New improved Tata Vista - full reivew!
29 Aug 2011 2:09 PM by
Bunny Punia
in
Single review,
Introduction:
The Vista brand in the Indica range was launched in the year 2008 as a classier and upmarket option for the growing hatchback market in India. With changes to the exterior design as well as the interiors and new engine options , the Vista did enjoy success for a while among half a dozen other rivals. However , over time , with better and more modern options available in market , namely , the Ford Figo , Nissan Micra and Maruti’s new Swift among others , it was time Tata gave the Vista a much needed upgraded. For starters , it does away with the ‘Indica’ brand name and is purely being promoted as the ‘Vista’ standalone brand now. Tata is backing up the product with strong online campaigns and a brilliantly made website and is obviously trying to promote the new Vista among the younger generation. Pricing , as usual has been the case with other Tata products , is also Vista’s strong point. So , is this car worth a very serious look now? Bunny Punia spends two days with Tata’s latest in and around Pune and surely seems impressed!
Exteriors:
Dimension wise , the Vista stands tall and proud among its chief rivals. At 1550 mm high , it is higher than the likes of the Swift , i20 , Figo and Polo. On the width front , it fares better than the Figo and Polo. Lastly , with a wheelbase of 2470mm , the Vista scores over the Swift and Polo in this regard. However , what really makes the new Vista stand out is the complete front design change. It now looks similar to its elder sibling , the Manza. New triple barrel headlamps , new grille and fog lamps now lend a classier and modern touch to the appearance up front. Apart from this , there are a lot of chrome inserts all around depending on the trim level you choose. At the rear , the tail lamps get a black mask effect and there is a horizontally running pearl black finish strip under the windshield. The Tata logo too is different and now the Vista range will only be denoted by new version names like LS , LX , VX and ZX for the diesel and GLS , GLX , GVX and GZX for the petrol engine options.
The top end , ZX and GVX models , gets new 15-inch smoked black alloy wheels. The new Vista is now available in a couple of new color options and the One you see on this page , porcelain white , looks sporty and refreshing. The overall paint quality and levels seems to have gone up as well.
Interiors:
The changes to the new Vista are not limited to the exteriors. Step in and you immediately notice the new color treatment which now is a mix of black with Sahara Beige. The usage of black color on the upper parts of the fascia and door pads has been done to prevent soiling in conditions like rainy season. The lower part of the fascia and door pads is finished in a lighter beige color which lends an airy feel to the cabin. Infact , this two tone color treatment makes the interiors look up-market. On the features list , the new Vista now gets steering mounted controls for the audio system and answering / rejecting phone calls across the range except for the base one. You also get electrically operated outside rear view mirrors on the top two trim levels. The top three trim levels also get an integrated audio system with Bluetooth connectivity for upto five phones at a time! Safety has been given importance with the top two versions getting ABS as standard. Air-bags come only in the top end model.
To summarize , the new Vista does come loaded to the brim with features and goodies , however that said , we did realize the omission of simple things like one-touch operation for driver’s window or door-open warning indication in the speedometer console. Space has always been the Vista’s forte and this positive aspect remains! Visibility is good and you really can’t complain much when it comes to hauling around five adults with ease.
Engine:
The Vista continues to come with four different engine options and mechanically , these remain un-touched. On the petrol front , you get to choose from either the 65PS Safire motor or the more powerful 90PS Safire engine. The smaller one has decent amount of torque and until unless you want to drive quick , this engine won’t really disappoint you. The problem comes in the fuel economy – with an ARAI rated figure of just 16.7kmpl , the Safire 65 is one of the most inefficient petrol hatchbacks around. The more powerful 90PS option however is in a world of its own. It generates 38% more power and 21% more torque than its smaller sibling and least to say , rewards the driver with a very good drive. It is peppy and can prove to be a fun to drive vehicle for the enthusiast. Like its younger petrol sibling , this engine too performs poor on the fuel economy front with an ARAI rated figure of just 13.7kmpl.
The 90PS Safire petrol engine
Most Vistas though will be sold in the diesel avatars. The TDI motor is still on sale , though only for BS-III markets. It generates decent power and torque and due to its cheap construction , makes the Vista TDI a very good value for money buy. However , we feel , the one to opt for it’s the top of the line Fiat derived Quadrajet engine generates more power and torque inspite of having a smaller displacement. It also has a very impressive ARAI claimed figure of 22.3kpl – this is remarkable considering that the Vista is a big and a heavy hatchback.
