Tata Magic Iris Revealed in New Delhi - Targets Cyclists

Tata Magic Iris 2011

Tata introduced an oddly-shaped new people carrier at the Auto Expo 2010, being held in the Indian capital of New Delhi. The Tata Magic Iris seats five, including the driver, and is meant to compete with three-wheeled vehicles.

The Magic Iris uses a 611-cc water-cooled diesel engine capable of launching the car to a massive top speed of 55 km/h. The 11.2-horsepower engine provides better acceleration than most of the country's trikes, and requires less overall maintenance.

Those in India can expect to see the Tata Magic Iris used as a short-haul taxi, visciously competing with the nation's auto-rickshaws. Tata will launch sales for the vehicle later this year.

Special thanks to IndianAutosBlog.com for the live photos.

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The Tata Magic Iris is a four-wheel small passenger carrier in the public transportation space. In keeping with the company's objective to offer safe and comfortable mobility, the Tata Magic Iris aims at upgrading the quality of travel for those who depend on three-wheelers.

Its spacious car-like cabin can comfortably seat four passengers - three at the back and one in the front beside the driver. The four wheels - either in options of 12-inch radials or 10-inch cross-ply - controlled by a steering provide car-like on-road stability, while the hard roof, made of sheet metal, provides car-like safety. In addition, car-like clear lens headlamps and tail lights also enhance safety.

The steering and the cable shift transmission offer car-like driving ease. The 611-cc water cooled diesel engine, backed by a 10-litre fuel tank, is capable of running larger distances with a top speed of about 55 kmph and yet higher engine life. With a power of 11.3 PS (higher than small three-wheelers), the engine provides higher pulling power, gradeability and faster trips, resulting in higher earnings for the operator. The aggregates ensure lower maintenance cost. With its bouquet of features, the Tata Magic Iris will be the ideal small passenger carrier which will upgrade both the quality of public transportation and also the income of their owners.

The Tata Magic Iris will be commercially launched during 2010.

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N20_Purge

WAT?! So if some fat guy sits at the front, the van is going to do a reverse wheelie. :|

January 6, 2010 4:03 pm

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sris

WCF.. y this?? where's the Aria?? this is supposed to be a local replacement for the auto rickshaws.. n I'm sure this is better!!

January 6, 2010 4:05 pm

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3 replies

BrianWCF

We have to space out the Tata stories or we start getting complaints. Aria is coming up in a few minutes.

January 6, 2010 7:01 pm

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carcrazy1234

complaints from who exactly?? lol

January 6, 2010 11:39 pm

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rajasthanleo

Due to this attitude, number of european brands are going in chinese, Indian Hand and US market is captured by Japanese. :D

February 16, 2010 1:31 pm

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dmanero

This is good enough for the crusher, another piece of junk from TATA. They're a joke to the industry.

January 6, 2010 4:06 pm

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3 replies

sris

come on.. thats easy for u say.. u must understand the situation here, n that Tata is actually providing to this segment, where as no other company is even trying to get into it.. n even developing a vehicle at this segment is a challenge.. its not just Ferraris n Hummers that are tough to develop, the Nano is as tough!! :)

January 6, 2010 4:13 pm

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joshg_5

Exactly sris

January 6, 2010 4:39 pm

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Edison

Not that you would care, but having been to India and having ridden in auto-rickshaws I can tell you that multitudes will appreciate this vehicle and it will be much better, safer, and less-polluting. Yeah, it may not be glamorous, no its not fast, but TATAs are a good value, take a beating, and mobilize a country with over 1 billion people! BTW, TATA will be laughing all the way to the bank if they price this right.

January 7, 2010 5:05 am

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teuton

LOL dmanero, exactly my thought!

January 6, 2010 4:10 pm

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RF85

puke on wheels

January 6, 2010 4:18 pm

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mmr66

HAHAHAHHAH LOL i love how he says "a massive top speed of 55 km/h" lol nice one

January 6, 2010 4:31 pm

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Tushar

that must be a typo. may be 55 mph. WCF where is ARIA?

January 6, 2010 4:38 pm

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joshg_5

This is awesome. Mr. Tata is really doing some amazing things for the betterment and safety of the people on the streets of India. All you guys criticizing this as bad, you're looking at it from the wrong perspective entirely. Put yourself in the shoes of a household with an income of less than $10,000 and see what you can afford, and then look again at what Tata has to offer...

January 6, 2010 4:38 pm

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rorycarguy

I have to say , this must have been a difficult vehicle to develop . Stop hati it , sure in europe or the the united states , this vehicle wouldnt make sense but in developing conjested countries it is perfect . I like it , its clever and in very conjested cities , ur probably not going to go faster than 55

January 6, 2010 4:49 pm

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DrPlacebo

This is the only city car I've seen with similar emphasis on cargo. I see nothing wrong; not everything is a mercedes.

January 6, 2010 5:01 pm

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joshg_5

Thank you Rory and Dr.

January 6, 2010 5:11 pm

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Mikeado

I get the whole replacing-dangerous-stuff-with-cars, but that's really not a good environmental decision. And why must it look like a squashed frog?

January 6, 2010 5:19 pm

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1 reply

sris

its actually better than a 2 stroke vehicle.. ;) n the squashed frog thing... erm.. heh heh!!

January 6, 2010 5:28 pm

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Scuderia-Paul

I agree that it makes some sense in LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries) such as India and that in Europe and the USA it would be easily outclassed and deemed somewhat unnecessary but that does not detract from the feeling that it looks like a frog that has something shoved up it's... boot. It looks quite shocked but strangely content.

January 6, 2010 5:36 pm

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need4speed

i dont find the need to get worked up over tata. i find their brand is well suited for its market place. it is only when they think they can bring these cars to the european and north american markets do i start to cringe. peace world.

January 6, 2010 5:39 pm

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