5 Cars In India With Centrally Mounted Instrument Cluster

Vehicle designing isn’t as easy as it may seem from the outside. Months and sometimes even years of hard work go into designing the overall interiors as well as exteriors. And while some manufacturers chose to comply with the ordinary, some are crazy enough to break the norm. This is how the idea of centrally mounting the instrument cluster was born. Against the conventional design, a few manufacturers went on to do something different by centrally mounting the speedometer and gave birth to a design cue that crops up every few years. So here are 5 cars in India with centrally mounted speedometer.

1. Chevrolet Spark
   

   

   Crowned as one of the first vehicles in India to have supported the centrally mounted speedo, the Chevrolet Spark is truly a trip down memory lane. The centre of the dash on-board the Spark was complemented with a semicircular mount that featured the speedometer. Design-wise, the speedometer has green inserts along with a digital odo and digital fuel and temperature gauges.

2. Tata Indica Vista
   

   

   The Indica was Tata Motor’s first passenger hatchback that it made for the Indian market. And the Indica Vista was meant to be its first-ever upgrade. It not only had better engines but also more features and a refreshing design cue. The Indica Vista was also the first vehicle from Tata to feature a centrally mounted instrument cluster. The integration, however, in the Vista was much more fluid than the Spark. The unit was simple and had an analogue system for the speedometer, temperature as well as fuel gauge. The only thing digital was the odometer reading.

   Also Checkout: Tracing The History Of Tata Indica In India

3. The Etios Twins
   

   

   The Etios twins (Etios and Etios Liva) were two balanced vehicles made by Japanese manufacture here in India. Right from the very beginning, the designers of the Etios twin were given instructions to incorporate a centrally mounted speedo. And they did that quite well. Even though the whole look of the dash was quite polarizing, the Etios still managed to look different. The instrument cluster unit had two analogue gauges for both speed and rpm, while the odo display was digitally placed below the two, along with other dash signals. The striking thing about the Etios twins wasn’t just the centrally placed speedometer, but also the AC vents which were strangely placed one above the other.

4. Tata Nano
   

   

   One of Tata Motor’s most ambitious projects ever, the Tata Nano was meant to rule the hearts of millions. As the first car for many, Tata always wanted the Nano to be different. Probably this is the reason why the Nano supported a centrally mounted dash. In terms of design, the Nano adopted an oval mount rather than a semi-circular one. The dials again were analogue for the speed with no temperature gauge in the beginning. It was only later, that a light-based temperature gauge was added along with a digital display for the odo situated below the instrument cluster

   Also Checkout: 10 Things Tata Nano Owners Are Tired Of Hearing

5. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
   

   

   The latest vehicle to debut with a centrally mounted instrument cluster is the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. The pseudo hatch by Maruti features a swanky interior set up, with an all-digital speedometer mounted right in the centre. The unit is enclosed within a silver chrome/ sporty orange garnish that is identically complemented below the infotainment as well. Overall, the Espresso incorporated the central speedo, in a more elegant way, rather than making it look like a hasty decision.

   Also Read: Frameless vs Conventional (Framed) Wiper Blades Difference
   

   Stay Updated With: 2022 Land Cruiser Key Specifications LEAKED Ahead Of Global Reveal

FAQs

1. Which was the first centrally mounted instrument cluster car in India?

The Chevrolet Spark was one of the first cars in India to have a centrally mounted instrument cluster. It was launched around 2007-2008 and had the speedometer placed in the middle of the dashboard. Later, the Tata Indica Vista also came with a similar centre-mounted display.

2. What is the centre console in a car?

The centre console is the area between the front seats of a car. It includes controls for music, air conditioning, gear lever, cup holders, storage space and charging points. 

3. What is an instrument cluster?

An instrument cluster is the display in front of the driver that shows important information like speed, fuel level, engine temperature and warning lights. It helps the driver know how the car is working. 

4. What is the price of the Creta cluster meter? 

The price of a Hyundai Creta cluster meter depends on the model and type. A used or aftermarket cluster may cost around 6,000. A new original cluster, especially digital ones in newer models, can cost more.

5. How much does it cost to replace a centre console?

The cost to replace a centre console depends on the car and the type of console. It can cost as little as $20 for simple parts and can go above $400 for advanced or luxury car consoles. New parts and professional fitting usually cost more.