Tata vans and pickups for UK
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Bill Brock • Birmingham-based Motor Vehicle Imports, concessionaires for Lada, will launch the Indian Tata 207 pickup in September. MVI also plans to import the Tata 207 500kg van, based on a three-door estate model. They will be sold through 85 of the 185 Lada dealers.
The pickup has been available in France for a year; it sells at the rate of 100 a month. MVI predicts the van will add about 2,500 units to its UK sales.
Both models are powered by an in-line naturally aspirated 1.9-litre, fourcylinder IDI diesel rated at 68hp (50kW) and developing 871bft (118Nm) at 2,500rpm. Drive is taken through a 288mm clutch, to the rear axle via a fivespeed synchromesh box.
Both models employ independent coil spring suspension with front disc brakes.
The pickup uses a rigid rear axle and leaf springs with drum brakes: the van will have a more sophisticated suspension.
The engine is reminiscent of a Peugeot unit but the body owes something to the Mercedes-Benz 190. Daimler Benz gave Tata technical back-up during Iota's first 15 years and still holds a 10% stake but the Indian factory has designed all of its own vehicles since 1969. The cab is equipped with a basic plastic covered bench seat which is likely to be modified before September. The steering column is adjustable vertically; the park brake lever is an umbrella type mounted under the fascia. It just about clears the gear stick when released. Power steering is standard and simple instrumentation includes a rev counter. The chassis arrangement and spare wheel could make it difficult to fit a tow hitch.
The 457mm-deep body comes with rope hooks along each side, four interior tie-down points, ladder rack and a tail gate.
Only eight bolts hold the body to the chassis so a chassis-cab option is a distinct possibility.
Existing quotas
MVI expects to charge less than £7,000 (ex-VAT) for the pickup and less than £9,000 (ex-VAT) for the van. This could be enough to persuade their only competitors from Japan to reduce the light commercial content of their existing quotas.
Warranty will run for three years or 100,000 miles with a six-year antiperforation guarantee.
Plans include a turbocharged engine and the range could he extended to include a larger CDV based on a five-door estate, and a 4x4 version of the pickup.