Braking, Tyres, Safety - Tata Indica Vista QuadraJet road test

With ABS and Airbags on offer in a few months time, the Vista will be safer than any previous Indica.

Braking

The Indica’s brakes are more than adequate for the job at hand. The brakes bite well, and pedal feel is progressive. Emergency stops will have you locking the wheels and smoking the tyres. Tata has said that ABS will be made available in about six months’ time, when the Vista begins exports. This should help the car to stop much faster.

Tyres

A switch to tubeless 175/65 R14 Goodyear GT3s (175/70 R13 on the lower variants) has improved the Indica’s driving manners in many respects. They’re fairly quiet at cruising speeds and have more than enough grip for high-speed antics. They also work well with the suspension to provide good ride quality.

Safety

All five occupants get a seatbelt, but the middle rear passenger gets a lap belt. Central locking, a warning buzzer for the seatbelt (that turns itself off in a while, seatbelt worn or not) and child safety locks for the rear locks are also present on the Aura. ABS and airbags are expected when exports begin in six months’ time, according to Tata.