We all know, Tata Motors’ Indica hatchback is the single largest used taxi across commercial transport in India. Also the taxi market has a strong presence of Tata cars such as Sumo, Indigo, Indigo Marina and Indigo eCS because they are cheap to run and affordable to own. Also they are easy to maintain and highly fuel-efficient, allowing low cost of operations for commercial fleet. The new portfolio in taxi companies comprise only of Toyota Etios and Maruti SX4 sedans.
Notably, Tata Indica has long been tagged as a cabbie and Tata Indigo XL presented immense space for occupants and storage and had almost rules the taxi segment until the Toyota Etios Liva dampened sales of Tata Indica, Toyota Etios that of Indigo, but Tata seems to be aggressive with the taxi segment. Now to maintain its lead in the taxi market, Tata have to bring in some innovation. The major taxi market has cabs for BPOs and IT firms employees or it constitutes of the radio cab.
The taxi markets do not necessarily require a big boot space but a better legroom and seat comfort is necessary. Hence Tata Motors have come up with some creative idea of launching new Tata Indica XL which will have a bonnet and cabin space similar to that of Indigo XL, comprising the tail end as Indica. Thus it can be said that it is a merger of Indigo XL and Indica to make it Indica XL.
Now OnCars.in has caught testing Tata Indica XL in highly camouflaged state. From the spy pics, the upholstery of plastic in grey color is visible, but we won’t be surprised if these are replaced with beige ones after it is launched in the market. It has a large cabin with an ample space for legroom and a boot space enough for the backpacks and similar stuffs. The vehicle has rear A/C vents for enhanced cooling in the cabin.
Under the hood, The Indica XL will be powered by the 1.4 L CR4 engine that has become the most popular and most performing engine by the car maker. Where it is high on performance front, it is fuel efficient as well. It is expected that the Indica XL will have a mileage score of 25 kmpl just like the Indica eV2.
The name of the car can be something more exciting, when the car comes at launch and the Indica XL could be a codename for the time being. Though the launch still remains a mystery for now, we expect the Indica XL to see the light of the day by this FY 2012-13. Industry experts believe that introduction of the 90 PS, Indica XL that offers more space even in hatchback body styling will help return Tata Indica the lost title of being the best selling taxi car in India.
Also see – Spied – New Tata Indica facelift with mysterious 90 badging!
See more spied pictures of Tata Indica XL –
Source – OnCars.in
