2011 Tata Aria Crossover Debut at New Delhi Auto Expo

The Tata Motors Group has unfolded the full scale of its product portfolio and the breadth of its technology capability with a display of 37 vehicles, from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, at the Auto Expo 2010, which opened here today. Among them are three new Tata vehicles, the Tata Aria, the Tata Venture, and the Tata Magic Iris. All the three will be commercially launched during 2010.

The Tata Aria, first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show in 2005, blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV.

Its unique design and construction ensures that it is as robust as it is elegant and comfortable. The dynamic exteriors bear a distinctive lunging silhouette complemented by a unique A-pillar sweep and a well planted stance. Wrap-around dual barreled headlamps enhance the signature Tata grill, while the chrome underlining the glasshouse creates a distinctive kinetic beltline.

Its 2.2 Litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, is mated, in the 4x4 option, with an all-wheel drive with torque on demand, which senses and distributes torque to the wheels in accordance with the terrain. Dual mass flywheel reduces NVH to the bare minimum level.

Unlike MPVs or SUVs, passengers can simply walk into the Tata Aria, rather than climbing up or getting down into the compartment. Once seated, one is wrapped in a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3d surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built in GPS with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control. The plush and spacious interiors come with three rows of theatre style seating. The second row slides and inclines, and the third row can fold flat along with the second to yield a large storage area.

The Tata Aria has established new benchmarks in safety. It boasts of top-of-the-line features like 6 airbags and ESP, offered by an Indian OEM for the first time. A chassis frame, constructed with advanced hydro formed members, coupled with a stiffened body cage, dual zone collapsible steering and airbags make the Tata Aria one of the safest vehicles in an exigency. It meets EEC safety regulations, which includes full frontal crash, offset crash and the side pole tests.