Tata, which recently announced its entry into the South African market in a joint venture with the Imperial Group, has launched its Telcoline range of bakkies.
Tata, which recently announced its entry into the South African market in a joint venture with the Imperial Group, has launched its Telcoline range of bakkies.
The Telcoline range (based on the previous generation Mitsubishi L200 (Colt)) consists of a 4×2 single cab, 4×2 double cab, 4×4 single cab, and a 4×4 double cab. The aim is to offer a reliable, practical and durable workhorse at an affordable price.
All derivatives are fitted with power steering, a raised body and a two-litre, inter-cooled turbodiesel power plant developing 64 kW at 4 300 r/min and 190 N.m of torque at 2500. Five speed manual gearboxes are fitted to all models, and all have a limited slip diff.
Tata says the Telcoline has a double reinforced load area, and strengthened underbody and suspension. The underbody steel protection/ skid plate has been extended in length to protect a larger portion of the drivetrain. Single cab models can take a 1,31 tonne load while the double cabs can handle 1,25 tonnes.
Standard features include immobiliser, central locking, rear demister, height-adjustable headlights, tilt-adjustable steering column and air-conditioning on all 4x4s. The top of the range double-cab 4×4 also has an alarm, remote central unlocking, nudge bar, roll bar, rear step, a radio/CD and alloy wheels.
Both the double cab and single cab 4×4 derivatives incorporate the ‘shift on the fly’ system with the vehicles being able to shift from 2H to 4H at up to speeds of 65 km/h.
At the launch of the vehicle in Cape Town, CAR’s correspondent found the Telcoline to be impressive in off-road conditions, and viewed the vehicles as mechanically sound, but we’ll have to reserve judgement on build quality until a test unit arrives for testing.
The 4×2 Single Cab costs R99 900 and the 4×2 Double Cab R123 995. The 4×4 variants of the single cab and double cab are priced at R149 995 and R179 995 respectively. The single cab 4×2 vehicles includes a one-year/100 000km factory warranty and the double cabs and single cab 4×4 a three-year/100 000km warranty. All models have 3 year roadside assistance included as standard in the price.
A comprehensive range of factory-approved accessories, including nudge bars, bull bars, side steps, roll bars, rear step with tow bar, alloy wheels and canopies will be available at all dealers. ‘Valued Added Products’ such as warranty extensions, service and maintenance plans, asset and debt protection policies will be made available on the dealer floor. Customers will also be offered the option of financing their vehicles through the dedicated ‘Tata Finance’ division.
Fifteen Tata dealers countrywide have been appointed with six or seven additional outlets having been identified for roll-out by year-end. A number of ‘stand alone’ service centres will also be established.