The next generation Tata Manza could take design cues from Manza diesel hybrid concept!

At the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, Tata Motors showcased a diesel hybrid concept of the Manza sedan. So striking were the concept sedan’s looks that a few of our readers even remarked that Tata should begin putting the design team behind Tata’s concept cars to work for existing and future Tata production cars. That said, our sources working closely with Tata Motors new car development plans tell us that the next generation Manza could indeed borrow styling cues from the Manza diesel hybrid concept sedan showcased at the exposition.

Tata Manza Diesel Hybrid Concept - Front Look

The biggest and most prominent change on the Tata Manza Hybrid Concept was the front end. The rest of the car though retains the body shell of the Manza with the overall profile being very similar to the current production versions. The Manza Hybrid’s front end, a place where most of the action is, exhibits a sharp snout. The grille gets a sporty honeycomb effect while the headlamps are sharply raked units unlike the curved headlamps on the production model. Also, the traditional Tata smiling face is retained on the concept, making it look unmistakably Tata from the front.

Tata Manza Diesel Hybrid Concept at the 2012 Auto Expo

The style job continues to the rear as well where the Manza Hybrid concept gets smoked out tail lamps which feature a band new design along with new bumper styling. Viewed from the sides though, the Manza still retains some heavy and bulbous lines creeping in, as is the case with the existing version of the Manza. Despite this, if Tata Motors actually incorporate these styling elements in the next generation version of the Manza, the car could become one heck of a looker. All in the all, the Manza Hybrid concept looked quite ravishing with most show goers appreciating the design language that the car exhibited.

Source: ICB

Tata Manza Diesel Electric Hybrid concept showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo!

Tata Manza Diesel Electric Hybrid Concept

Tata Motors showcased what was India’s first diesel hybrid concept in the form of the Tata Manza Diesel Electric Hybrid concept, at the Auto Expo 2012. Currently, the only diesel plug-in hybrid in production is the Volvo V70 while the other production diesel hybrid, albeit a non plug-in version is the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 Crossover. Therefore, the Tata Manza Diesel Hybrid Concept is a special car for it is the first Indian diesel hybrid concept, a tribe of cars that will only grow in the coming times.

The Tata Manza Diesel Hybrid uses a 1.05 Liter common rail turbo diesel engine that produces about 60 Bhp. This engine is mated to an automatic CVT transmission that also receives power from a 45 KW electric motor giving the car its hybrid credentials. The Manza Hybrid features a 44 liter diesel tank, which means that it will be good for a range of close to a whopping 1,000 kilometers when combined with electric power.

Tata Manza Diesel Electric Hybrid Concept

The Manza Diesel Hybrid is designed to operate as both a series as well as a parallel hybrid. In parallel hybrid mode where the diesel engine basically acts as a generator to juice up the lithium ion battery, this car will have a really huge range per tankful and will really frugal if it ever goes into production. The Manza Hybrid also has solar panels lining the roof, regenerative braking and a stop-start system to maximize mileage and tail pipe reduce emissions to a bare minimum.

In concept guise, the Manza Diesel Hybrid has the following additional features,

• Proximity touch operated door locks
• Bi Xenon and LED projector headlamps
• LED tail lamp cluster
• Hydrophobic nano coating on the windshield
• Touch screen infotainment console with haptic feedback
• ABS and airbags

Source: ICB

Tata Manza Electric Hybrid concept to be showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo!

Tata Manza Sedan

It seems like Indian car makers are jumping on to the electric car bandwagon in a big way. The latest buzz in Motown is about Tata Motors being all set to pull the wraps off an electric hybrid version of the Tata Manza sedan. Joining the likes of the Mahindra Verito Electric will be the Manza Hybrid, which seeks to wow showgoers at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo. Tata Motors has been bullish about electric cars for some time now.

We had the Indica Electric Concept and the Vista Electric Concept being displayed at various auto shows across the globe, both cars running on lithium ion batteries. The Manza Electric too could follow in these cars’ footsteps to be another offering from Tata Motors which might have an electric future. Other details about this car remain unknown at the moment and we’ll have to wait for the Expo to find out more about this exciting new concept from Tata.

