get a central armrest that fold away efficiently. Storage space is wonderful with the glove box and boot that has copious amounts of space. The door pockets are disappointingly tiny though.

The dashboard is conservative but even so looks pretty elegant though some of the instruments and switches are a touch too small. What lets the Manza down is the inconsistent finish. The door latches and window switches feel quite unconvincing, there are hard edges of plastic, and incoherent panel gaps still abound.

RIDE AND ENGINE

The heavy and sluggish Manza is not really pleasurable to drive. The Fiat motor has a good roar to it but doesn't roll effortlessly. The engine is languid throughout its rev range that makes the driver work hard to get the most out of it. The Manza also doesn't have the agility possessed by some of the other cars in its segment.

The steering is not very precise, the Manza turns unenthusiastically into a corner and the controls in general feel soft, with some shocks transmitted through the steering column to the driver as well. And while the short-throw Fiat gearbox in the Manza is a gigantic step forward for Tata and it slots home with a gratifying ‘clack', it needs some supplementary amount of effort. However, what Tata has managed to do is to provide the Manza with respectable driveability, done with the help of exceptionally short gearing. So successful in fact is the decrease in gearing that the Manza is not too quite quick in-gear acceleration. As a result, the Tata saloon is good in city traffic. You can hang on to the short third gear and this is ideal for medium speed traffic.

The Manza feels pretty refined and quiet, thanks to some generous body insulation. The suspension also works quietly and very few bumps and thumps are heard. The low speed ride is a little choppy over sharp edges while at speed it doesn't have a planted feel. However, the Manza strikes a good balance between comfort and steadiness which owners will be grateful for.

FUEL EFFICIENCY

The Manza is weighty and powered by an engine that isn't predominantly inspiring, unsurprisingly is thirsty. In the city, despite the benefit of low gearing, it gave 10.5kpl while on the highway the figure was 14.7kpl.

FACT FILE  Engine 4 cyls in-line 1368cc, petrol Installation Front, transverse Power 89bhp at 6000rpm Torque 11.82kgm at 4750rpm Gearbox 5-speed manual Kerb weight 1140kg Tyres 185/60 R15 Kerb weight 1130kg Wheelbase 2520mm Brakes (f/r) Ventilated discs/ drums