Tata is readying its Aria crossover MPV for the local market – a product that the Indian firm claims will offer a practical package set to introduce a host of new safety, comfort and dynamic features to the Tata fold.
Visitors to Tata’s JIMS stand may have caught sight of the cleanly-styled 7-seater, which combines MPV practicality with a modicum of rough road ability. The Aria ushers in the firm’s new, more upmarket design language with such elements as the arced roofline, stacked head- and taillamps and pronounced wheel arches playing host to 17-inch alloy rims among the highlights.
The interior features a 2-3-2 seating layout incorporating fold-flat pews in the second (60:40 split) and third rows. With all of the seats in place, the Aria serves up 342 dm3 of luggage space, which expands to 973 dm3 with the rear row stowed and 1 970 dm3 with the second row folded flat. Depending on the specification level, the seats can be offered with leather upholstery and the front seatbacks feature folding picnic tables for the second row occupants. There are plenty of stowage spaces studded throughout the cabin, including a floor level cargo box, numerous cup holders and a glovebox. The driver’s seat features 6-way manual adjustment and the facia sports a clean design with strong vertical design elements.
The Aria’s comfort and convenience features include air conditioning across the range (climate control is optional), cruise control on certain models and an infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, USB/aux-in and steering wheel-mounted controls. Certain models will also feature either a reverse camera or park distance sensor (see the preliminary specifications in the DOCUMENTS box at the top of the article).
On the safety front, the Aria comes equipped with 6 airbags, stability control, traction control and ABS-assisted brakes.
Power is provided by Tata’s 2,2-litre DICOR diesel engine developing 103 kW and 320 N.m of torque. A choice of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains are offered in certain markets, but it reamins to be seen what models will find their way to SA. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the diesel unit returns a claimed 7,0 litres/100 km and emits 185 g of CO2 per kilometre in 4×2 guisee.
Tata is currently establishing pricing, model specifications and other details via a series of consumer workshops and will launch the Aria on the local market during the course of 2012.