Also, the Manza might see a styling makeover to go with its latest avatar as a hybrid car. Expect this styling makeover to filter down to the next generation Manza sedan as and when it sees a facelift. So, in essence, the Manza Hybrid could be a glimpse of things to come from Tata Motors. All in all, it is quite heartening to see Indian car makers making progress on the electric car front and we hope that these concepts will actually see mass production in the years to come.



In 2012, the Tata Manza will see a compact sedan variant as the latest edition to its line up. The Tata Manza Compact Sedan will be positioned between the Vista Hatchback and the full size Manza Sedan. This car will take on the likes of the Maruti Dzire Compact Sedan and the Mahindra Verito Compact Sedan, two other cars which are set to see a 2012 debut.

Source: ICB

Tata Manza November offer: base petrol variant for Rs 4.99 lakh!

Tata Manza Front angle

It is that time of the year when car makers come out with attractive offers on their products. This week we’ve already seen India’s premier auto maker- Maruti Suzuki announce discounts on multiple models. Ford too is offering huge discounts on the slow moving stocks of the new Fiesta. Auto makers have had a terrible time in the past couple of months. Most have failed to attain their expected sales target during the festive season and with just two months remaining this will be their final pitch to improve their overall sales numbers of the year 2011. Tata Motors has now launched a discount offer on the Tata Manza sedan which is only valid till November 30th.

The base petrol Manza Aqua is now available at Rs. 4, 99,053/- which Rs. 32,000 lower than the original ex-showroom price. The basic diesel variant which was priced at Rs. 6,07,130/- will now cost Rs. 5,73,130 which amounts to Rs. 34,000 savings on the ex-showroom price. Car makers had predicted a slow down in the second half of this year but even the festive rush was not enough to boost sales. Rising fuel prices and the hike in interest rates have been the main drivers of this slow down. In a last ditch attempt to revive sales, Tata Motors is now offering Rs. 32,000 off on petrol versions of the Manza and Rs. 34,000 discount on the diesel version of the sedan.

Tata Manza Side View

The Tata Manza Aura Diesel with ABS which cost Rs. 6,91,505/- is now offered at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 6,57,505/- The top-of-the-line Elan vriant of the Manza diesel now costs Rs. 7,19,191/- compared to Rs. 7,53,191/- which was the ex-showroom price of the car before the offer. The year 2011 has been a topsy-turvy one for a few manufacturers. Maruti Suzuki has had its fair share of misfortunes and so have the Japanese car makers- Toyota and Honda. Nissan too is now offering free insurance and accessories worth Rs. 25,000 on the Sunny sedan.

(All prices are ex-showroom Pune) 

Source: ICB

The Tata Manza Diesel Celebration Edition launched at INR 7.94 Lakhs ex-Delhi!

Launched bang in the middle of the festive season, the Celebration Edition of the Manza basically loads more goodies into an already feature packed car. The Tata Manza has one of the resounding successes for Tata Motors with the car’s fit and finish levels being a notch above the rest of the Tata hatchbacks and sedans.

The Celebration Edition of the Manza, in line with our earlier report, brings three new features on board.

• Reverse Sensors

• Leather “feel” seats

• Rich ebony black interior color scheme

These new features apart, the car is essentially a top end Manza Elan variant ion terms of the trim level it has been offered at. The Tata Manza Diesel Celebration Edition comes at a price bump of INR 27,000 over the top end Manza Elan variant while the petrol variant is dearer by INR 17,000 over the equivalent Manza Elan petrol variant. Engine options remain the same with the 1.4 Liter-90 Bhp FIRE petrol and the 1.3 Liter-90 Bhp Fiat Multijet diesel engine continuing to do duty on the Manza.

The big selling point of the Manza is the spaciousness of its interiors and this facet gets bettered with a dash of luxury thrown in for good measure through the Celebration Edition’s leather feel seats. Tata Motors has also come out with a festive discount offer on select variants of  the Manza, which is valid until the end of October. Through this offer, one can get discounts of up to INR 45,000 on the Tata Manza although the “Celebration Edition” isn’t a part of this offer.

