Tata Motors has launched the Xenon pickup truck in the Australian market with local distributor Fusion Automotive. The Tata Xenon is classified under the 'Ute' category in Australia, and will be available across 15 dealers.
Tata mentions that the Xenon has been extensively road tested in Australia, though the vehicle has not been crash tested by the Australian NCAP. However, the local media report that the Xenon will undergo the crash test in due time and that by January 2014, Tata will offer a traction control system.
The Xenon will be offered as a single cab or a double cab, with 2WD and 4WD variants. Powering the Xenon is the 2.2-liter turbocharged DICOR engine which complies with Euro 5 emission norms. For the Australian market, the Xenon's emissions are rated at 196g/km, while average fuel economy is 13.51 km/l.
The Xenon produces 147.4 hp and 320 Nm of torque and comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The towing capacity is rated at 2,500 kg for a braked trailer and 750 kg for an unbraked trailer. While the single-cab has a cargo loading capacity of 1,080 kg, the double cab can accommodate up to 880 kg.
Standard equipment comes in the form of dual front airbags, power windows, body-colored bumpers, keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and a USB port. Tata will offer optional extras such as a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system, a reversing camera and parking sensors.
The Xenon has been priced from 22,990 AUD (INR 13.77 lakhs) for the base 4x2 single-cab to 29,990 AUD (INR 17.97 lakhs) for the top-end 4x4 double-cab. Fusion Automotive aims to sell about 2,800 units per annum.
