The Tata Indica is a supermini car that was manufactured by Tata Motors of India from 1998 to 2008. Representing a significant moment for the Indian automotive industry, the Indica was Tata’s first foray into designing and manufacturing a completely indigenous passenger car. While not officially sold in the United States, the Indica played a crucial role in reshaping the Indian car market, offering a domestically produced alternative to established international brands. The 1.4 i variant, powered by a 75 horsepower engine, was a popular choice within the range, balancing affordability with reasonable performance. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the Tata Indica 1.4 i (75 Hp).
Tata Indica 1.4 i (75 Hp): Overview
The Tata Indica was conceived as a high-volume, affordable car aimed at the burgeoning middle class in India. It was designed to compete with established players like the Maruti Suzuki 800 and Hyundai Santro. The Indica’s design prioritized interior space and practicality, offering a relatively spacious cabin for its size. The 1.4 i model, introduced as an upgrade, provided increased power and refinement compared to the earlier 1.2-liter versions. The car’s success lay in its value proposition – a reasonably well-equipped, comfortable, and reliable car at a competitive price point.
Engine & Performance
The Tata Indica 1.4 i is powered by a 1.4-liter (1405 cm3 or 85.74 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power output of 75 horsepower (Hp) at 5500 rpm, and a peak torque of 110 Newton-meters (81.13 lb.-ft.) at 3000 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 9:1. The power-to-weight ratio is 76.5 Hp per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 112.2 Nm per tonne. The engine’s configuration – front, transverse – is typical for front-wheel-drive vehicles of this class. The Indica 1.4 i could achieve a maximum speed of 165 kilometers per hour (102.53 mph). The engine’s specific output is 53.4 horsepower per liter, a respectable figure for an engine of this era and displacement.
Design & Features
The Tata Indica 1.4 i is a five-door hatchback with a seating capacity of five passengers. Its design, while not particularly groundbreaking, was functional and aimed at maximizing interior space. The car’s dimensions – 3660 mm (144.09 in) in length, 1625 mm (63.98 in) in width, and 1485 mm (58.46 in) in height – positioned it squarely within the supermini segment. The wheelbase measures 2400 mm (94.49 in), contributing to a relatively comfortable ride. Key features included a coil spring suspension on both the front and rear axles, disc brakes on the front wheels, and drum brakes on the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available, enhancing safety. The trunk (boot) space offered versatility, ranging from a minimum of 215 liters (7.59 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 610 liters (21.54 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The fuel tank capacity is 37 liters (9.77 US gal | 8.14 UK gal).
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Tata |
| Model | Indica |
| Generation | Indica |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 i (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 53.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 3000 rpm (81.13 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1405 cm3 (85.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 980 kg (2160.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1380 kg (3042.38 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 215 l (7.59 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 610 l (21.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 37 l (9.77 US gal | 8.14 UK gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3660 mm (144.09 in.) |
| Width | 1625 mm (63.98 in.) |
| Height | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm (94.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/70 R13 |
The Tata Indica 1.4 i, while never sold in the US market, represents a pivotal moment in the development of the Indian automotive industry. It provided a domestically produced, affordable, and relatively modern vehicle to a growing consumer base, and laid the foundation for Tata Motors’ future success. Its simple, robust design and practical features made it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