The 75PS Quadrajet diesel engine
The Quadrajet engine scores very high as far as low end engine speed response is concerned. This means that in City traffic , you don’t really have to work on the gears or the gas pedal to keep moving. Out on the highways , it also feels relaxed at triple digit cruising speeds. All the four engine options are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox which has pretty good shift action. It is on the harder side but we didn’t face any issues whatsoever during the two days we had the car with us for. The clutch has been made lighter and is a huge improvement for typical city traffic jams!
Suspension – Ride and handling
The Vista or the even the Indica range for that matter has always been known for its comfortable suspension set-up. The new Vista is no different and goes about absorbing typical bumps and undulations on the road with ease. It isolates the passengers from the happenings outside and you can literally put the Vista into bad sections without having to worry. On the highways , stability is good as well and changing lanes at triple digit speeds doesn’t make the driver nervous. Tata has worked on the steering and made it lighter which makes city community a joy. Driving the Vista at slow speeds doesn’t call for much effort.
On the handing front , it’s true that you really can’t play with the Vista like the way you can with some of the other hatchbacks out there. There is a certain degree of body roll and taking curves or corner at high speeds has the tyres squealing and car unstable. However , seldom will a typical owner ever subject the car to such antics and in typical day to day driving , the Vista does the job perfectly well.
Verdict
The new Vista range goes on sale at Rs 3.88 lakh for the petrol version and Rs 4.30 lakh for the diesel ones , both ex-showroom , Delhi. Simply put , this is shattering value for money and makes the Vista a lot cheaper than many options out there in the market. Even the advanced Quadrajet range starts from Rs 4.80 lakh , going all the way to Rs 6.07 lakh for the top end model that comes with alloy wheels , ABS , Air-bags in addition to rear wiper , keyless entry , steering controls etc.
We feel the VX version will be the best seller and at Rs 5.47 lakh , makes the best sense. For example , it is as expensive as the Beat LT (option) diesel model but has seat height adjustment for driver’s seat , lumbar support adjustment for driver’s seat , steering controls , twin power outlets etc. – these are missing on the Chevrolet option. Similarly , the Vista VX Quadrajet is only seven thousand more than the Ritz VDi ABS but offers more space and features like tilt adjust for steering , driver’s seat height adjust , keyless entry , audio system with Bluetooth connectivity , steering controls etc.
The Vista might still fall on a few areas like overall cabin quality or NVH levels but as a complete package for someone looking for a spacious , comfortable , feature laden and good looking hatchback , Tata it seems has finally played the right cards with this new improved Vista. It’s time for most of the rivals to take notice and come up with something new and different. ‘nuff said!
Content courtesy: 
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
never buy tata......cheapest product quality followed by sub-standard service
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
again TATA's cars are good but only two big faults which hit their goodwill-- Refinement levels are behind the compition and moreover After Sales experience is very poor.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
these talks about aftersales service, try a few maruti dealers in himachal
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
I am planning to buy a Diesel car and taken the test drive of New Vista Sedan Class.
The car is more powerfull and have a great pickup.
The interior & features are very good.
sitting arrangement is more comfortable.
If we compare the price Vista VX is cheaper than Swift VDi and have more feature with ABS & EBD which is most requires in today's traffic.
obviously look of Swift is much better than Vista.
but the main thing is comfort,features & prices.
If we little compromise with the look so this is the better option than others and now the company has much improved the look So there is no doubt about the Vista Sedan class.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Hello,
i want to buy this car please email me.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Hello,
Am interested in this car.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
at last a brilliant car from tata. hope it will perform to take tata to the next level.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
HAI I LIKE TEST DRIVE
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Very detailed review. Excellent and tempting photos. It is indeed a nice car to drive on. There are small small things left out, but owners can make it up with a value added car for an afforadable price and with least waiting period.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Tata cars are good however their after sales service is an issue in Mumbai.
I work in MNC and we have many Tata Indica, Vistas, Sumos, etc for staff use.
