Tata Xenon 2013 Review
The long stretches of road between Mumbai and the impressive Tata plant in Pune, about 160km away, are rougher than any other road that can be found in Australia. But the purpose-built Indian cars handle it without a hitch, indicating that the Tata Xenon vehicles coming to Oz soon may be some of the most durable of their kind.
PRICE
Solids are reliable machines built for India's comparatively horrendous roads, but they're also stylish, well-finished, and Fusion Automotive distributors say they'll be priced below their Japanese rivals and slightly above the newer breeds from China. Prices will be announced when they land in October, but I think $20 to $30 depending on cabin choice and 4x2 or 4x4 configuration.
EQUIPMENT
The Xenon is one of the most attractive cars out there, and it comes with a wide array of options including ABS with EBD, Bluetooth, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, power steering and a neat, uncluttered dashboard. But there is no cruise control or automatic transmission option.
Additional features coming later this year will include hill lock, traction control and electronic stability control. And it won't be hard to fix it, probably with dealer-installed alloys, decals, stains and the like. The five-speed gearbox is a nice gift, the power steering is typical, the seats and visibility were fine, as was the paint, fit and finish.
What Australia needs to understand is that Tata is not a johnny outfit for late arrivals. It's a modern company that's been making cars for decades, and Oz somehow managed to be the last place on the planet to hear about the brand.
DRIVE UNIT
Several runs on the test track in Pune, whose surface resembles Australian highways, showed that the 110kW/320Nm turbodiesel has good speed, stability and a commendably quiet engine. Tata has state-of-the-art equipment at its huge Pune plant, including a division dedicated to noise reduction.
VERDICT
Xenon has looks, power and reputation. The final price will be the deciding factor.
Dad Xenon ute
Cost: from 20 to 30 thousand dollars
Engine: 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, 110 kW / 320 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4×2 and 4×4
