Tata TL Pick-up Range
TATA might not be a name that youre overly familiar with. Even though their vehicles have been officially available on the UK market since 1994, the Indian company has, thus far, failed to provoke a mad buying frenzy amongst this nations motorists. Thats not to say, however, that theyve given up all hope of doing so. A tie-in with Phoenix Venture Holdings, the owners of MG Rover, has already seen the TATA profile raised a notch or two and the re-launch of their budget pick-up truck, now known as the TL, could have a similarly beneficial effect.
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By modern Western standards, youd have to say that exceedingly good cars are yet to appear on the TATA menu but the vehicles that have been imported to the UK have proven to be solid, reliable and affordable vehicles like the TL pick-up.
"as a value proposition alone, TATA seem to have a winner on their hands."
TATAs association with Phoenix means that the TL and its Safari 4x4 stablemate are now available through a network of over 50 UK dealerships. These include MG Rover and TATA franchised outlets as well as a few independent dealers in suitable locations. The hope is that this increased visibility and availability of the products will prompt a boost in sales to a total of around 2,000 units annually. The TL will need to play a major role if this kind of target is to be reached and looking at its qualities in context of the competition and the burgeoning UK pick-up market, it may well have the right credentials to win out.
The Range is comprised of four distinct models, all powered by the same 2.0-litre diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler bolted on to provide additional oomph. There are single and double cab models, each offered with power directed to either two or all four wheels. The 4x4 models carry TL4 badging and are priced from £8,995 (basic).
The 2-wheel-drivers are known as TL2s and cost from £7,495. You cant buy a 4x4 pick-up for less and the only 2WD model to undercut the TL is the considerably smaller Proton Jumbuck so, as a value proposition alone, TATA seem to have a winner on their hands. Low prices are all very well but the question of what you actually get for your money is probably a more salient one for most pick-up buyers. First, lets be clear, the TL is not a new model.
TATA have simply re-launched their existing Loadbeta product under a different name. On one hand, this means that the vehicle doesnt feature the kind of cutting edge design and advanced technology that youd expect from a completely new pick-up but on the other, buyers get the reassurance of knowing the vehicle has been tried and tested over years of service with operators in this country and abroad. Besides, a newly designed pick-up is a relative rarity in the UK market at the moment. Most of the big sellers have been around for a number of years, their manufacturers happy to keep things fresh with cosmetic facelifts rather than developing expensive all-new replacements.
You should find the 2.0-litre engine in the TL to be a decent performer on the road but its best suited to more rough and ready off-road duties. The 89bhp maximum output is respectable enough as is the 190Nm of torque at 2,500rpm, so low speed pulling and brisk getaways should not present a problem. The TL is far less at home on the motorway where its 77mph top speed leaves a lot to be desired and anything close to that rather under whelming velocity comes accompanied by a despairingly strained engine note.
A good set of ear defenders should be standard equipment for anyone intent on breaking the speed limit in a TL. More encouragingly, fuel consumption of between 25 and 35mpg should be easily achievable during everyday driving - even when fully laden. The single cab TL models manage a 1,280kg payload while the five-seater double cabs sacrifice some of that capacity in favour of passenger space they can hold up to 1,030kg. The basic chassis is shared with the Safari 4x4 and is based on sensible off-roading principles.
The on-road ride isnt great in the TL but show me a pick-up truck where it is. Theres double wishbone suspension at the front, beefed-up with torsion and anti-roll bars, while the rear-end rides on leaf springs and hydraulic dampers again stiffened by an anti-roll bar theres also a limited slip differential. Transmission is a standard 5-speed affair in the 2WD TL2 models but the TL4s have selectable high and low ratio system that allows different modes to be selected via a facia-mounted thumb wheel at speeds of up to 40mph. The TL isnt going to win any prizes for its vivid interior décor, with grey being the order of the day. The plastics used are not of the finest quality and much of the design is beginning to show its age. Equipment levels are best described as basic but there are quite a few storage options dotted around the place to keep the clutter in check. Theres also a large selection of optional add-ons including tow bars, load liners and canopies, all of which are offered at very reasonable prices.
There would be little sense in pretending that the TATA TL can compete head-on with the established pick-up class leaders but as a budget alternative it makes a lot of sense. The vehicle is more than capable offroad, especially in 4x4 form, it can shift a sizeable load efficiently from A to B and it has proven itself to be reliable through years of abuse at the hands of UK operators. You certainly wont find another new vehicle that does what the TL does for less and youll most likely have to pay £3,000 to £5,000 more for a genuine equivalent. In the cold light of day, when grim financial reality dawns, many UK businesses may well find themselves turning to TATA.
Facts At A Glance PICK-UP: TATA TL Range
PRICE: £7,495 £11,385 (basic price) ENGINE: 89bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 77mph WARRANTY: 3-year/60,000-mile, 1-year AA roadside assistance and 6-year perforation cover
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4585/1810/1755