 Meanwhile, here is the brochure listing all the variants of the Tata Manza on sale including the Celebration Edition. Click on the brochure to enlarge.

Source: Indian Cars Bikes

Tata Motors partners with ace fashion designer, Rajesh Pratap Singh for Tata Manza

Tata Motors has associated with the world-renowned fashion designer, Rajesh Pratap for Tata Manza. Rajesh Pratap will partner with Tata Motors' styling team which operates from its state-of-the-art styling studio, at the Pune facility. He will be helping the team to further enhance the design and stylise the interiors and exteriors of the Tata Manza.



Rajesh Pratap's attempt in the Tata Manza design project is to achieve an equilibrium between handmade and high-tech, where one enhances the other, providing real solutions, a pure aesthetic. Tata Motors will be developing 1,000 Tata Manzas (a limited edition range), incorporating design inputs from Rajesh.

According to Mr. Rajesh Pratap Singh, "It has been a pleasure and an honour for me to be associated with the Tata Group, a proud Indian brand with values that inspire everyone in the industry. Tata Motors have an exceptional and dynamic young team that is going to change the way India drives. I am truly excited to be involved with this project."

In February 2011, Tata Motors introduced the newly refined Tata Manza series. The Tata Manza has been given a fresh new look with refined premium dual tone interiors & fabric seats and exterior make over, delivering class apart driving experience in the sedan market. At Tata Motors, product development and upgradation is a constant endeavour. Rajesh Pratap's rich experience in the fashion industry and thorough knowledge about design aesthetics, will further help Tata Motors in enhancing the Tata Manza's design.

Tata Motors has associated with the Wills India Fashion Week and Rajesh Pratap Singh has designed an exclusive theme-based collection which will be showcased at the Wills India Fashion Week. The collection theme is inspired by a road trip which Rajesh undertook in the villages of Orissa. Focussing on Ikat and handloom textile weaves, some of the experiments are part of this collection. The show attempts to initiate a dialogue and thought process on what is the relevance of handloom in the country.

The theme of Rajesh's collection will also be integrated on two specially accessorized Tata Manzas, which will be the show-stopper, on October 8, 2011 at the Wills India Fashion Week.



About Mr. Rajesh Pratap Singh: 

Currently based in New Delhi, Rajesh Pratap Singh belongs to Rajasthan in India. Subsequent to his graduation from NIFT Delhi he worked in the Fashion Industry for two years in India and Italy before introducing his own line of men's and women's clothing in 1997.

Rajesh has over the years created his unique signature style that subtly draws from his Indian roots to craft artisinal garments that stand apart due to their faultlessly clean lines, careful detailing and international silhouettes. His work epitomizes simplicity, yet on closer look reveals his obsessive attention to detail. Rajesh's reserve reflects in his styling which combines the modern with the traditional in an understated design aesthetic, with a global appeal. He is also closely associated with Indian fabric mills and has had developmental and research based collaborations with several of them.

Source: Tata Motors

Tata Motors Launches the Tata Manza and the Tata Prima in South Africa

Also displays at the Johannesburg International Motor Show:

• Tata Vista
• Tata Venture, a Multi Purpose Van
• Tata Super ACE, the latest 1 tonne mini-truck
• Tata Xenon CNG
• Tata Xenon 2.2 L Cargo Box
• Tata Xenon 2.2 L Double Cab 4x4
• Tata LPO 1823, 65 seater commuter bus
• Tata LPO 1623 CNG bus
• Tata Starbus 34 Ultra
• Tata LPTA 1623, a special application 4X4 truck
• V3TXF, 480 hp 6X4 tractor from the Tata Novus range

Tata Motors, India's largest automobile company, today launched the luxurious Tata Manza sedan and the international Tata Prima range of premium commercial vehicles at the Johannesburg International Motor Show 2011.

