All-wheel drive for Tata ranges by Cohn Barnett • Tata
Page 19
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
has completed its line-up for the UK pickup market with the addition of four-wheel-drive versions to its two model ranges.
The Loadbeta pickup range now starts with a basic 4x2 single-cab model with the normally aspirated 67hp (50kW) 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 89hp (66kW) 2.0-litre charge-cooled turbo-diesel is fitted to the remainder of the range: pickups with single or double cabs, and with two or four-wheel drive.
Body options for the Loadbeta include a Truckman GRP hard top, a dropside and a dropside tipper. Completing the range is the Ghurka, a dualpurpose vehicle of the Daihatsu Fourtrak type, which is now available as a 4x2 or a 4x4.
Both models have independent double-wishbone front suspension with torsion bars on the 4x4 and coil springs on the 4x2. The Loadbeta has a rigid rear axle with leaf springs, while the Ghurka has five-link location and coils.
The single-cab Loadbetas has a 2,825mm wheelbase; the double-cab wheelbase is 3,150nun.
The four-wheel drive is transmitted through a conventional transfer box with a 2.48:1 reduction. What is not so conventional is the operating method. Rather than using mechanical levers, the front-wheel drive's engagement and range changing is controlled electrically from a simple three-position rotary switch.
Four-wheel drive can be selected on the move in high range, but changes to and from low range entail stopping the vehicle. The status of the various drive options is indicated by warning lights on the instrument panel.
Automatic free-wheeling hubs are fitted, but a limitedslip differential is not available (Tata is considering whether this should be added to the options list). Steering is powerassisted with an adjustable steering column. Brakes are discs up front with rear drums; the 4x4s get larger discs.
GVW of the Ghurkas and the naturally aspirated Loadbeta is 2,540kg, while the remainder are plated at 2,780kg. Claimed payloads for the Loadbetas range from 785kg to 1065kg (with a 75kg driver on board).
The loadbed measures 1,880x 1,410mm on the single-cab Loadbeta, and 1,520x1,510mm on the double cab. Space between the wheelarches is a Euro-pallet-friendly 1,100rrun.
The tailgate has a singlehanded central catch. Reinforced body top rails include plenty of recessed rope hooks; there's also a ladder rack.
Impressions If any aspect of the Tata range reflects the low purchase price, it is the interior. While most of the required equipment is present, most of the fittings and switchgear have the look and feel of a seventies Fiat. But everything worked as it should, and the cab was commendably free of creaks and rattles.
The seats in the Loadbeta are comfortable and attractively trimmed, while the Ghurka is a level up in the opulence stakes. The seat material might not be everyone's taste, however, being reminiscent of one of those travel rugs your aunty used to have.
CM has driven the Loadbeta TDi 4x4 Single Cab over a route comprising a mixture of surfaced roads and a challenging off-road section.
On the road acceleration is brisk; handling on the Kumho tyres is much improved. The steering is fairly accu rate but feels rather dead, while the brakes require a hard shove, although to be fair they do perform adequately.
The Tata seems to be more at home off road than on the hard stuff. Nearly all of the off-road course was negotiated in fourwheel drive, high range—low range was only needed for some very steep controlled descents.
Hill-climbing ability is impressive, and good approach and departure angles mean a few anticipated groundings didn't occur. The ride at off-road speeds is acceptable, and the steering is free from kick-back. The vehicle's biggest liability off-road is its huge (13.5m) turning circle, which could easily make the difference between maintaining momentum or stopping for a three-point shunt.
To put its failings into perspective, remember the Load• beta TDi 4x4 can be yours for £9,995 (ex-VAT)--that's £4,000 less than its most expensive Japanese rival, and includes a full three-year warranty complete with one-year roadside assistance.
As a frill-free workhorse the Loadbeta is worthy of serious consideration—just make sure that you're within reach of one of the 60 dealers, as there a few significant holes in the network.