The Tata Xenon appeared on the scene late last year after Tata made 100 Xenon units available to South Africans for the end of 2007. According to the Indian manufacturer, the Xenon “is fast becoming the preferred choice of lifestyle bakkie for the outdoorThe Xenon’s 3,0-litre common-rail direct injection diesel powerplant delivers a maximum output of 85 kW at 3 000 r/min and 300 N.m of torque at 1 600 r/min. With the help of a Geometric Intercooled Turbo Charger, the torque band extends lower down in the rev range, to provide improved throttle response. Top speed for this vehicle stands at 143 km/h.
The optional four-wheel drive system offers a “Shift on the Fly” feature that allows the driver to change between 4×2 and 4×4 drive High Range without coming to a complete stop. For the Low Range, the Xenon features enhanced drive ratio. For those wet conditions that South Africans have become somewhat accustomed of late, this bakkie incorporates a limited slip-differetial that aids traction in slippery conditions. The Xenon’s suspension set up comprises double wishbones with torsion bar upfront and parabolic leaf springs at the rear.
Challenging 4×4 trails can be tackled with the help of the Xenon’s 26-degree approach and 22 degree departure angles and the integrated skid plate can weather the inevitable knocks that off-road vehicles inevitably endure. At an additional cost, a nudge bar with provision for spot lights, side steps, roll bar, rear step with a tow bar and a tonneau cover can be added to the package to enhance the Xenon’s appearance and practicality.
The Xenon’s interior features bucket seats in the front and a bench seat at the back. Leather trim is available is an optional extra for the front seats.
Interior features include power steering and air conditioning, while entertainment is provided by an MP3 compatible CD sound system. br>
Tata has equipped its Xenon with safety features that include a brake load-sensing proportioning valve, central locking, a full “safety cell” made up of front crumple zones, a collapsible steering column, a reinforced roll-over bar, inertia reel locking on all the seatbelts and side intrusion beams, protecting passengers in the event of a collision.
Prices:
Tata Xenon 4×2 – R169 995
Tata Xenon 4×4 – R194 995
The Xenon comes with a 3 year/100 000km manufacturer’s warranty and a 3 year / 60 000km service plan.
To read CAR magazine’s Hannes Oosthuizen’s blog about the Tata Xenon, Click here.