Pictorial Review of Tata Xenon – exteriors
Back to back to test drives is fine, but when it becomes a job..fatigue props up. Ya, i have been running around for various test drives, i thought of taking a break on saturday (sadly i have to go for a TV show on Sunday)…but we got a call for test drive. I was very reluctant to go for it, till i came to know that the call is for Xenon test drive. Yes, this one is different…its not a hatch or a sedan and muscle burning SUV….Xenon is different. In India we rarely come across this kind of lifestyle vehicles. After Jeep and Gypsy manufacturers have become more logical. More fuel efficient, stylish and powerful vehicles are coming out every fortnight. But nothing gets closer to your heart. In 2007, Mahindra launched Scorpio getaway but is rarely seen.
Similar is the case for Tata”s TL 4×4 which failed to kick off. Xenon XT is Tata’s second attempt to create a segment which is literally non -existent and rule the segment. But will Indian customers embrace the lifestyle pick-ups?? are there enough on-off road enthusiast in India to make Xenon XT successful? we find out….
Tata Xenon XT: Lifestyle pick-ups are meant for people who visits farm with their family in weekends. But that doesn’t mean they are just functional, take Ford’s decade long top seller F-150 and Toyota’s Tundra, they are muscle machines making strong style statement. Forget the hatch driver, a bus driver should leave space for the pick-up on seeing it in their rear view mirror.
Tata knows this and the styling of Xenon Xt was done by Concept an UK based design firm. The front end resembles the Sumo Grande but the flared up wheel arches and front skid plate adds muscle to Xenon. But something is missing! Xenon lookslike a muscular man with a Hitler moustache, I need some more. A nudge guard would suffice… Tata offers it as an optional accessory but nudge guard should have been a standard fitment. On the side, the large 5-leaf alloy wheels with large wheel cap dominates but the tyres look out of proportion (205/R16 is puny) espescially at the rear. You can try out some after market rubber.
Tata Xenon XT: Switch on the ignition, you would notice the strong diesel clatter, under the bonnet is the Tata’s latest generation 2.2.L DICOR engine borrowed from Safari. Oil burner churns out 140bhp of peak power at 4000rpm and 320Nm of peak torque between 1750-2700rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. Xenon is available in rear wheel and all wheel drive configurations. 4WD Xenon gets an on-the-fly BorgWarner four wheel drive.
Tata Xenon XT: As in the Safari, the engine is peppy and very responsive. Once the taacho needle passes 1750rpm the turbo kicks in and you have ample 320Nm at your footstep. The low end response is good and out on the highways its a beast. Overtaking is breeze, the increased performance is also because of reduced weight. Remember, Xenon XT is 300kg lighter that the Safari. Unfortunately our test drive is a 2WD variant and we can tell you about the effectivity of the on the fly 4WD.
Tata Xenon XT: comes with a power steering. Independent double wishbone at the front and parabolic leaf springs at the rear forms the suspension set up of Xenon XT. Twin caliper discs brakes at front is supplemented by the drum at the rear. The dimensions are deterring, its 5125mm longer,1860mm wider and 1833mm heigh. The ground clearance is an ample 200mm. The loadbay (1518*1414*405mm) can carry 260kgs (2WD) and 220kgs (4WD).
Tata Xenon XT: Steering is precise and well weighed. But Xenon is too long to park or to take a U-turn. First of all you have to get used to Xenon’s length. Power steering does little help at low speeds. Absence of any parking assistance also makes the job tougher. Similar to Safari, Xenon’s ride quality is good but the high ground clearance and large overhangs restraints its handling. On hard braking, you can see the tail spinning out. Also, the brakes locks quiet often, ABS should be made atleast optional.
Tata Xenon XT: is available in four colours – Quartz black, Mineral red,Arctic white and Arctic silver. Remember, Xenon XT is meant to tame the terrain where light colours have no place. Tata should have offered more dark colours.
Tata which sells 207 through its commercial vehicle division has decided to sell its 2009 successor through its passenger car showrooms. Result, Indica and even nano will sell along with Xenon XT and you can register it as a private vehicle.