With confident appearance, refreshed engine and good dynamics, the Tata Indigo e-CS is a compact sedan, says K Shivraj

Cars measuring under four-metre in length are classified as the ‘small cars’ and they enjoy a ‘tax break’ from the government. It is no wonder then that Tata chose to engineer the Indigo CS and call it the ‘most compact sedan’. Based on the first-generation Indigo platform, the CS has just got a new cousin — the e-CS. Tata claims that this variant gives a mileage of 23 km for a litre — a figure certified by the Automotive Research Association of India or the ARAI.

The figure may look outlandish, especially when one commutes to office on pothole-ridden roads negotiating the never-ending congestion. But the beauty of the Indigo e-CS is that it looks appealing even in such a perilous situation. The compact dimensions of the car give it a solid appearance. Like a compact notchback, the Indigo e-CS stands out even though it borrows its appearance from the first-generation Indigo sedan. Except the smallish boot, there is little else that differs from the ‘regular’ Indigo sedan.

At the front, twin-beam lamps and the smiling grille have a positive effect. Lower down is the distinctly chiselled bumper. The sides, in comparison, provide support rather than announcing any kind of aggression or solidity. Large lamps at the rear mark the corners of the smallish boot. Overall impression of the Indigo e-CS’s appearance is that of confidence and solidity.

The interior shows that it has grown up. Not that the change is drastic. (For drastic changes one would have to refer to the second-generation Indigo Manza). Space on the e-CS, at best, is average. Front seats are comfortable and accompany fair amount of room. The rear can seat three, and also offer a fair amount of room. Good kit comes in the form of dual-tone beige interiors, instrument cluster with chrome rings, electrically-operated mirrors and also a bluetooth-enabled music system.

Turn the key and the 69bhp, 1.4-litre common-rail (Dicor) diesel engine comes to life. Treated to changes — which involve the cylinder, gaskets, camshaft, valves and the ECU — the motor feels smoother, at least during idling. The engine also feels more willing. Response is good and the performance fairly crisp. The refreshed engine, called CR4, offers strong bottom-end torque which flows into the mid-range. Keep the motor in its power range and the e-CS will not disappoint. This is especially the case in the city. The car’s short gearing helps too. If the engine feels coarse, it is at the higher end.

Reflecting better torsional rigidity than the first-generation Indigo ever did, the e-CS offers good dynamics overall. If there’s anything to be disappointed about, it is the slow-speed ride of the car. It feels jittery with an amount of noise transmitted inside. The steering feels vague around the straight ahead position. Handling is average; the tubeless tyres offer a good grip.   

 Not exactly an enthusiast’s car, the Indigo e-CS makes a very strong case for value-for-money compact sedan. In fact, as the cheapest sedan on the Indian auto market, the Indigo e-CS makes a near ideal car for the city, and even if they are strewn with potholes. What’s important is that the Indigo e-CS feels far better than the original CS.