Tata Aria Mini in the Making; to Rival Ertiga and Quanto

The Indian auto giant, Tata Motors which has recently launched the price-cut version of its flagship crossover, the Aria LX is also working on a compact version of the similar vehicle, however the launch is still a year away. Entry of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga into the fast growing compact utility vehicle segment has no doubt changed the dynamics of the Indian automobile market, and that has been the reason why most automakers either have launched or working on the compact versions of their existing vehicles.

We have recently seen Mahindra Quanto, the compact version of the Xylo, which has bagged over 5,000 bookings in its first three weeks since launch, further proving the potential of the newly formed segment. Next to join the league is Tata Aria Mini, which is likely to come at sub Rs-10 lakh price that means about Rs 5 lakh lesser than the existing Aria's price.

As per the word on the street, the Aria Mini might not use the similar hydro-formed ladder-frame chassis, on which the fully grown-up Aria has been built, Tata might use the old Safari platform to make it shorter by around 200mm and sub-4 meter in length, which will further help it avail the benefits of the lower tax rates. But that's not the only requirement to come in below 12 per cent excise duty bracket, Tata Motors will have to install a below 1500cc capacity engine as well. So the company might source the frugal 1.3-litre Multijet used by the Ertiga, but in that case Tata Aria's weight will have to be reduced, which is about a tonne more than the Ertiga. However, nothing on the specifications have been said by the company officials, as that is still under discussion.

And like the newly launched Quanto and Renault Duster, the Mini version will be a 5+2 seater, having two jumper seats in the rear, which will further help it reduce the rear overhang even further. Stay tuned for more updates on the same. Cheers!

News Source: Overdrive

Image Courtesy: Team-BHP

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