When Tata Motors introduced its most expensive offering in the form of its flagship crossover, it didn't quite take off well, despite being loaded with more features than one expected. But now, there's a more affordable, two-wheel-drive version.
The 4x2 Aria is powered by the same 2179cc, 138bhp DiCOR engine. But ditching the four-wheel-drive hardware means it's a lot lighter — 194kg to be exact. As a result, it feels much more sprightly and eager than its 4x4 cousin.
The 2.2-litre motor is very smooth, thanks to a dual mass flywheel which damps vibrations, and good sound deadening keeps the cabin quite hushed at most speeds. It's only at idle that you sense a little bit of shake because of the soft engine mounts. The clutch is quite heavy though and the notchy gearshift is cumbersome to operate.
The broad torque spread of this 16-valve engine with a variable geometry turbo is quite impressive. Unlike most turbo-diesels, which have a narrow rev band, this DiCOR unit has a nice and linear power delivery and can rev quite happily to 4600rpm though it's best to shift up well before that. What the Aria lacks is a bit of low-end punch; hence, you do need to drop down a gear when revs dip below 2000rpm and in traffic you can get bogged down with turbo-lag, which means more gearshifts than you want.
The highway is where the Aria can stretch its legs and come into its own. The punchy mid-range makes overtaking effortless and the Aria can be deceptively quick on open roads. The Aria is a happy cruiser and at 100kph, the motor is turning over lazily at 2100rpm, which makes this big crossover well-suited for long-distance journeys.
The Aria's suspension has been set up for comfort and it does a great job of cushioning its passengers from poor patches of road. This is especially true at low speeds where the Aria's soft setup soaks up all the broken tarmac and potholes. Sharp edges occasionally do filter through with a thump but otherwise the ride quality feels quite plush and comfortable.
The Aria is a big, tall and heavy vehicle and as a result there is considerable body roll during spirited cornering. The steering, like in most Tata cars, lacks proper feel and there's no getting away from the fact that the best way to drive the Aria is in a relaxed manner.
In the city, the Aria's terrific outside visibility is a boon but the big dimensions and heavy controls make it a chore to punt around in traffic. The parking sensors, which are standard on the Pleasure version, are indispensible.
The Aria's cabin is carried over from the 4x4 version and the interiors continue to be the best we have seen on a Tata product yet. Plastic quality is decent, the rotary headlight switch feels solid, and even the stalks are nice and chunky. But there are a few ergonomic issues — the driving position isn't ideal as the steering is too close to the driver and the pedals are too high. The footwell is narrow and there is no place to rest your clutch foot. Also, you keep hitting the steering-mounted audio controls unintentionally.
What you will really enjoy is the sheer size of the big and airy cabin with its generous seating. Rear seat or middle row passengers have it good with a seat that slides for more legroom and an adjustable backrest. The flat floor allows you to place your feet comfortably. There is decent space in the rear for luggage, with all seats in place. What's also good is the large and flat loading area you get when you flip the seats forward. Storage space for odds and ends is quite generous.
The 4x2 Tata Aria is lighter in weight and on your pockets. It's a considerable Rs. 64,000 cheaper than its 4x4 equivalent, spec for spec. While converting to a two-wheel-drive version does mean sacrificing its offroading abilities, it still retains its phenomenal ride, space and comfort, refinement and practical interiors. The fuel efficiency is better too.
It may not be a well-engineered car, but at the competitive price of Rs. 12.61 lakh, the lavishly equipped Aria is now a serious competitor.
