Many moons ago in January Ratan Tata unveiled the car that was described as the Esteem kilter. Now the car was supposed to have been launched first in September then in October, well actually they just plan to launch it now! Today, the car will be launched in Delhi. Telco took a bunch of us to Pune to let us play around a bit with this car and gave us full use of their test track. Are there any major flaws in this car? Well other than the fact that it still wears the stupid grinning grille of the Indica, nothing and that is a subjective compliant.

You will have a choice of two engines - a 85 horsepower petrol and a 62 horsepower diesel and five trim levels in total, three petrol and two diesel. Plus, there are six colour options and not much more! Now, comes the crucial question, how is it to drive? Down the 4 km length of the Indigo felt very sure-footed, the tyres do scream and the engine does not exactly send the blood rushing to your head.

However, the handling is pretty good, and the slightly heavier diesel felt easier around the turns. The car did have a bit of body roll when pounded into a corner and as far as speed goes, the petrol Indigo easily touched 140kmph before I ran out of road, the diesel managed 130 after a lot of trying. Fair enough, neither engine is as refined as some of the competition, they are not free-revving beauties, but the car is big Inside and quality issues have been dealt with.

It does not feel like an Indica and if Telco gets their pricing right, and personally there is doubt they will not. this car could not just kill the Esteem, the Accent and Ikon should be scared. Look for a more comprehensive test drive in a couple of weeks, and we'll see how the car does.