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Tata Aria: A Comprehensive Review
The Tata Aria was an ambitious attempt by Tata Motors to create a premium crossover that blended the ruggedness of an SUV with the comfort of an MPV. Launched in 2010, it was one of the first vehicles from an Indian manufacturer to offer advanced features, premium interiors, and a powerful engine. While the model has been discontinued, it remains an important milestone in Tata Motors' history.
This article explores the design, performance, features, and market position of the Tata Aria, along with its impact on the automotive industry.
1. Design and Exterior
The Tata Aria had a distinctive design that combined the muscular stance of an SUV with the sleek lines of an MPV. The front fascia featured a wide grille with Tata’s signature design language, complemented by large swept-back headlamps. The bumper was well-sculpted, housing fog lamps and air intakes that added to its bold look.
From the side, the Aria had a long, aerodynamic profile with flared wheel arches and stylish alloy wheels. The rear end was neatly designed with vertically stacked tail lamps and a large tailgate, ensuring easy access to the luggage compartment. The overall design was a departure from traditional Tata models, aiming for a more premium and international appeal.
2. Interior and Comfort
The cabin of the Tata Aria was one of its standout features. It was spacious, with a three-row seating configuration that could comfortably accommodate seven passengers. Premium materials, soft-touch plastics, and wood-finish panels were used extensively to enhance the luxurious feel.
Key interior features included:
Leather Upholstery: The top variants came with plush leather seats that offered excellent comfort.
Dual Air Conditioning: The Aria had automatic climate control with separate vents for second and third-row passengers.
Infotainment System: A touchscreen system with Bluetooth connectivity, USB, and AUX support provided entertainment and navigation options.
Storage and Space: The Aria offered generous storage spaces, including cup holders, glove compartments, and foldable armrests.
The driver’s seat was height adjustable, and the steering wheel had mounted controls, ensuring ease of operation. The cabin insulation was also improved to minimize outside noise, adding to the premium feel.
3. Engine and Performance
The Tata Aria was powered by a 2.2-liter DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) diesel engine. This four-cylinder engine produced 140 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission.
The vehicle was available in both 2WD (front-wheel drive) and 4WD (all-wheel drive) variants. The 4WD system featured an advanced torque-on-demand mechanism that automatically distributed power between the front and rear wheels for better traction on rough terrain.
Performance Highlights:
Acceleration & Top Speed: The Aria could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in around 14 seconds and had a top speed of approximately 170 km/h.
Fuel Efficiency: It delivered an average mileage of 12-15 km/l, depending on driving conditions.
Suspension & Ride Quality: The independent double wishbone suspension at the front and five-link suspension at the rear ensured a smooth ride, even on bumpy roads.
While the Aria was not the fastest in its segment, it offered a refined driving experience, with excellent high-speed stability and minimal body roll.
4. Features and Technology
The Tata Aria was ahead of its time in terms of features, offering several segment-first technologies.
Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Six Airbags (Front, Side, and Curtain)
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Traction Control System
Cruise Control
Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
Comfort & Convenience:
Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start
Steering-Mounted Audio Controls
Automatic Wipers and Headlamps
Electrically Adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear-View Mirrors)
These features made the Tata Aria one of the most feature-rich cars in its segment, challenging established rivals in terms of technology.
5. Variants and Pricing
The Aria was available in multiple variants, including:
Pure (Base Model) – Offered essential features at an affordable price.
Pleasure – Mid-range variant with additional comfort features.
Prestige – Premium version with luxury-oriented additions.
Pride (Top Model) – Fully loaded variant with 4WD and all safety features.
When launched, the Tata Aria’s price ranged between ₹10-15 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and location.
6. Market Reception and Sales Performance
Despite being a feature-packed vehicle, the Aria struggled in the market due to several reasons:
High Price: It was priced higher than competitors like the Toyota Innova, making it less attractive to buyers.
Brand Perception: Tata Motors was still seen as a commercial vehicle brand, and customers were hesitant to pay a premium for a Tata product.
Fuel Efficiency Concerns: While decent for an SUV, its mileage was lower than MPV rivals, making it less appealing for family buyers.
Sales remained slow, and Tata eventually repositioned the Aria by introducing lower-priced variants. However, the competition was tough, and the model was eventually phased out.
Image source: CarWale
7. Legacy and Successor
Although the Tata Aria did not succeed commercially, it laid the foundation for the Tata Hexa, which addressed many of its shortcomings. The Hexa featured an improved design, better pricing, and refined performance, making it more successful in the market.
The Aria also helped Tata Motors develop expertise in premium vehicle manufacturing, which later contributed to the success of models like the Harrier and Safari.
8. Conclusion
The Tata Aria was a bold experiment by Tata Motors, showcasing the brand’s capability to build a premium crossover. While it faced market challenges, it was a well-engineered product that offered a great mix of comfort, technology, and safety.
For enthusiasts, the Aria remains a significant model in Tata’s history, demonstrating the company’s ambition to compete with global brands in the premium segment.
FAQs About Tata Aria
1. What were the key features of the Tata Aria?
2. What engine options were available in the Tata Aria?
3. How fuel-efficient was the Tata Aria?
4. What safety features did the Tata Aria offer?
5. Was the Tata Aria available in a 4WD version?
6. What were the different variants of the Tata Aria?
7. Why did Tata discontinue the Aria?
8. How does the Tata Aria compare to the Toyota Innova?
9. What was the price range of the Tata Aria?
10. Is the Tata Aria a good second-hand buy today?
