Inside story of Tata’s workhorse capabilities

The competition in Nigeria’s pick-up segment looks unabating especially now that many state governments, construction companies and corporate engaged in fast moving consumer goods business are beginning to discover that an investment into buying any pick-up is a sure bet when it comes to returns on investment.

This is happening at a time like this when low incentives, new products and businesses around construction sites is throwing up competitive and lucrative battle in the pick-ups segment among some of the strong contenders in the local market including the Tata Zenon.

That is why the most important new vehicles for Tata Motors this year are not some of the few models that drew big crowds at the Johannesburg International Motorshow, but rather the redesigned Tata Zenon XT double cabin.

Prior to this period, there have been mixed reactions about the performance of Tata vehicles in Nigeria until BusinessDay’s motoring reporter’s encounter with the Zenon Pick-up truck recently. And after test-driving the double cabin truck for one week courtesy of Tata African Services Nigeria Limited management, it reminds one of the wise saying that “The test of the pudding is in the eating,” immediately struck my mind.

To start with, what TASNL has done is a very clear indication of a company that has confidence about its product and services, and also shows a dealership that is desirous of deepening its brand penetration into the market

Zenon XT, a vehicle so individualistic, seats five in comfort, boasts of finer touches and convenient features like the electrically adjustable side view mirrors and one-touch power windows. It helps occupants make style statement like no other as well as individual personalisation.

The Xenon XT has been designed to take on all types of terrain without any hesitation. It is as competent on gravel, slush and snow as it is on paved roads. Inside, it comes with trendy charcoal grey interiors with silver centre console, fabric inserts on door trim and leather wrapped steering wheel.

The higher ground clearance, high approach, ramp over, departure angles and extra grip of the 4 wheel drive means you need not stop when the road ends. No matter what the terrain, Xenon is one cross terrain pick up that just doesn’t compromise on drivability even while off-roading.

On motion, a 4×4 shift-on-fly transmits 140ps & 320 Nm torque to all wheels so the Xenon XT can take on any surface, and the shift on fly 4-wheel drive option, ample ground clearance and ladder frame rugged build ensures that. The limited slip differential mechanism enables the axle to provide traction where it is most needed so you never get stuck. This is one off-roader that can tame the roughest of terrains and be as much at ease on the city roads.

It boasts of a higher ground clearance of 200 mm, an approach angle of 24 degree, ramp break over angle of 15 degree and the departure angle of 21 degree. It also has a water wading depth of 300 mm. All of these ensure that the Xenon is as agile off the road as it is on it.

It is not a matter of being the newest truck on the market; it is more a matter of being the best truck on the market. The improved Tata Zenon truck, combined with gains in the economy and housing market, are not only giving rival companies enough concern, but is giving Tata companies’ executives and its dealers across the globe reason to salivate.

Down memory lane, the last time one would recall test-driving a new car from dealership was as far back as five years ago when Alliance Autos Nigeria Limited former owners of Renault and Nissan brand in the country just barely two years released its Renault Laguna to BusinessDay for one week.

Another encounter was four years ago when C&I Motors released its Grand Vitara sport utility vehicle to our reporter for a one week driving experience. That encounter with the SUV and feedback to the public greatly helped prospective new car buyers to make informed decision. The sales volume of this brand in the course of that year and thereafter was a clear pointer to the engineering and handling of the Japanese brand.

Today, the five year old C&I Motors is not only among the few dealers doing well in the market, the outlet which also sales the Jimny, Swift Desire, Kizashi, the Multipurpose van (MPV) and Alto has done so presently selling the facelift model of the SUV after a very successful run with the predecessor model.