Car tested: 2011 Tata Aria 4×2
Price Ex-showroom Delhi: Rs. 11.61 lakhs (Pure), Rs. 12.61 lakhs (Pleasure), Rs. 14.26 lakhs (Prestige)
Tata Motors has now completed the Aria range with the arrival of 4×2 models. We have already written an exhaustive review on the Tata Aria 4×4 here so we will just cover the difference that is present in the 4×2 models. The company has changed the tagline of the Tata Aria with the launch of the 4×2 version from A NEW BREED to LUXURY THAT THRILLS. Tata Motors feels they will be able to attract sedan, MUV and MPV buyers to the Aria with the launch of the cheaper 4×2 variants.
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The Tata Aria 4×4 is available in three variants – Pleasure, Prestige and Pride. The Aria 4×2 will be available in three variants too – Pure, Pleasure and Prestige. There is no Pride variant on the 4×2 range, thus people looking to opt for the fully loaded Tata Aria will have to purchase the 4×4 variant. None of the Aria 4×2 variants offer alloy wheels, GPS, ESP and TCS as standard. The Pure is a new variant below the Pleasure with lesser features and omission of airbags and front fog lights. The Pure and Prestige both ride on 16-inch wheels but Tata Motors offers an option for buyers to upgrade to 17-inch wheels on the Prestige. The company has reduced the price of the 4×2 versions by removing the 4×4 system and the Aria 4×2 also loses NCAP worthy body.
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The Tata Aria 4×2 features a rear-wheel drive layout. The 4×2 version is close to 200 kgs lighter than its 4×4 counterpart. The weight has come down due to the lighter 4×2 drive system. Furthermore the loss of NCAP worthy body has led to slight reduction in the body shell of the crossover. Tata Motors claims that even without the NCAP worthy body, the Tata Aria is a safe car. With the lighter weight, the Aria is now slightly more fuel efficient (5%), returning 13.7 kmpl as against 13.5 kmpl which the 4×4 version manages (all figures are ARAI certified).
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Visually, you cannot differentiate the 4×4 Aria from a 4×2 version. However a 4×2 badge will be present on the car in place of the 4×4 Adaptera badge. The exteriors are very similar to the 4×4 version but the model we tested did not have chrome slats on the front grille, which is present on the 4×2 Prestige, 4×4 Prestige and 4×4 Pride variant. The Tata Aria 4×2 also gets reverse parking sensors on the Pleasure and Prestige variant. Unlike the 4×4 variant, where there is a reverse parking camera but no sensors, the 4×2 has sensors but no camera.
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The Tata Aria base variant (Pure) gets beige interiors. While the Pleasure variant gets black interiors. This is confusing to the buyer as we Indians place beige as a premium. The overall quality of the interior is extremely good. We counted the number of cubby holes and storage boxes and to our utter surprise found 31 such knick knacks in the Aria. That is an insane amount and more than what an average cupboard offers.
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The Tata Aria is powered by the same 2.2-liter, DICOR motor which produces 140 PS of power at 4000 RPM and 320 Nm of torque at 1700-2700 RPM. You might feel, the performance will be similar to the 4×4 version due to the same engine being present on both the models and you are very right. The Aria 4×2 feels slightly quicker than the 4×4 version due to its lighter weight. Torque levels are impressive and the car pulls in high gear at low speeds without a judder or vibration. Three digit speeds are a breeze and you can cruise on the expressway without having to worry about power or performance.
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At triple digit speeds, the vibrations from the steering wheel was quite apparent. We can’t say if that is a problem with all Aria 4×2 models or it was with our particular test car. The Aria handles slightly better than the 4×4 model and the steering feels lighter too. However the heavyness of the vehicle is still present due to the close to two tonne weight. The lack of ESP and TCS leads to excess wheel spin on heavy acceleration. Brake pedal felt extremely hard on our test car and there was very little play. Brakes are as good as the 4×4 model with all 4-disc brakes.
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The launch of the 4×2 version of the Tata Aria makes alot of sense. Tata Motors sells 70% 4×2 variants of the Safari, while only 30% buyers opt for the 4-wheel drive version. This trend will continue even with the Aria as most users rarely use their vehicles off-road. With a significant drop in prices due to the 4×2 system Tata Motors can expect incremental change in volumes. The Aria 4×2 is a tempting option for buyers looking for a safe and comfortable MPV with high level of practicality. There is no doubt that the Aria is by far the best vehicle to have rolled out from Tata Motors’ facility and now it becomes affordable too.