I was planning to purchase a Hatchback, so checked with the drivers, they gave me this feedback
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Instrument Panel should have been behind the steering than in central console.
Introduction:
The Vista brand in the Indica range was launched in the year 2008 as a classier and upmarket option for the growing hatchback market in India. With changes to the exterior design as well as the interiors and new engine options , the Vista did enjoy success for a while among half a dozen other rivals. However , over time , with better and more modern options available in market , namely , the Ford Figo , Nissan Micra and Maruti’s new Swift among others , it was time Tata gave the Vista a much needed upgraded. For starters , it does away with the ‘Indica’ brand name and is purely being promoted as the ‘Vista’ standalone brand now. Tata is backing up the product with strong online campaigns and a brilliantly made website and is obviously trying to promote the new Vista among the younger generation. Pricing , as usual has been the case with other Tata products , is also Vista’s strong point. So , is this car worth a very serious look now? Bunny Punia spends two days with Tata’s latest in and around Pune and surely seems impressed!
Exteriors:
Dimension wise , the Vista stands tall and proud among its chief rivals. At 1550 mm high , it is higher than the likes of the Swift , i20 , Figo and Polo. On the width front , it fares better than the Figo and Polo. Lastly , with a wheelbase of 2470mm , the Vista scores over the Swift and Polo in this regard. However , what really makes the new Vista stand out is the complete front design change. It now looks similar to its elder sibling , the Manza. New triple barrel headlamps , new grille and fog lamps now lend a classier and modern touch to the appearance up front. Apart from this , there are a lot of chrome inserts all around depending on the trim level you choose. At the rear , the tail lamps get a black mask effect and there is a horizontally running pearl black finish strip under the windshield. The Tata logo too is different and now the Vista range will only be denoted by new version names like LS , LX , VX and ZX for the diesel and GLS , GLX , GVX and GZX for the petrol engine options.
The top end , ZX and GVX models , gets new 15-inch smoked black alloy wheels. The new Vista is now available in a couple of new color options and the One you see on this page , porcelain white , looks sporty and refreshing. The overall paint quality and levels seems to have gone up as well.
Interiors:
The changes to the new Vista are not limited to the exteriors. Step in and you immediately notice the new color treatment which now is a mix of black with Sahara Beige. The usage of black color on the upper parts of the fascia and door pads has been done to prevent soiling in conditions like rainy season. The lower part of the fascia and door pads is finished in a lighter beige color which lends an airy feel to the cabin. Infact , this two tone color treatment makes the interiors look up-market. On the features list , the new Vista now gets steering mounted controls for the audio system and answering / rejecting phone calls across the range except for the base one. You also get electrically operated outside rear view mirrors on the top two trim levels. The top three trim levels also get an integrated audio system with Bluetooth connectivity for upto five phones at a time! Safety has been given importance with the top two versions getting ABS as standard. Air-bags come only in the top end model.
To summarize , the new Vista does come loaded to the brim with features and goodies , however that said , we did realize the omission of simple things like one-touch operation for driver’s window or door-open warning indication in the speedometer console. Space has always been the Vista’s forte and this positive aspect remains! Visibility is good and you really can’t complain much when it comes to hauling around five adults with ease.
Engine:
The Vista continues to come with four different engine options and mechanically , these remain un-touched. On the petrol front , you get to choose from either the 65PS Safire motor or the more powerful 90PS Safire engine. The smaller one has decent amount of torque and until unless you want to drive quick , this engine won’t really disappoint you. The problem comes in the fuel economy – with an ARAI rated figure of just 16.7kmpl , the Safire 65 is one of the most inefficient petrol hatchbacks around. The more powerful 90PS option however is in a world of its own. It generates 38% more power and 21% more torque than its smaller sibling and least to say , rewards the driver with a very good drive. It is peppy and can prove to be a fun to drive vehicle for the enthusiast. Like its younger petrol sibling , this engine too performs poor on the fuel economy front with an ARAI rated figure of just 13.7kmpl.
The 90PS Safire petrol engine
Most Vistas though will be sold in the diesel avatars. The TDI motor is still on sale , though only for BS-III markets. It generates decent power and torque and due to its cheap construction , makes the Vista TDI a very good value for money buy. However , we feel , the one to opt for it’s the top of the line Fiat derived Quadrajet engine generates more power and torque inspite of having a smaller displacement. It also has a very impressive ARAI claimed figure of 22.3kpl – this is remarkable considering that the Vista is a big and a heavy hatchback.
