ZigWheels Exclusive: Tata Manza CS caught

Tata Motors has been working on a compact version of the Manza sedan for a while now. And for good reason. The compact sedan class (read sedans under 4-metres) has been one of the few segments that has actually been registering handsome growth. Cars like the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and the Honda Amaze are in great demand, so much so, that these cars have actually begin hurting small car sales. 

Tata Motors which was one of the first manufacturer to realise the potential of a sub 4-metre sedan after the government reduced excise duties on cars measuring less than 4-metre with engines displacing less than 1.2-litre for petrol and 1.5-litre for diesel had introduced the Indigo CS quite successfully. But, since others entered the fray, the Indigo CS had been losing steam - facelifts, added features and a new prefix - e - notwithstanding. Clearly, given the competition, Tata needed a new generation product that could take over from the age-old Indigo CS.

Say hello to the Manza CS. It is based on the same platform as the Vista hatchback and the Manza sedan. But, it will share the wheelbase and track lengths, and its exterior and interior styling with the full length sedan. The most significant change to the design is, of course, at the rear. The Manza CS gets a new boot lid design and fresh tail lamps that are of the wrap around variety. The bumpers - both front and back, as well as the front grille design is new and it gets new ORVMs as well.

Given the rules that define the excise benefit, the Manza CS will sport a smaller petrol engine. The engine will be a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and will make close to 90PS of max output. Now, we have seen naturally aspirated engines with similar engine capacity make similar power, so the focus for Tata Motors with this engine clearly is better fuel economy. 

The Manza CS will come with a 5-speed manual and will run on 15 inch wheels for the top trims. It  will comfortably be one of the most spacious in its class as well. It will be available in a number of trim options for both petrol and diesel versions and expect the top of the line variant to sport best in class kit like Bluetooth telephony, digital climate control and possibly an in-built Satnav as well.

The prices for the Manza CS should undercut the Swift Dzire's given the latter's success and reach. Will the new Manza CS be a better buying proposition than the likes of the Dzire and the Amaze, well, we will have the answer post it's reveal at the Expo.

Read more on Tata Motors Expo plans here.