Tata Ace

In December 2000, Girish Wagh was given a brief by Ravi Kant to create a novel lightweight truck line that would add to Tata's current truck range. It was to be economical and to take on the three-wheeled cargo auto-rickshaws in the Indian market.^[1] Based on this brief, Wagh approached users of three-wheel cargo rickshaws and got their feedback on Tata's future four-wheel cargo vehicle. The feedback indicated the need for an economical vehicle that could carry light loads over short distances. Additionally, the feedback also revealed that future owners would prefer owning a four-wheeler cargo vehicle for the perceived prestige it would offer over a three-wheeled vehicle.^[1]

Tata Ace has created a new mini-segment in India. Priced between INR 2.25 and 3.35 lakh, the company aims to convert three-wheeler users to four-wheelers.

Tata produces three^{[clarification needed]} main models of the Ace family - the Ace, the Super Ace, the Ace Zip and the Ace EV. Both the Ace and Ace Zip have a passenger variant called the Magic and Magic IRIS.

 

The standard Ace HT is powered by a two-cylinder 702 cc engine, delivering 16 hp (12 kW) at 3200 rpm and a torque of 3.8 kgf⋅m (37 N⋅m) at 2000 rpm. It has a permissible loading capacity of 750 kg (1650 lb). It is equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and has a top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph).

The Ace EX adds a five-speed gearbox, stop-start and larger wheels (13" over 12") and wider tires (155 rather than 145), and a top speed of 70 km/h.

 

The Tata Super Ace is a 1 Ton diesel mini truck aimed for Intra City Applications and Last Mile Distribution. It has a loading deck length of 2630 mm (the longest in its class) and a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). The Super Ace has a turning radius of 5.1 m and a mileage of 14 km/L (8.75 mpl), which gives it a maximum range of 440 km per its 38 L fuel tank. It has a three-way drop load body which provides a 60 cm height for loading and unloading.

• Engine Tata 475 TCIC (BSIII)
• Engine capacity 1405 cc
• Max engine output 70 hp @ 4500 rpm
• Max engine torque 13.8 kg⋅m @ 2500 rpm
• Fuel tank capacity 38 L
• Clutch and transmission Clutch Single plate dry friction diaphragm type
• Gearbox Synchromesh 5+1
• Steering Power assisted hydraulic Rack & pinion
• Suspension
  • Front: MacPherson strut with anti roll bar
  • Rear: Leaf Spring with Telescopic Shock absorber
• Brakes
  • Front "Hydraulic dual circuit, vacuum assisted, automatic wear adjuster Disc brake"
  • Rear Drum Brakes
• Wheels & Tyres Tyres 165 R14 & 175 LT 8PR
• Dimensions
  • Wheelbase 2380 mm
  • Width 1565 mm
  • Length 4340 mm
  • height 1858 mm
  • Front track 1340 mm
  • Rear track 1320 mm
  • Ground clearance 160 mm
• Load body dimensions 2630 mm × 1460 mm × 300 mm
• Turning Circle Radius 5.10 m
• Weights GVW 2180 kg
  • Kerb weight 1180 kg
• Performance
  • Gradability 39%
  • Top speed 125 km/h

 

The Super Ace Bigboy is the prototype passenger version of the Super Ace.^[2] It was designed as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernisation Program in the Philippines.

The Tata Ace Zip is marketed as a micro truck in India. Priced from Rs.1.9 lakhs INR onwards, the company aims to convert three-wheeler users to four-wheelers. One of the ideas that prompted the launch of this vehicle was to develop more opportunities for self-employment in the country. Moreover, there was a need for an efficient last-mile vehicle, so Tata sought to find the gap in the market and released the Ace Zip. The 611 cc engine delivers a power of 11.3 hp at 3000 rpm and a torque of 3.16 kgf⋅m at 1600–1800 rpm. It has a permissible loading capacity of 600 kg.

 

In June 2007 Tata Motors launched the passenger variant of the Ace, named Magic, featuring an all-steel cabin. It offers a seating capacity of 4-7 passengers with adequate legroom. It is powered by a 16 bhp (12 kW), 702 cc water-cooled diesel engine.

The Magic meets BS-III emission norms and has been developed for use in urban, semi-urban or rural markets. It is backed by a 36,000 km/12-month warranty. The Magic range starts at Rs 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).

 

A passenger carrier based on the Tata Ace Zip platform, the Tata Magic Iris, has also been launched.^[3]

The Ace EV is the first product featuring Tata Motors’ EVOGEN powertrain. It is powered by a 27 kW (36 hp) motor with 130Nm of peak torque, cargo volume of 208 ft³ and grade-ability of 22%.

The mini truck is now produced at a facility in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, although it was initially manufactured in Pune.

• Tata Ace Zip
• Tata Magic
• Mahindra Maxximo