It has also displayed, for the first time, a wide range of other vehicles, laden with latest technologies delivering better comfort, convenience, performance and environment protection. In passenger vehicles, on display is the Tata Vista. Among commercial vehicles, the debutants include the Tata Venture, a multi-purpose vehicle, Tata Super ACE, the latest 1 tonne mini-truck, the Tata Xenon CNG, Tata Xenon 2.2 L Cargo Box, Tata Xenon 2.2 L Double Cab 4x4, Tata LPO 1623 CNG bus, the 65-seater, Tata LPO 1823 commuter bus, Tata Starbus Ultra range (also known as the Y1 Bus), V3TXF, 6X4 tractor from the Tata Novus range and the Tata LPTA 1623 4x4 truck.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. P.M. Telang, Tata Motors' Managing Director - India Operations, said, "The new Tata vehicles being introduced in South Africa will bolster our already significant portfolio in the country. These introductions benefit from our innovations and learnings from South Africa's customers. We look forward to a deeper presence in South Africa, which is already a focus market for us."

According to Mr. Noel Tata, Managing Director, Tata International Limited, "We see Africa as a region of tremendous potential for the group and our participation in the Motor Show with the introduction of the latest products will serve to further strengthen the Tata brand in these markets. In South Africa, the auto industry is making giant strides and we are happy to contribute to this growth."

Mr. Raman Dhawan, Managing Director, Tata Africa Holdings, said, "Tata Africa has for over more than two decades, increased its footprint throughout Africa to be present in 11 countries. Our various Tata vehicles on the roads throughout this continent bear witness to the enthusiastic uptake and relevance of the product and the brand. We are fully committed to the long term growth and improvement of our reach in this sector throughout Africa."

Mr. Manny De Canha, CEO, Associated Motor Holdings, said, "Tata Motors has established a strong footprint in the South African market. We aim to continuously scale up on this foundation. Tata Motors has developed a new and impressive portfolio of vehicles. Accordian Investments is proud to be associated with a brand that is gaining international recognition. Tata vehicles are known to offer high value propositions to the South African customer. We will continue to support these products by offering high quality after sales service."

The Tata Manza, with a feline aggressive appearance, is a new car sporting a new body on a new platform and new interiors. The spacious right inclination rear seats with a centre armrest allow one to sit back and relax, in a living room like comfort and ambience. The tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat allows comfortable driving posture. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature, while the sporty instrument cluster shrouded in the swoop of the soft-feel dashboard completes the styling statement. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5. The safety features include a collapsible steering column, ABS and Dual Frontal Airbags amongst others. The drive refinement of the Tata Manza stems from the internationally-acclaimed Fiat 66 kw Quadrajet Diesel and Safire Petrol engines. Tata Manza has one of the most voluminous boot space in its class with a capacity of 460 litres.

The Tata Manza will be available across dealerships in South Africa next year.



The international Tata Prima range of premium trucks has been designed to offer several applications to meet varied end-user requirements in South Africa. The introductions benefit from multiple customer engagements and testing cycles in the country.

The Tata Prima's increased power as compared to the existing range ensures faster trips and higher profitability. Equipped with strong aggregates, such as a robust chassis frame and suspension, it can overcome any terrain. A data logger helps measure vehicle performance and driving practices along several parameters on a daily basis. The air-conditioned cabin, suspended driver seat and an ergonomically designed instrument cluster improve driver efficiency, resulting in increased productivity and faster returns on investment. The new range is Euro III, Euro IV compliant, and Euro V ready. Tata Motors will begin distribution of the Prima 4938S 6X4 tractor, Prima 4038S 4X2 tractor, Prima 4028S 4X2 tractor, Prima 2528K 6X4 10cum box-tipper, Prima 2538K 6X4 14cum box-tipper, Prima 3138K 8X4 19cum scoop-tipper, in South Africa by early 2012.

With the large segment of 6x4 tractors poised to grow further in South Africa, the Tata Novus V3TXF, a 480 hp 6x4 tractor, is the latest addition to the Tata stable from Tata Daewoo in Korea. Equipped with the immensely popular IsX 15 480 hp Cummins engine which commands over 20% of the South African market and an Eaton AMT gearbox, this vehicle is tailor-made for the South African market.

