Tata Motors is testing out a new variant on the Ace Zip LCV which could be meant for export purposes. An Indian Autos Blog reader snapped this test mule in Pune, Maharashtra, near Tata's facilities. The Ace Zip is manufactured at Tata's Dharwad plant which rolled out its 10,000th unit in the tenth month of its launch, last February.
Apart from being a left hand drive version, the vehicle you see here has a new cargo bay as well. When we contacted our sources, we were informed that Tata Motors plans to sell the Ace Zip in international markets without the cargo bay. In that case, the LCV would be sold as a 'chassis only' and the buyer would have the option of customizing the cargo bay as per his requirements.
The Ace Zip is powered by a naturally aspirated, direct-injection, water-cooled, single-cylinder diesel engine displacing 611 cc. The BS3 compliant engine produces 11 hp at 3,000 rpm and 31 Nm between 1,600-1,800 rpm.
