Tata Ace
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| Manufacturer | Tata Motors |
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| Production | 2005–present |
| Assembly | Pune, Maharashtra, India Uttarkhand, India |
| Class | mini truck |
| Body style | pickup truck |
| Engine | 0.7 L diesel I2 1.4 L diesel I4 |
| Wheelbase | 2100 mm 2380 mm (Super Ace) |
| Related | Tata Ace Zip |
The Tata Ace is a mini-truck (similar to Japanese Kei truck) launched in May 2005 by Tata Motors in India. It is in competition with the prevalent three-wheeled goods carriers from Bajaj Auto, Piaggio, Mahindra and Force Motors.
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History [edit]
In December 2000 Girish Wagh was given a brief by Ravi Kant to create a new very light truck line that would add to Tata's current truck range. It was to be economical and to take on the three-wheeled cargo auto rickshaws in the Indian market.[1] Based on this brief Wagh approached users of three-wheel cargo rickshaws and got their feed back on Tata's future four-wheel cargo vehicle. The feedback indicated the need for an economical vehicle that could take light loads over short distances. Additionally the feedback also revealed that future owners would prefer owning a four-wheeler cargo vehicle for the perceived prestige it would offer over a three-wheeled vehicle.[1]
Tata Ace has created a new mini segment in India. Priced between 2.25 to 3.35 lakhs INR, the company aims to convert three-wheeler users to four-wheelers.
Models [edit]
Ace [edit]
The standard Ace HT is powered by a two-cylinder 702 cc engine, delivering 16 hp (12 kW) at 3200 rpm and a torque of 3.8 m·kgf (37 N·m) at 2000 rpm. It has a permissible loading capacity of 750 kg (1650 lb). It is equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and has a top speed of 60 kmph. The Ace HT has a modern cabin compared to its three-wheeler rivals. It is best suited for use by villagers in carrying goods over short distances.
The Ace EX adds a five-speed gearbox, stop-start and larger wheels (13" over 12") and wider tyres (155 rather than 145), and a top speed of 70 kmph.
Super Ace [edit]
The Super Ace version is powered by a four cylinder, 1.4 L (1405 cc) 475 IDI turbo intercooled diesel engine producing 70 bhp (52 kW; 71 PS), power steering that translates to a reasonably powerful small truck with a carrying capacity of one ton, and can attain a top speed of 125 km/h (77.7 mph). The load area is larger at (LxW) 8.63 X 4.79 feet. Loading capacity is 1 tonnes. The Super Ace looks slightly different with a different grille and offers more driver comforts such as lockable glovebox, bucket seating at front, provision for mobile charger, rear view mirrors on both sides and sun visor. Tata has sold more than 30,000 Super Ace in the domestic market.
Magic [edit]
In June 2007 Tata Motors launched the passenger variant of the Ace, named Magic featuring an all-steel cabin. It offers a flexible seating capacity of 4-7 passengers with adequate legroom. Powered by a 16 bhp (12 kW), 702 cc water-cooled diesel engine, the Magic offers high fuel efficiency and very low maintenance. The Magic's turning radius of 4.3 metres (14.1 ft) is nimble enough to navigate the bylanes and traffic of India's crowded cities. The Magic has a clearly visible instrument cluster, utility tray and a digital clock in the dashboard and also a provision for fitting a radio.
The Magic meets BS-III emission norms and has been developed for use in any market — be it urban, semi-urban or rural. It is backed by a 36,000 km/12-month warranty. The Magic range starts at Rs 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).
Manufacturing locations [edit]
The mini truck is now produced at the facility in Pantnagar, Uttarkhand although it was initially manufactured at Pune. The Tata Ace succeeded in creating an entirely new segment that competitors are known to be working on different models to compete against the Tata Ace.
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ a b "The Next People Car". Yahoo Finance. 2007-04-17. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
External links [edit]
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