Tata Motors' answer to the auto rickshaw, the Tata Magic Iris, was unveiled at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo. In the last three years, the vehicle's availability has opened in most parts of the country in a phased manner.
It has been a tradition at Tata Motors (or for that matter, most auto companies) to follow up the launch of a product with alternate fuel options.
And that's applicable to this commercial vehicle. Tata Motors had showcased the CNG version of the Iris at the previous Auto Expo and is currently in the build-up stage to its launch. The official Tata Motors website claims that the vehicle (in BS4 spec) would launch soon in 3+Driver or 4+Driver seating options.
The vehicle's 53-litre CNG tank will be positioned under the passenger seat and the space behind the passenger seat can accommodate small bags. A roof rack can be requested if the operator is carrying extra loads.
The vehicle uses the same 611cc single cylinder engine that develops 13.2 bhp @ 3,000 rpm and 39 Nm @ 1600-1800 rpm (2.2 bhp and 8 Nm higher than the normal version). The transmission is a four-speed manual unit. According to the company, the vehicle can travel 53 km/kg, giving the Magic Iris a range of 220 km.
The Iris measures 2960 x 1512 x 1800 (LxWxH, in mm) and gets McPherson struts at the front and coil-springs with a semi-trailing arm at the rear.
Prices have not been announced, but expect it to be marginally more expensive than the regular model, which retails at 2.10 lakh rupees (ex-showroom, Delhi).
You can look at the brochure below for more details.
Tata Magic Iris CNG Brochure
[Can't see the brochure here? Head to Scribd]
