Tata Motors is here with a New Car called the Aria. An array of luxury features, Italian design and a Tata badge, the company is branding the car as a ‘New Breed’. The new Tata Aria is indeed a test product for Indian customers to challenge their psyche and see whether they will be ready to shell out an extra penny for luxuries offered in a Tata tag.

Tata Motors had introduced the Aria in the Indian market two weeks back, with a host of new features and completely new design and looks. Let’s take a closer look.

Exteriors of Tata Aria

For once, we believe that Tata has not given a reason to complain about the looks of its cars. To begin with, 17/235 tyres give a powerful outlook to the car. The model looks well proportioned and the rear styling with overall sharp detailing looks good too. The new Tata Aria clearly scores points in its looks and stance. Tata has managed to do away with its boxy shaped styles and compete with or even exceed the looks of the Innova.

The front styling is a clear adaption from the Indigo Manza and suits the size of SUV. The front carries a clear lens head lamp with the insert of a long indicator lamp. There is a large front bumper, round fog lamp and black insert. There is ample of room for cooling air to enter the engine compartment.

Though it looks quite good, we did feel that if the front portion was stretched bit, it would have been more impressive.

The side view of the Tata Aria grabs interest for its lengthy body. The dynamics seem very well taken care of. The car has glossy paint, high ground clearance, and a smooth styling of body. Together with the tyre size this gives a perfect impression of contemporary sporty SUV. We find it to be much improved when compared to body shape of Innova or a Xylo.

As far as the rear side is concerned, Tata still sticks to the shape of Vista and the only striking difference is the dimensions and two exhaust outlets which are intended to give sporty image.

Interiors of the Tata Aria

Designed by Italian auto designers, the team has created space in the car where-ever they could. Tata Aria’s interiors come with enough pockets, leg space, holders and cubby holes to hold things from big to small to odd. Large families are really going to love travelling in this model as well as those who often ride a long haul journey.

Though the model is an eight-seater, Tata Motors has not taken the third seat passengers fully into account. The Tata Aria poses spacing problems for the last row passengers as had the Tata Sumo Grande.

The middle row of the Aria features foldable arm rests with which it can be used as two seater with arm rest or as three seater without armrest as required. The middle row has ample leg space and comfortable seating posture and cushioning. It gives a feel of luxury with high quality interiors, good and seating.

The fully loaded model comes with steering mounted controls, GPS based navigation system, Electronic Stability Programme, Traction Control System, CD changer, bluetooth connectivity, USB/aux-in port, a reverse camera with parking sensors, eight airbags, climate control, and cruise control.

The Aria also comes with Roof utility bins which are very useful for holding spectacles, keys, etc. Other features like chilled Glove box, magazine holder, vanity mirror with lights, puddle lamp, luggage room light and 12v charging point all add to the convenience

Even the mid-variant Tata Aria Prestige comes with swanky features like 5 phone connectivity Tata Blue Connection, Glove Box chiller, headlamps with Darkness Sensing capabilities, Automatic Rain Sensing wipers, Reverse guide system powered by Ultrasonic and an Automatic Climate control with dual AC.

Engine

The all new Tata Aria comes with a 2.2 litre, DICOR CRDI Diesel Engine with dual mass flywheel. The maximum torque generated is 320Nm @ 2000rpm and a maximum power of 140bhp at 4000rpm. The acceleration capability is impressive for a car of its size. The Tata Aria has the ability to cross 100kmph in 14 seconds and a top speed of 170kmph can be achieved. Other technical specs include a ground clearance of 200MM, turning circle radius of 5.6M, and a Fuel tank capacity of 60 Litres. The car carries disc brakes at both front and rear wheels. Expected mileage is 10 to 12kmpl.

Colour options and price of the Aria

Tata Aria is available in three variants – Pleasure, Prestige and Pride. It is available in a range of colours, including Castelle Red, Arctic Silver, Walnut Gold, Surf Blue, Sardinia Red, Quartz Black, Pearl white, and Night Shade black. Tata Aria Pleasure is priced at Rs. 12.91 lakh, Tata Aria Prestige at Rs. 14.13- 14.5 lakh (depending upon upholstery) and Tata Aria Pride at Rs. 15.5 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

Test Drive of Tata Aria

Getting into Aria is an exciting thing, as the feeling is palpable of it being a totally different car. Once seated in the Aria the first thing to notice is the interior fit and finish .The seating position is comfortable and snug and the Steering wheel, dashboard and arm rests etc give a great impression and show that good attention has been paid.

As the Tata Aria engine is the same as the Safari we expected starting and drive similar to the Safari. However once we start the car, we noticed the extra technology added to Aria. The Engine gives a super smooth performance, and noise and vibrations are reduced to large extent, thanks to dual mass flywheel employed in the Aria.

The drive quality is quite smooth. With a turning circle radius of 5.6 meter, taking sharp turns is not a problem. However one has to keep in mind the size of the car and small allies are somewhat difficult to manoeuvre.

The improvised independent wish bone suspension gives a smooth ride and bumps are taken in stride.

The car has good power and we were able to smoothly accelerate while driving. Overtaking is not an issue either. Also, braking is good and the car comes to a halt smoothly.

Comparison

Considering the price range, features and , power, the competition for the Tata Aria would be from the Toyota Innova top end model and the Basic version of Ford Endeavour. Other SUV like higher variants of Endeavour, Chevrolet Captiva, and Toyota Fortuner are ahead in parameters and fall in a different class.

Conclusion

While Tata definitely has a loyal customer base in the country many would think about owning a Tata car as a social status symbol. Thus, the new Tata Aria has a lot to face in the Indian market – tough contemporary models from Japanese auto makers, a hefty price tag and above all an Indian mindset.

Tata Aria is clearly a bold new entry from Tata Motors. The aim seems to have been to provide an SUV with best of interior options, safety features, and a sense of comfort. Its build quality, proven performance engine, and impressive interiors are boosting factors. A disadvantage is the Front portion, which though good in styling, is similar to the Vista and Manza, which gives a sense of owning a big brother of Manza.

As far as price is concerned, we would have loved it with a ticket 2 lakh or so lower. But there is good justification from Tata Motors with a hike in manufacturing cost, and the list of features in particular variant.

All in all Tata Aria has all ingredients to make it a preferred SUV. Do take a test drive and let us know what you think.