Tata Motors launched the Manza sedan, priced at Rs 4.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The bookings commence tomorrow. This will replace the Indigo as the company's new entry-level sedan.

The Indigo has been in production since 2002-03 and presently sells around 3,000 units a month. Its sedan version will now be phased out.

However, the Compact Sedan (CS) version, as well as the elongated (XL) and station wagon (Marina) versions will continue to be produced.

Rajiv Dube, president (passenger car business unit), Tata Motors, said, "The entry mid-sized segment has seen the least amount of action since Maruti launched the Swift DZire. This segment is growing at 3 per cent annually, with the size of 12,000 units per month".

The Manza will be available with two fuel options, seven colours and four versions - Aqua, Aura, Aura (ABS) and Aura+. The car will be powered by a 1.4 litre Saffire petrol engine and a 1.3 litre Quadrajet diesel engine sourced from Fiat, both producing identical power.

The company has tried to position the car as a value for money product with an aim to displace the market leader, Swift Dzire of Maruti Suzuki. Other models competing in the same price band include Mahindra Renault's Logan, Ford's Ikon and Hyundai's Accent.

Some of the features the car offers are a first in the segment. These include Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue, a technology which allows the occupant to make or receive calls, listen and dictate text messages.

Image: Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata, launches the Indigo Manza, a new generation sedan in Mumbai

Text: Business Standard

Image courtesy: AP

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