The Tata Ace is a mini-truck (similar to Japanese Kei truck) launched in May 2005 by Tata Motors in India. It is in competition with the prevalent three-wheeled goods carriers from Bajaj Auto, Piaggio, Mahindra and Force Motors.
In December 2000 Girish Wagh was given a brief by Ravi Kant to create a new very light truck line that would add to Tata's current truck range. It was to be economical and to take on the three-wheeled cargo auto rickshaws in the Indian market. Based on this brief Wagh approached users of three-wheel cargo rickshaws and got their feed back on Tata's future four-wheel cargo vehicle. The feedback indicated the need for an economical vehicle that could take light loads over short distances. Additionally the feedback also revealed that future owners would prefer owning a four-wheeler cargo vehicle for the perceived prestige it would offer over a three-wheeled vehicle.
Tata Ace has created a new mini segment in India. Priced between 2.25 to 3.35 lakhs INR, the company aims to convert three-wheeler users to four-wheelers.
The standard Ace HT is powered by a two-cylinder 702 cc engine, delivering 16 hp (12 kW) at 3200 rpm and a torque of 3.8 m·kgf (37 N·m) at 2000 rpm. It has a permissible loading capacity of 750 kg (1650 lb). It is equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and has a top speed of 60 kmph. The Ace HT has a modern cabin compared to its three-wheeler rivals. It is best suited for use by villagers in carrying goods over short distances.
The Ace EX adds a five-speed gearbox, stop-start and larger wheels (13" over 12") and wider tyres (155 rather than 145), and a top speed of 70 kmph. Perfect for mini picnics.
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| Engine |
| Model | Tata 275 IDI NA |
| Type | 4 stroke, naturally aspirated, indirect injection diesel engine |
| Max engine output | 16 HP @ 3200 rpm |
| Max torque | 37.5 Nm @ 2000 rpm |
| Capacity | 702 cc |
| Emission norms | Euro II |
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| Gearbox |  |
| Model | GBS 65-4/5.27 |
| No of gears | 4 forward 1 reverse |
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| No of Suspension |  |
| Type | Parabolic leaf spring at front and rear |
| Shock absorber | Hydraulic double acting telescopic type |
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| Frame |  |
| Ladder type cranked frame with inverted hat section long members and welded across members, depth: 122mm (max.) width: 63mm (max.) |
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| Brakes |  |
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| Clutch |  |
| Type | Single plate dry friction diaphragm type |
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| Chassis dimensions |  |
| Wheel base (mm) | 2100 |
| Overall length (mm) | 1500 |
| Max width (mm) | 3800 |
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| Vehicle weight |  |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 815 |
| GVW (kg) | 1550 |
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|  | |
| Vehicle performance |
| Speed | 64 kmph |
| Gradability | 16% |
| Minimum turning circle diameter in mm | 8.6 |
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Super Ace:
The Tata Super Ace is a 1 Ton diesel mini truck ideal for Intra City Applications and Last Mile Distribution, it offers a loading deck length of 2630 mm (the longest in its class) and a top speed of 125 kmph (78 mph). The Super Ace has a miserly turning radius of 5.1 m and boasts a mileage of 14 kmpl( 8.75 mpl). Which means it can cover an impressive 440 km per its 38 litre Fuel Tank. It has a three-way drop load body which provides a mere 60 cm height for comfortable loading and unloading.
Model SUPER ACE Engine Tata 475 TCIC(BSIII) Engine capacity CC 1405 CC Max engine output 70 hp @ 4500 rpm Max engine Torque 13.8 mkg @ 25000 rpm Fuel tank capacity 38 liters Clutch and transmission Clutch Single plate dry friction diaphragm type Gearbox Synchromesh 5+1 Steering Power assisted hydraulic Rack & pinion Suspension Front Mc Pherson strut with anti roll bar Rear Leaf Spring with Telescopic Shock absorber Brakes Front "Hydraulic dual circuit,vaccum assisted,automatic wear adjuster Disc brake" Rear Drum Brakes Wheels & Tyres Tyres 165 R14 LT 8PR Dimensions Wheelbase 2380mm Width 1565mm Length 4340mm height 1858mm Front track 1340mm Rear track 1320mm Ground clearance 160mm Load body dimensions(mm) 2630x1460x300 Turning Circle Radius 5.10m Weights GVW 2180 kg Kerb weight 1180 kg Performance Gradability 39% Top speed 125kmph
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Engine
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Model
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Tata 475 IDI TCIC
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Type
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4 stroke, water
cooled, indirect injection, turbo charged intercooled diesel engine
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Max engine output
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70 HP @ 4500 rpm
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Max torque
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135 Nm @ 2500 rpm
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Capacity
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1405 cc
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Emission norms
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Euro II, Euro III
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Gearbox
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Model
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GBS 65-5.07
synchromesh (5 forward gears), sliding mesh (reverse gear)
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No of gears
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5 forward, 1
reverse
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No
of Suspension
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Type
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Front :
independent, strut type
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Rear : parabolic
leaf spring
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Shock absorber
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Hydraulic
double-acting telescopic type
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Clutch
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Type
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Single plate dry
friction diaphragm type
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Chassis
dimensions
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Wheel base (mm)
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2380
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Overall length
(mm)
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4340
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Max width (mm)
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1565
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Vehicle
weight
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Kerb weight (kg)
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1240
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GVW (kg)
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2240
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Vehicle
performance
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Speed
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125 kmph
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Gradability
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39%
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Minimum turning
circle diameter in mm
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10.2 m
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Magic:
In June 2007 Tata Motors launched the passenger variant of the Ace, named Magic featuring an all-steel cabin. It offers a flexible seating capacity of 4-7 passengers with adequate legroom. Powered by a 16 bhp (12 kW), 702 cc water-cooled diesel engine, the Magic offers high fuel efficiency and very low maintenance. The Magic's turning radius of 4.3 metres (14.1 ft) is nimble enough to navigate the bylanes and traffic of India's crowded cities. The Magic has a clearly visible instrument cluster, utility tray and a digital clock in the dashboard and also a provision for fitting a radio.
The Magic meets BS-III emission norms and has been developed for use in any market — be it urban, semi-urban or rural. It is backed by a 36,000 km/12-month warranty. The Magic range starts at Rs 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).
Manufacturing locations:
The mini truck is now produced at the facility in Pantnagar, Uttarkhand although it was initially manufactured at Pune. The Tata Ace was succeeded in creating an entirely new segment that competitors are known to be working on different models to compete against the Tata Ace.
