Tata's three new Xenon toughies

Already popular for its honest workhouse characteristics and attractive price, the new Xenon now also has enough appeal to make it an attractive leisure wheels option.

Rugged, but improved living quarters

Although as rugged as always the new Xenon has considerably improved living quarters that offers more space and more enjoyment features.

Those tyres seem a little small for the bulging wheel arches, but fog lamps front and rear on the more expensive models are a nice touch.

Already popular with farmers, transport and delivery companies and small operators, the latest Xenon will appeal to the leisure and pleasure market because of its extra towing, loading and enhanced off-road abilities.

At the heart of this duel-purpose toughie is a direct injection common rail powerplant that generates 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque pulling power which kicks in from as low down as 1700rpm - enough to haul an impressive 1 200kg payload.

Three models

There are three models to choose from - a single cab 4x2, a crew cab 4x2 and a crew cab 4x4 - all with five-speed manual transmission.

The two 4X4 variants have electronic, on-the-fly switching as well as a low-range transfer case, self-locking hubs at the front, a Limited Slip Differential and an overdrive top gear which should reduce the pain of tank filling, particularly on long hauls.

The latest Xenon will appeal to the leisure and pleasure market because of its extra towing, loading and enhanced off-road abilities.

I drove the top of the range double cab 4x4 model on a short off-road course at the Media introduction and liked its easy to drive nature.

Unfortunately, because of my brief spell behind the wheel and the course itself which did not offer much of a challenge, it is difficult to evaluate the Xenon's true capabilities. I also didn't drive it on the tar so I have no idea how it handles the motorway.

Holding a slope isn't a problem

The Xenon's brakes are impressive, particularly on steep downward slopes where it holds grip amazingly well thanks to a “load-conscious pressure reducing valve”.

All three models come with ABS brakes with EBD which are key safety features that will appeal to both the work and leisure markets.

The central console is simple and business-like.click to enlarge

All models have 16- inch steel or alloy rims fitted with dual-purpose tyres which seem a little too small for the bulging, large wheel arches. And those Tata trademark “collector's item” hub caps are as incongruous as always!

Quality good, but…

New additions are front and rear fog lamps on the more expensive models and a solid tubular rear bumper. Practical side-steps are available as optional extras.

The overall build quality looks good although the interior is still very 'plasticky'. The cabin now also boasts a pollen-filter air-conditioner, electric windows, powered and heated mirrors, and a radio/CD-player audio system with a USB port. The steering column is fully adjustable, as are the seats, so finding a comfortable driving position is easy.

More room, more comfort, more features.click to enlarge

The interior is more spacious than the previous model and the double cab models offer generous leg- and head-room to all occupants.

The new Tata bakkies are competitively priced at R206 495 for the single cab 4x4, R209 995 for the double Cab 4x2 and R229 995 for the Double Cab 4x4.

A three-year/100 000 km warranty, a three-year/75 000 km service plan and two-year, unlimited kilometre roadside assistance are included in the price.

The specifications