The 75PS Quadrajet diesel engine
The Quadrajet engine scores very high as far as low end engine speed response is concerned. This means that in City traffic , you don’t really have to work on the gears or the gas pedal to keep moving. Out on the highways , it also feels relaxed at triple digit cruising speeds. All the four engine options are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox which has pretty good shift action. It is on the harder side but we didn’t face any issues whatsoever during the two days we had the car with us for. The clutch has been made lighter and is a huge improvement for typical city traffic jams!
Suspension – Ride and handling
The Vista or the even the Indica range for that matter has always been known for its comfortable suspension set-up. The new Vista is no different and goes about absorbing typical bumps and undulations on the road with ease. It isolates the passengers from the happenings outside and you can literally put the Vista into bad sections without having to worry. On the highways , stability is good as well and changing lanes at triple digit speeds doesn’t make the driver nervous. Tata has worked on the steering and made it lighter which makes city community a joy. Driving the Vista at slow speeds doesn’t call for much effort.
On the handing front , it’s true that you really can’t play with the Vista like the way you can with some of the other hatchbacks out there. There is a certain degree of body roll and taking curves or corner at high speeds has the tyres squealing and car unstable. However , seldom will a typical owner ever subject the car to such antics and in typical day to day driving , the Vista does the job perfectly well.
Verdict
The new Vista range goes on sale at Rs 3.88 lakh for the petrol version and Rs 4.30 lakh for the diesel ones , both ex-showroom , Delhi. Simply put , this is shattering value for money and makes the Vista a lot cheaper than many options out there in the market. Even the advanced Quadrajet range starts from Rs 4.80 lakh , going all the way to Rs 6.07 lakh for the top end model that comes with alloy wheels , ABS , Air-bags in addition to rear wiper , keyless entry , steering controls etc.
We feel the VX version will be the best seller and at Rs 5.47 lakh , makes the best sense. For example , it is as expensive as the Beat LT (option) diesel model but has seat height adjustment for driver’s seat , lumbar support adjustment for driver’s seat , steering controls , twin power outlets etc. – these are missing on the Chevrolet option. Similarly , the Vista VX Quadrajet is only seven thousand more than the Ritz VDi ABS but offers more space and features like tilt adjust for steering , driver’s seat height adjust , keyless entry , audio system with Bluetooth connectivity , steering controls etc.
The Vista might still fall on a few areas like overall cabin quality or NVH levels but as a complete package for someone looking for a spacious , comfortable , feature laden and good looking hatchback , Tata it seems has finally played the right cards with this new improved Vista. It’s time for most of the rivals to take notice and come up with something new and different. ‘nuff said!
Content courtesy:
never buy tata......cheapest product quality followed by sub-standard service
again TATA's cars are good but only two big faults which hit their goodwill-- Refinement levels are behind the compition and moreover After Sales experience is very poor.
these talks about aftersales service, try a few maruti dealers in himachal
I am planning to buy a Diesel car and taken the test drive of New Vista Sedan Class. The car is more powerfull and have a great pickup. The interior & features are very good. sitting arrangement is more comfortable. If we compare the price Vista VX is cheaper than Swift VDi and have more feature with ABS & EBD which is most requires in today's traffic. obviously look of Swift is much better than Vista. but the main thing is comfort,features & prices. If we little compromise with the look so this is the better option than others and now the company has much improved the look So there is no doubt about the Vista Sedan class.
Hello, i want to buy this car please email me.
Hello, Am interested in this car.
at last a brilliant car from tata. hope it will perform to take tata to the next level.
HAI I LIKE TEST DRIVE
Very detailed review. Excellent and tempting photos. It is indeed a nice car to drive on. There are small small things left out, but owners can make it up with a value added car for an afforadable price and with least waiting period.
Tata cars are good however their after sales service is an issue in Mumbai. I work in MNC and we have many Tata Indica, Vistas, Sumos, etc for staff use. I was planning to purchase a Hatchback, so checked with the drivers, they gave me this feedback
Instrument Panel should have been behind the steering than in central console.