Tata Ace

Tata Ace
Overview
Manufacturer Tata Motors
Production 2005–present
Assembly Pune, Maharashtra, India
Uttarakhand, India
Body and chassis
Class mini truck
Body style pickup truck
Related Tata Ace Zip
Powertrain
Engine 0.7 L diesel I2
1.4 L diesel I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2100 mm
2380 mm (Super Ace)
Length 3800 mm
Width 1500 mm
Height 1861 mm
Curb weight 885 Kg

The Tata Ace is a mini 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.

History

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 and 3.35 lakhs INR, the company aims to convert three-wheeler users to four-wheelers.

Models

Ace

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 km/h. 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 km/h.

Tata Super Ace

Main article: Tata Super Ace

The Tata Super Ace is a 1 Ton diesel mini truck ideal for Intra City Applications and Last Mile Distribution, it offers a loading deck length of 2630 mm (the longest in its class) and a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). The Super Ace has a miserly turning radius of 5.1 m and boasts a mileage of 14 km/L ( 8.75 mpl). Which means it can cover an impressive 440 km per its 38 L Fuel Tank. It has a three-way drop load body which provides a mere 60 cm height for comfortable loading and unloading.

Engine Tata 475 TCIC(BSIII) Engine capacity CC 1405 CC Max engine output 70 hp @ 4500 rpm Max engine Torque 13.8 mkg @ 2500 rpm Fuel tank capacity 38 L Clutch and transmission Clutch Single plate dry friction diaphragm type Gearbox Synchromesh 5+1 Steering Power assisted hydraulic Rack & pinion Suspension Front Mc Pherson strut with anti roll bar Rear Leaf Spring with Telescopic Shock absorber Brakes Front "Hydraulic dual circuit,vacuum assisted,automatic wear adjuster Disc brake" Rear Drum Brakes Wheels & Tyres Tyres 165 R14 & 175 LT 8PR Dimensions Wheelbase 2380 mm Width 1565 mm Length 4340 mm height 1858 mm Front track 1340 mm Rear track 1320 mm Ground clearance 160 mm Load body dimensions(mm) 2630x1460x300 Turning Circle Radius 5.10 m Weights GVW 2180 kg Kerb weight 1180 kg Performance Gradability 39% Top speed 125 km/h

Tata Ace Zip

Main article: Tata Ace Zip

The Tata Ace Zip is marketed as a micro truck in India. Priced from Rs.1.9 lakhs INR onwards, the company aims to convert three-wheeler users to four-wheelers. One of the ideas that prompted the launch of this vehicle was to develop more opportunities of self-employment in the country. Moreover, there was a need for an efficient last mile vehicle, Tata sought to find the gap in the market and released the Ace Zip. The 611 cc engine delivers a power of 11.3 hp at 3000 rpm and a torque of 3.16 m•kgf at 1600–1800 rpm, giving tough competition to Piaggio's mini truck (three-wheeler). It has a permissible loading capacity of 600 kg . It also has a modern cabin compared to its three-wheeler rivals. It is best suited for use by villagers in carrying goods over short distances.

Magic

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

The mini truck is now produced at the facility in Pantnagar, Uttarkhand although it was initially manufactured at Pune. The Tata Ace was 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

References

  1. 1 2 "The Next People Car". Yahoo Finance. 2007-04-17. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
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