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COST EFFECTIVE
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CVs are becoming more elaborate and expensive. But sometimes it's nice to get back to basics. The Tata Safari Commercial is certainly basic, but is its nice?
While cost is never an object for the highrollers on the CM test team, it turns out that some of you out there in the real world have to buy on a budget,forsaking all the extras and options we're used to. So there comes a time when even we have to discard the cashmere steering wheel, do away with platinum-trimmed dashboards and get back to basics.
With a car and motorcycle industry based on 1960s European designs, India certainly understands the basics, and its domestic market is big enough to support a burgeoning CV sector.
Tata, whose name appears on the subject of this week's test vehicle,is one of India's largest corporations, with interests in energy, telecommunications and chemicals.The company has had a presence in the UK for a while now but it's only recently that its profile has been raised with the Tata dealer network being taken over by Phoenix Distribution. Still not clear? Well Phoenix is a subsidiary of Phoenix Venture Holdings, the company that owns Rover cars.So.whileTata's previous foray into the UK market was blighted by reliability and dealership problems, the backing of an established automotive company should restore market confidence.
There are two vehicles in the Tata range: the TL pickup in single or double-cab form — which is designed specifically as a CV: and our test vehicle, the Tata Safari Commercial — which is a passenger carrying Safari with a flat load area in place of the rear seats. Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that produces 89hp at 4,300rpm and 190Nm between 2,000-3,000rpm (a threelitre common-rail unit is in the pipeline ).Power is transmitted to two or four wheels via a Borg Warner transfer box and a five-speed manual box with selectable low and high ratios and a limited slip differential.
Other standard equipment includes electric windows, a CD player and alloy wheels. The Safari has been out for a while in passenger guise but it's only recently been converted to a commercial vehicle. Like tried-and-tested rivals such as Nissan's Terrano and Jeep's Pioneer, the Safari Commercial is aimed at operators who demand an all-terrain vehicle with enough loadspace for tools or materials.Against the competition's proven reputation theTata has one major factor in its favour: the price.
Coming in at a bargain basement £11,995, the Tata will leave a smaller hole in your pocket than the 3.0-litre Terrano (£15,187) or the Pioneer (£17,300).There are good reasons for the difference in price, such as the standard of engineering and the level of technology. But, like the man said, you get what you pay for. Unless you're paid as much as CM's editor, cost will always be a concern, and it's with this in mind that the Tata should be judged.
Productivity
Tata doesn't run to common-rail technology but it still managed a laden figure of 31.3mpg round the CM test route — not had at all when compared with the rest of the class.The Jeep Pioneer produced 29.5mpg and the heavier Santana PS10 could only manage 25.8mpg (they were all beaten by the Nissan Terrano's 35.2mpg). Running unladen the Tata recorded 33.3mpg; once again it beat the Pioneer (31.2mpg) and the Santana (27.3mpg).
If payload is your top priority this class of vehicle probably isn't for you, but for the record the Safari Commercial is up to par with a 740kg limit, which is beaten by the Santana's 925kg but is ahead of the Terrano's 685kg. Getting it loaded up is no problem, with a rear door that opens 10 900 and side doors that put the front of the cargo area in easy reach.The 111" conversion from passenger to commercial vehicle may be a simple job in engineering terms, hut it's still one that can be executed poorly Fortunately Tata has done a good job: space has been maximised and the metal bulkhead and floor feel sturdy.
We're less impressed by the six-montW 6,000-mile servicing interval which is on average 50% down on its rivals. But that's less of a drawback with this class of vehicle than it would be with a van.
On the road You get quite a lot of vehicle for your money. It may seem a little under-wheeled but the Safari still looks respectable in the flesh and looks as good on the driveway as it does in the rough.
Van designers may pat themselves on the back for producing ever-improving driving machines.The 4x4 contingent has less scope for this: increased suspension travel and ground clearance for off-roading inevitably leads to more body roll.TheTata is capable of doing everything asked of it on the road, but it doesn't like to be rushed. On the straight it takes undulations and bumps in its stride, though the ride can become a bit floaty', giving a feeling of detachment from the road. It's more of the same round corners,but not to the point of being a problem. It under-steers gradually in two-wheel drive mode but feels safe at all times, if a little ponderous. This feeling is carried over into the steering, which can also feel a little detached but is capable enough.
Once off-road with low-ratio/4WD engaged the Tata tackles inclines and hills with a minimum of fuss. It might feel a little raw compared with some of its rivals, but as a mud-plugger it's more than adequate. Undulations and severe terrain were tackled with no problems.
As mentioned, the engine is also less up to the minute than some of its rivals and it feels slightly less refined when put through its paces, but that's not to say it doesn't provide enough grunt to keep you moving. OK,so 89hp is not going to snap your neck back with sheer acceleration but it keeps things moving nicely enough, and 190Nm of torque means you shouldn't have any problem climbing the steepest of inclines. By way of an on-road comparison, the Terrano managed Titsey Hill in Imin 4sec; well ahead of the Safari Commercial's lmin 34sec— though the Nissan is powered by a three-litre engine.
Cab comfort While it doesn't bear comparison with CVs based on the more luxurious passenger 4x4s, the interior of Tata is more than adequate for its role. It's roomy, aiding cab access, with an airy feel. Other plus points include comfortable seats with lumbar support and a driver's armrest, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.
Instead of the upright driving positions featured in some 4x4s the Tata has a rather laid-back set-up, which is more in keeping with its nature.The dashboard is well organised with simple controls and easy-to-read dials. This works well with the low-key colour scheme which is a mix of black (central console, heater vents, dials) and grey (seats, rest of dashboard).
Forward visibility is good, with the large sloping windscreen letting in plenty of light. The rear is slightly obscured by the half-mesh bulkhead though not enough to make it redundant. On the downside the wing mirrors could be improved on to make up for the lack of rear side windows.
There's little sign of wind and road roar but the engine does make its presence felt at speed. Storage is not overly abundant, comprising a couple of medium-sized door bins and a glovebox. And build quality is not up to comparison with some mainstream manufacturers, but it feels tough enough to last. •