In South Africa, Tata Motors passenger vehicles & Light Commercial Vehicles distributor is Accordian Investments (Pty) Ltd. (www.tatasa.co.za), a joint venture company between Tata Africa and Associated Motor Holdings. The commercial vehicles distributor is Tata Automobile Corporation South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (www.tata.co.za), a subsidiary of the holding company, Tata Africa.

Tata Motors started exports to South Africa in 1998, with commercial vehicles. Exports of passenger vehicles began in 2004. The models currently being sold in South Africa are the Tata Indica and Tata Indica Vista Hatch Back, Tata Indigo Sedan, Tata Indigo Station Wagon and Tata Safari in the passenger vehicles segment, the Tata Xenon range of 2.2L and 3L pick ups, more than 20 truck & bus models ranging from 2T to 56T Gross Combination Mass prime mover trucks and 28-38 seater buses. So far, Tata Motors has sold over 32,000 passenger vehicles and over 35,000 commercial vehicles in South Africa.

Source: Tata Motors

Tata Manza available for Cash Discount of upto INR 45,000

Tata Manza is available for a festive cash discount of INR 45,000 with low down payment of INR 50,000. All car makers in India are doing their best to cash in on the festive season’s sales as typically, the month of October brings in 20% more sales as it coincides with the Indian festive season of Dusshera and Diwali.

The latest festive discount on the Manza means that the car’s entry level petrol variant is available for as little as INR 4.99 Lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. For all the space and comfort that the Manza offers, this price make an already value-for-money car an even better value buy. The Tata Manza Sedan is one of the better built vehicles from Tata Motors as this car features a higher level of fit and finish levels compared to Tata’s hatchbacks and other sedans like the Indigo CS.

The interior space that the Manza offers are best in class and for that matter even beat many D-segment sedans. The Tata Manza is also loaded with plenty of gadgetry ranging from bluetooth calling functions to follow-me-home headlamps, features that are available only in sedans that sit a segment higher. The discounted Tata Manza comes in four trim levels, one in petrol and three in diesel. The petrol engine is a 1.4 Liter unit that Tata has sourced from Fiat.

The petrol engine produces a peak power of 90 Bhp and a peak torque of 116 Nm of peak torque. The real seller however is the diesel engined version which features the critically acclaimed 1.3 Liter Fiat multijet diesel engine producing 90 Bhp of peak power and 200 Nm of peak torque. The festive discounts are available on all variants of the Manza which is available for a low downpayment of INR 50,000. Here is the list of the variant specific discounts on the Tata Manza Sedan.

Source: Indian Cars Bikes

Tata Manza’s special edition, “Celebration Edition” coming up!

Tata Manza

The Manza Sedan has been one Tata car that has been a resounding success for the Pimpri based Indian automaker in recent times and Tata has been celebrating the Manza’s success like it always does, with a special edition model. After the Elan became the new top end version of the Tata Manza Sedan earlier this year, prospective Tata Manza buyers will have some more choice in the form of the Tata Manza Celebration Edition, whose launch is just around the corner.

Like Volkswagen India trying to keep buyer interest alive in a sagging car market with the Vento Breeze and Polo Breeze special editions, Tata Motors Limited ostensibly seems to have targeted the Indian festive season with the Manza Celebration Edition. Three new features make it to the top of the line Manza Celebration Edition, which will sit above the Manza Elan. They are, the reverse sensor, leather “feel” seats and a new rich ebony black interior color scheme.

Click image to see larger

The rest of the features of the Manza Celebration Edition remain bog similar to the previous top of the line, Manza Elan variant. The Tata Manza is available with a choice of both petrol and diesel  engines that Tata Motors has sourced from FIAT. The petrol engine is a 1.4 Liter 16 valve DOHC unit producing 90 Bhp of peak power and 116 Nm of peak torque while the diesel engine is the highly acclaimed 1.3 liter 16 valve, DOHC unit producing 90 Bhp of peak power and 220 Nm of peak torque.

