Tata Motors, represented in the Philippines by Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, has launched the Manza sedan there.

Pilipinas Taj said the Manza has high-performance, convenient and cost-effective features that allow it to serve as a car for business use or as one that best suits any lifestyle. With plush interiors, advanced technology features and good looks, the Manza fuses form and function, according to the company.

The Manza runs on Tata's Safire four-cylinder, 1.4-litre petrol engine that makes 89hp at 6,000rpm and 116Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm. The car has 15-inch wheels and its smooth ride, Pilipinas Taj said, is a result of a front suspension composed of wishbones, MacPherson struts, coil springs and an antiroll bar, and a twist beam with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers in the rear.

Paint color choices are Cavern Grey, Porcelain White, Jet Silver, Spice Red and Infinity Black. In the cabin, the seats are covered in black and plum upholstery, and have adjustable lumbar support. Other interior features include an audio unit with a USB port and an auxiliary jack (and which can connect to smart phones and other mobile devices), cup holders in the armrests, a slide-out tray in the glove compartment, air-conditioning and one-touch power windows.

Pilipinas Taj said safety and security are among the Manza's concerns. So the car has a collapsible steering column and steering lock with immobiliser, side-impact protection and remote-control keyless entry.

Pilipinas Taj said that the best news about the Manza is its attractive price point; the sedan sells for P600,000 (US$ 13,700) and comes with a 100,000-kilometre or three-year warranty coverage.

Other Tata models sold in the Philippines are the Vista hatchback, Xenon DLS 4×2 and Xenon DLE 4X4 pickups, and Ace and Super Ace trucks. The brand has showrooms in Marcos Highway, Cainta, Rizal, and in Barrio Pampanga, Davao City.