Tata motors have introduced a 4X2 variant of the Aria in an attempt to boost the sales of this luxury mpV. Will it woo customers and rake in profits for the company? Let’s try to find out
Last winter Tata Motors showcased a vehicle that could be called their flagship model. this new vehicle also saw tata enter the luxury vehicle market for the Aria is the costliest and luxurious, well almost, tata passenger vehicle to date. It is designed by the Italians who are renowned for creating sinful designs that simply catch your eye. in the case of the Aria, however, I would say looks are subjective and would leave it that.
Recently Tata launched a new aria that is cheaper than the current model, has the same looks and features the same engine. However, there is something different about it. Let’s look into it.
So What’s ‘New’ In The Aria?
Technically, there is not much that sets the new Aria apart from the current model, well almost. it’s actually just a rear-wheel drive model, really! Unlike its costly sibling, the 4X4, this one only has a two-wheel drive configuration. the transmission now delivers power from the engine to the rear wheels only. the price has gone down a little with the range now starting at rs 13 lakh (otr, Pune). the price and drive wheels are the two major changes that differentiate the 4X4 from the 4X2. However, there is hardly anything that would loudly proclaim these differences between the two models. Both are available in three trims. the fully loaded aria that has 36 features is available in just the 4X4 configuration, though.
So How Is It To Drive?
As i said, it’s not very different from the 4X4 model, whose handling is very similar to an MPV’s, contrary to Tata’s belief that the Aria is a crossover. i reckon that it is much bigger than a crossover. it is more like a mini bus and an expensive mini bus at that! You can feel it while driving the Aria. the ride quality is decent, but it could have been better if Tata had placed a bigger engine under the hood. A 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine would have been ideal considering the heavy mass and size of the Aria. It would also have improved the ride quality by a huge margin. The biggest difference between the 4X4 and the 4X2 is hardly noticeable. An ordinary man would feel the same while driving any of the Arias, whereas only a true 4X4 enthusiast would be able to make out the difference between the two.
Anyway, I think that the Aria makes for a good big family vehicle as it has a lot of space and plenty of storage boxes. The 4X2 is powered by the same 2.2-litre motor doing duty in the 4X4. On paper it produces 140 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, which is not quite enough to pull a load of almost 2 tonnes. It feels underpowered, at least at low RPM. The engineers have tuned the Aria for mid-range and top-end power. However, for such a huge and bulky vehicle they should have given greater thought to the bottom end as well. This is sadly disappointing. The fuel economy is also hampered by this as you have to rev the engine more to squeeze some power out of it, which requires more fuel.
So Is It Worth The Investment?
Well, it is, for a hardcore Tata fan. The new Aria 4X2 offers nothing more than the 4X4 model. It offers a decent ride and handling, is slightly more fuel-efficient, has excellent space, ample goggle-holders for the entire family, an imposing stance and a lot of features at an extra cost. Unfortunately, the biggest thing that stands between the Aria and good sales is the price-tag, which, I believe, is nothing for a true Tata enthusiast. So if you are willing to sign a check for Rs 13 lakh or more and want to own a ‘Desi Luxury Vehicle’ then the Aria 4X2 makes perfect sense for you.
Story: Ravi Chandnani
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
