Tata Indica Vista Quadrajet Aura

Sitting on its wide track and long wheelbase, with 65 profile tyres, tall springs and gas shocks all round, ride quality on the Vista is terrific. The suspension works really well compared to the earlier Indica, the Vista having a composure and cohesiveness about it the Indi lacks and this raises comfort on roads considerably. There is less movement of the cabin when you hit a bump, absorption of hits taken in potholes is impressive and, though some shock is transmitted, it’s only the really sharp or steep-edged bumps that catch it out.

It wouldn’t be incorrect to state the Vista rides nearly as well as the Fabia. And the Vista also pitches only in extreme circumstances. Overall, it feels far more composed than a Swift on bad roads and doesn’t fidget about. Where a Swift feels choppy and unsettled, the Vista is completely unruffled. Still, despite the good straightline stability and feeling of surefootedness, this is not a car that enjoys being hustled around. The high suspension means the car rolls a lot, grip from the narrow rubber is not sufficient and the Vista is nowhere near as happy to get into a corner as say a Swift or even the Palio.

Though the light steering is a boon in city traffic and takes the muscle out of driving this car, it’s numb on centre feel at high speeds and a general feeling of vagueness does not encourage spirited driving.  The brakes however help build confidence but there is no ABS and on the narrow tyres absolute stopping distances are not that impressive. Nevertheless, for the most part they have plenty of bite and the pedal is nicely tuned as well.