Tata's new XTs move Xenon upmarket

Published Oct 3, 2013

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Tata has expanded its Xenon one-tonner bakkie range in South Africa with four new XT-badged models boasting added features and safety.

They offer a somewhat more palatable alternative to Tata buyers willing to pay a few more rands.

Available in single- and double-cab variants, the XT range comes in four derivatives that sell side-by-side with the existing and more budget-oriented Xenon range.

The Indian-built bakkies at last join the 21st century with inflatable crash safety, and all four XT variants have dual front airbags. ABS anti-lock brakes are standard across both the Xenon and Xenon XT line-ups.

The XTs are sold with a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, all sharing a five-speed manual transmission. For enhanced offroad traction the double-cab versions are equipped with diff locks while the single cabs have limited-slip differentials.

UPGRADED ENGINE

XT derivatives are powered by a new-generation 2.2 turbodiesel engine. Compared to the older 2.2 engine used in the regular Xenon range, this direct-injection diesel gets a power boost from 103kW to 110kW. Maximum torque output is the same at 320Nm, but it’s available at lower revs so there’s less turbo lag, making it more driveable. The new engine’s also significantly quieter, while there’s also a claimed 12 percent economy improvement.

Specification levels are quite generous with all four Xenon XT models sold standard with features like aircon, electric windows, alloy wheels, front and rear foglamps, height-adjustable power steering, and remote central locking. All except for the 4x2 single cab version also come equipped with navigation, bluetooth, and an MP3 audio system. Unlike the regular Xenons, the front seats in the XTs are fitted with armrests to improve long-distance driving comfort.

Payload ability ranges from 975kg to 1225 depending on derivative, and the braked towing capacity is 1800kg for the 4x2 versions and 2200kg for the 4x4s.

The warranty period of the XTs is increased to four-years/120 000km (compared to three-years/100 000km on the standard Xenons) which includes roadside assistance, and all versions come with a five-year/90 000km service plan.

The Xenon XT 4x4s are available in Tata dealerships immediately, with the 4x2s arriving at the end of the month.

PRICES:

2.2 XT Single Cab 4x2 - R189 995

2.2 XT Single Cab 4x4 - R245 995

2.2 XT Double Cab 4x2 - R239 995

2.2 XT Double Cab 4x4 - R269 995

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