Tata Aria - One of the very best MPVs in the segment

TATA Motors is trying to out of the Taxi-making car image and it was partly successful by some wonderful job on Manza- call this now one best VFM sedan and one hell of a car. With the launch of Aria it was even more successful in erasing that image.

Tata Aria is a 7-seater MPV powered by a 2179cc DiCOR 4-valve DOHC engine powered by diesel. The company offers four variants, Pleasure, Prestige, Prestige Leather, and Pride.

Design & Styling of the Tata Aria:
Aria is one of the best looking MPVs in the segment. It comes with 17 inch wheels neat chrome finish front grille, ORVM-integrated turn indicators, round-shaped fog lamps, vertical pillar mounted tail lamps, and sweptback headlamps that come with integrated turn indicators. Concisely Aria looks okay if not overwhelming or something unique. It kind of looks very balanced as well as proportionate as compared to Mahindra Xylo or Toyota Innova.

As regards the exterior dimensions of the Aria, she is huge and accommodates 7 people comfortably without having to squeeze for room. Dimensions with 4780mmx1895mmx1780mm and a 2850mm wheelbase with 200mm ground clearance Aria is one big mummy around. In fact, as compared to Innova the Tata Aria offers a more comfortable seating capacity for 7 passengers.

Interiors, entertainment and comfort features - Call the Tata Aria a fully loaded momma
Tata Aria comes equipped with features like infotainment system with GPS navigation, automatic climate control, mounted AC vent, music system with USB port, aux-in jack and 6 speakers, Tata Blue connect to pair up to 5 phones, the steering-mounted controls, and Bluetooth connection all make the Aria a look-forward-to kind of cabin. The options for interior color scheme include combinations of black with plum, black, or beige. There are 6 overhead storage bins on the roof, spacious luggage compartment with boot light, and adjustable seats for maximize cargo space, man she swallows a home-sized luggage.

Engine and wheel drive system:
Tata Aria's engine is a 2.2-liter DICOR powered by diesel and generates maximum power and torque of 140 Bhp and 320 Nm, respectively. The car features a 32-bit ECU, and 16V DOHC variable turbine technology which not only offers superior performance and reduced fuel consumption but is soft on environment (the feature helps lower the CO2 emissions).

Safety features of the Tata Aria
When it comes to safety of the passengers inside as well as to the vehicle, Aria comes with an array of active features including four wheel disc brakes, reverse guide system, and six airbags. The passive features include the adjustable seatbelts (come with pretensioners) ESP, an ABS with EBD.

Tata Aria comes in eight shades, Arctic Silver, Castelle Gray, Sardinia Red, Walnut Gold, Pearl White, Surf Blue, Quartz Black, and Night Shade Black. All of the Aria variants (Pleasure, Prestige, Prestige Leather and Pride) come with a 2200cc Dicor, 140 Bhp Power and 320 NM torque engine, all- wheel disc brakes, dual mass flywheel, ABS, 2 DIN Music system along with six speakers, dual air conditioning system, 16-inches steel wheels, interior scheme-beige and dark beige, fabric upholstery, chrome wheel as well as door handles. Other common features include keyless entry, adjustable lumbar support, adjustable OSRVM and power steering, power windows, and sun visor with lighted vanity mirror, puddle lamp, turn indicators on OSRVMs and twin exhaust. There are front and rear mud flaps, scuff plates, body colored door handles, rear number plate garnish chrome border and windshield defogger, electrically operated fuel lid and tailgate opening, follow me home and glove box lamps. Additional features are soft touch cockpit, wood trim, adjustable driver's seat, first row armrests, fog lights, LCD display screen, driver information system, and goggle cases, rear washer and wiper, power outlet, and body colored side mouldings.



In addition to the aforesaid features, the Prestige variant has electronic stability program, traction control system, rain sensing wipers, darkness sensing head lights, black and plum interior, Tata blue Bluetooth, 17 inch alloy wheels, parcel shelf, cooled glove box, full chrome grill, body colored with chrome side mouldings and door handles, and power retractable outside rear view mirrors.

In addition to all features present in Prestige the Prestige Leather comes with all leather interiors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped gear knob. The Aria Pride comes with the same features as that of the Prestige Leather but with a total of six side airbags and curtain airbags, cruise control, GPS-enabled navigation system, a reverse-assist camera with display on GPS system

The prices of different variants (New Delhi ex-showroom with taxes excluded):
Tata Aria Pleasure Rs.12.9 lakhs
Tata Aria Prestige Rs.14.1 lakhs
Tata Aria Prestige Leather Rs.14.5 lakhs
Tata Aria Pride Rs.15.5 lakhs

Final word:
Somewhat looks very outdated especially from the front, besides priced very high that could deter people going and checking out the Aria. But power as well as economy of the engine will compensate any let downs to the MPV. Cheers to TATA for some good crossover.