Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive manufacturer today showcased the Tata Indigo Marina, at a press-preview at its manufacturing facility in Pune. The Tata Indigo Marina, slated for launch tomorrow, is the fifth model from the Company and comes on the heels of a successful launch of the Tata Indigo sedan in December 2002. The Tata Indigo has remained the best selling sedan in the country since its launch, clocking a sale of 50,000 units within 20 months – the fastest for any sedan.

The Indigo Marina will be positioned as a premium, aspirational car in the midsize (C ) segment. It combines the luxury of a sedan and the convenience of an MPV. It is being launched in three models of petrol and two models of diesel in five attractive colours. 

Exterior styling with roof rails, integrated glass house and roof high sparkling tail lights, gives it a trendy look and provides the car with a distinct street presence. The Indigo Marina is powered by the tried and proven 1.4 litre high performance 85 PS petrol engine and the highly fuel efficient 62 PS turbo charged diesel engine. 

Its innovative design ensures the maximum utilisation of interior space. 670 litres of trunk space can be converted into a cavernous 1370 litres of storage space with the rear seats flipped forward. A retractable and removable, hard parcel shelf, covers the trunk and at the same time allows access to the trunk from within. A low sill height ensures that baggage can be loaded and removed without much strain to the back. There are enough utility pockets and compartments for small store-aways. 

A 12V DC power socket at the rear, besides one for the front passengers is an added convenience. Despite its large interior space, the Indigo Marina’s overall length is quite compact at 4,130 mm. The turning circle radius is just five metres. 

The car has 14 inch wheels and its three-link independent rear suspension, with gas filled shock absorbers is unique to this class and help isolate road imperfections to provide a highly comfortable ride. Rear seat comfort is the best in the class, with independent waterfall type headrests for all three passengers. The doors open near 90 degrees allowing easy entry and exit, with well contoured seats at a comfortable height. The all new interiors have a colour coordinated approach, and are topped off by a tacho and trip metre standard, dual dialed electronic instrument panel. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr V Sumantran, executive director, Engineering Research Centre and Passenger Car Business Unit, Tata Motors said, “We believe that the Indigo Marina will create a new segment in the market. Tata Motors has always endeavoured to grow the market by prying open new segments and it will be our effort to have the Indigo Marina emulate the success of its predecessors in our product portfolio.”