Tata Motors is known for its creativity in Indian Car Market. Back in 2003, the company launched a sedan version of its hatch Indica, the Indigo, since then the trend started following by other car manufacturer and today almost all car manufacturers have both the sedan and hatch version of its similar models.
Later in 2007, the company launched the Long Wheel Base (LWB) version of the Indigo sedan called the Tata Indigo XL. Due to less demand for this LWB version of Indigo, no other manufacturer followed this strategy. And in 2008, the Indigo CS (Compact Sedan) was launched, it was termed as a ‘world’s shortest sedan car’ with a size of a hatchback and spaciousness of a sedan car.
This strategy implemented by Tata Motors became an instant hit, as the car buyer benefited relatively lower excise duty. Thus, other manufacturer too started adopting this strategy Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra have launched the sub-4-metre models of Dzire and Quanto respectively. Other upcoming cars under 4-metre category are Honda Brio Amaze, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra Verito, Tata Manza CS, Tara Aria, Tata Sumo and Hyundai i10 CS.
Now the speculation around web is that Tata Motors is in the mood of experiment yet again! Folks at Overdrive has spotted an uncamouflaged test-mule of the Indica XL and uploaded on their Twitter account. This is the first ever pic which reveals the car’s body proportions and it clears there are no changes at the rear. It’s just an extended wheelbase version of the current Indica.
But there are rumors that the Indica XL features a third-row seating (7-seater), as seen in the Mercedes R-Class. Now, whether this arrangement would be with passengers facing each other in the second and third rows, or one row behind other is still unknown at the moment. And also this low-resolution pic doesn’t reveal much about the car seating despite the rolled-down rear glass.
One thing we’re sure, Tata Motors plans to create a new segment in hatchbacks with the Indica XL, with an innovative seating layout.
Also see – Spied – Tata Indica XL caught testing, yet again!
Very bad trend catching-up in Indian car market
Image Credit – Overdrive (via Twitter)
