Review By: vk Review Date: 19 Sep 2010
Iris refers to both the showy flower and the part of the eye which controls the pupils. Well, looking at the latest launch from the TATA automobile factory, the TATA Magic Iris, one's first reaction is that it is not showy at all and it definitely enlarges one's pupils! You see, its colour is weird (unlike the iris flower which has a wide variety of pretty hues), and its shape is even more weird. It looks like squashed vehicle, the front resembling a three-wheeler and the passenger section shaped like a van. Actually, the aim of TATA Motors is to replace existing three-wheelers which are a common mode of people-transport in many cities in India.
This aim therefore does not focus on looks at all, but on functionality, namely to convey people from one place to another. I think it is surely a great idea and should not, in fact, be limited for transporting people alone. The TATA Magic Iris could be a great mode of transport to carry light goods, such as for conveying cartons of flowers to a florist (the name is Iris remember!), or stacks of newspapers & magazines to a vendor. What about using it as a place to hole up when going camping? There would be no need to set up a tent since it is quite spacious. Speaking of space, the TATA Magic Iris has got room enough for 5 people and plenty of luggage space at the back.
Even better is the fact that once you are seated inside the TATA Magic Iris, you feel definitely more safe than sitting precariously inside a three-wheeled autorickshaw – in the case of the latter, you have to cling on for dear life and pray the unstable vehicle won't topple over sideways while it careens its way through and around other vehicles! Also, an autorickshaw ride makes for an awfully bumpy ride, not to mention a noisy one due to the sounds emitting from the engine. Not so with the Magic Iris. The seats are comfortably cushioned and the 611cc direct injection diesel motor does not give out ghastly vibrations. Adding to the stability factor is the 145 R12 radials – simply great!
Coming back to the looks, the front part of the TATA Magic Iris does at second glance look a bit cute and it seems as though the large front headlamps are any minute going to wink at you, much like the ones of the Volkswagen Beetle.
It is hoped that the TATA Magic Iris provides better colour options.
As mentioned earlier though, the TATA Magic Iris is not about looks but functionality – and in that department it is an ace, definitely making the iris in your eyes widen the pupils in delight, not disgust!
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| Space inside: | | | Fuel Consumption: | | | Comfort: | | | Reliability: | | | Look: | | | Value for price: | |
Good: Functionality as passenger & cargo vehicle
Bad: Colour and general looks
Recommend: Yes
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