Tata Motors intends to refrain from AWD configurations on the ALFA architecture.
At the recently concluded 2020 Auto Expo, Tata Motors displayed a slew of vehicles including the Sierra concept, the Altroz EV and Safari Edition Hexa. Even though the Safari brand was discontinued last year, the same is set to re-enter as the company intends to apply it to other SUVs.
Owing to the cost and lack of demand in the mainstream crossover market for extra off-roading capability, Tata Motors intends to refrain from AWD configurations on the ALFA architecture. However, the Omega architecture opens up several possibilities on this front. The company has not given guidance on AWD editions of the Harrier and the Gravitas, but these have been expected (along with the AT variant that was launched at the Auto Expo) by the Indian media and SUV buyers alike.
The Omega is a cost-down ‘D8’ Land Rover architecture that supports the Range Rover Discovery Sport (pre-facelift) and the first generation Range Rover Evoque. These vehicles, like every Land Rover product, enjoy good off-roading capacity.
Tata Motors is well aware of the numbers that reveal AWD and 4X4 spec typically in the sub-25 lakh segment accounts for less than 10% sales. On top of that, the added weight of the system affects fuel efficiency; a major concern for Indian buyers.
Tata Safari Edition
– Tata Motors to sell 4×4 variants of all its future SUVs with ‘Safari’ as a suffix
– AWD cuts torque steer and endows the ability to handle slush and mud easily
– The Omega is a cost-down ‘D8’ Land Rover architecture
Source – ElectricVehicleWeb.in