While other details like the exact price of the Manza Celebration Edition and the availability remain unknown at the moment, we’re hinging on Tata to hold prices at current levels in order to sustain buyer interest, just like Volkswagen India has done with the Vento Breeze and Polo Breeze Special Edition models. Also, this latest move by Tata Motors represents the growing trend amongst automakers to actually offer more features for the same price than mere cash discounts or freebies to car buyers.

Source: www.indiancarsbikes.in

Tata Manza Compact Sedan (CS) caught on camera!

With Maruti all set to unveil the Swift Dzire Compact Sedan later this year or early next year and Mahindra also set to join the fray with the Verito Compact Sedan, the car maker who started it all, Tata Motors Limited is set to come up with its own compact sedan challenger in the form of the Tata Manza Compact Sedan. Incidentally, Tata Motors was the first car maker in India to have spawned an all new segment when it launched the Tata Indigo Compact Sedan. 

Now, what is the big deal about a Compact Sedan?

A compact sedan is a sedan whose boot is usually chopped off suitably, for it to measure under 4 meters in length. All cars which are under 4 meters in length, with petrol engine capacity under 1.2 Liters and diesel engine capacity under 1.5 Liters qualify for a excise duty exemption. Car makers pass on the excise duty benefit to customers who benefit from a lower price tag of around 30 to 40,000 Rupees.

What are the compromises that a Compact Sedan buyer has to make?

While the wheelbase remains unaltered, the compact sedan usually does not lose out on space on the insides. The big compromise though is on boot space by Tata has demonstrated with the Tata Indigo CS that a good amount of boot space too can be achieved with a compact sedan design by so9me clever packaging. So, in essence, boot space and a slightly awkward looking rear is what is usually the result of a compact sedan.

However, some cars actually look better in compact sedan guise than in their regular sedan avatar. The Tata Manza having a bulbous rear will actually be transformed into a very appealing car when Tata chops off the boot. Also, with the superbly spacious interiors, the Manza Compact Sedan will become a terrific buy if it manages to shave off about 30-40,000 Rupees from its price tag.

Also, parking will become relatively easier as the car is almost the size of a hatchback now. While Tata will most probably shoehorn the 1.3 liter Multijet diesel engine in the Tata Manza Compact Sedan’s engine bay, it would be interesting to see what engine they will use for the petrol variant as the 1.2 Liter Xeta petrol on the Manza Compact Sedan would make it quite an under powered car.

If Tata goes ahead and uses the 1.4 Liter FIAT derived FIRE petrol engine for the petrol model of the Tata Manza Compact Sedan, the car will not qualify for excise duty benefits. Therefore, it will have to be a stripped out version to pare down costs to be priced below the diesel model or will have to be priced similar to the diesel model or perhaps, be sold with the 1.2 Liter, 65 Bhp petrol engine.

With the Indica Vista facelift now adopting the Manza’s styling, there is a very good chance of the Tata Manza Compact Sedan also getting the same styling treatment along with the plush interiors of the Manza. So, the Manza Compact Sedan looks like a terrific bet, on paper at least and Tata seems to have all the ingredients right for a great selling car.

Also read Scoop: Tata Manza CS for already reports provided on this site about Tata Manza CS.

Scoop: Tata Manza CS

Tata Motors has been expanding its range by adding more variants to its current portfolio. The Pimpri-based automaker launched the Aria 4x2 this month to fill in the price gap between the already existing Safari and the 4x4 version of the Aria. The Vista will soon get a facelift (as we had mentioned in our older story) where the car will get some features from its elder sibling the Manza.

Now, Tata plans to introduce the compact version of its Manza. Being built on the same platform as the Manza, it can tempt buyers of top-end Vista to opt for more rear seat leg-room and a larger boot, since the sedan has a longer wheelbase than the Vista by 50mm. It will even attract Manza customers who want can afford a lower variant of the Manza to shift to higher version of the Manza CS, since the Manza CS will avail the duty cut for being less than 4 metres. The Manza CS is likely to be powered by the same 1.4-litre SAFIRE and 1.3-litre Quadrajet engines and expected to come in by the end of 2011 or probably early 2012.