What’s new about the Tata Manza ?

Another new model, the 'Manza' from Tata Motors will hit the markets around 14 October to coincide with the festival season. The car will be launched with much fanfare by the chairman of Tata Sons Ratan Tata.  (See:  Tata Motors set to launch Rs5.5-lakh 'Manza')

What's new about the Manza and why another model from the Tatas?

Well firstly the Indigo, (the company's current sedan) has been losing its lustre and sales have been falling so maybe the Manza is an attempt to add some excitement around the sedan segment. Notably the Tatas do not have a significant sedan in their vehicle lineup apart from the Indigo.

Secondly, activity in the mid-size sedan segment in India is hotting up with two other high-profile launches scheduled around Diwali this year. General Motors is scheduled to launch its Cruze at around the festive season, while Maruti Suzuki's SX4 is also said to be around the corner. The latter had stopped the production of the car saying that it would launch an upgraded version.

Tata Motors' Manza is basically a sedan version of the indigenous hatchback, Indica Vista, launched by the company in August last year. The Manza will be priced in the Rs5.5 lakh to Rs7.5 lakh range depending on the model and trimmings. The vehicle is said to have a 'luxurious and spacious cabin with alloy wheels and steering-mounted audio controls similar to the Vista.

The booth is merged in the overall shape, rather than as a standout space as in the Vista model. The Manza's engine sourced from Fiat of Italy will be available in two variants – a 1.4L petrol engine capable of delivering 95PS and a 1.3L multi-jet engine that pumps out 90PS.