Tata Motors launches new lifestyle pickup

Tata Motors launched the new lifestyle pick-up, Xenon Cross Terrain (XT), here today.

The four-door five passenger vehicle is powered by the company's 2.2 VTT DICOR engine delivering peak power of 140 PS and peak torque of 320 Nm. It will be available in two models -- the 4x2 for Rs 7.62 lakh and 4x4 for Rs 8.58 lakhs -- with a warranty of 75,000 km/ two years.

For safety and comfort, Xenon will sport power steering and windows, central locking and electrically adjustable ORVMs.

''It would be difficult to classify the segment in which the Xenon belongs to as there are no reference points as far as the Indian market goes. It is a robust product and follows the company's policy of entering and developing a new market and segment, said Tata Motors president (Passenger Cars) Rajiv Dube at the launch.

He said the Xenon would not replace its workhorse -- the TM 4x4, and that both the vehicles were in seperate segments altogether.

''The Xenon is a lifestyle product with a host of accessories to customize available at the dealerships. We are looking at the growing segment of customers looking for SUVs or similar products.'' It is the first vehicle to roll out from the joint efforts of Tata Motors' commercial and passanger car divisions.

''This is the sixth vehicle to be launched by us in the last 14 months including the Fiat Linea, and will be followed by the 'Nano', a MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) and SUV combined vehicle and the Grand Punto,'' said Mr Dube.

''We are facing a tough market but our portfolio of vehicles are catering to the different segments. Right now we have a problem of plenty, and are looking for appropriate spaces as far as dealership and marketing teams are concerned,'' he added.

Tata Motors has already shipped 6,000 units to its overseas markets including Thailand, South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia Italy and Poland.