Tata 407 Gold SFC

Tata 407 Gold SFC

Tata Motors’ 407 Gold SFC, a 4T gross vehicle weight (GVW) LCV diesel truck, dominates the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market in India.

One key factor that gives Tata Motors an edge in the highly competitive LCV truck market of India is the strong powertrain performance of the 407 Gold SFC LCV truck.

Other factors that make the Tata 407 Gold SFC dominant in the LCV segment are its excellent gradeability rating of 40 percent, standard power steering, the latest H2LS braking system, banjo-type rear axle, and comfort-oriented features such as a high-quality music system with Blaupunkt speakers, a USB charging port, and a gear shift advisor.

In addition to these features, the vehicle also comes with a standard telematics kit fitted to help owners and drivers in vehicular operations, as well as a fleet App for owners and managers to monitor vehicle and driver performance. These aspects also contribute to its high desirability among LCV customers in India.

Other major attributes of this truck that add to the reasons why it is highly popular and has dominated the 4T GVW LCV segment are its strong brand value, reliability, top-class performance, the ability to help earn higher profit, and higher resale value in the used truck market associated with this commercial vehicle.

Hence, it can be undoubtedly stated that the Tata 407 Gold SFC, which has a legacy in the LCV segment and comes at a starting price of Rs. 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom), is the best LCV truck that you can buy for your fleet.

Tata 407 Gold SFC Performance

The Tata 407 Gold SFC truck is powered by a legendary 3.0-litre BS6-compliant diesel engine. It produces 100hp at 2800rpm and a peak torque of 300Nm at 1200-2200rpm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which ideally facilitates better power delivery and fuel efficiency.

Interestingly, the Tata 407 Gold SFC offers a powertrain performance that is identical to the power figures of its big brother, the Tata 510 SFC TT in the 5 T GVW category. Further, the 407 Gold SFC provides a higher gradeability rating of 40 percent compared to the Tata 510 SFC TT, which manages to provide 38 percent.

Tata 407 Gold SFC: Technical Specifications 

The Tata 407 Gold SFC has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 4650kg and a payload capacity of 2267kg. As mentioned earlier, it comes with a gradeability of 40 percent. 

Furthermore, it is equipped with parabolic springs with rubber bush and two hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers at the front, as well as semi-elliptical leaf springs and two hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers at the rear.

The Tata truck is also equipped with a vacuum-assisted hydraulic braking system and an auto slack adjuster for efficient braking performance and minimal brake wear. It features a 60-litre fuel tank and is fitted with tyres sized 7.00 R 16LT, 12PR. The truck also has a wheelbase of 2955mm and offers a ground clearance of 209mm.

Tata 407 Gold SFC Features

The vehicle is quite rich in features. There is a comprehensive driver information display which shows air pressure, speed, brake, seat belt warning, temperature, fuel economy, and DPF Regeneration warning. It also comes with good internal connectivity. 

The music system has high-quality Blaupunkt speakers. There is also a gear shift advisor to help drivers get maximum fuel efficiency. It even gets a low hysteresis clutch along with a clutch booster for effortlessly engaging the clutch and for better driveability. Other than these, it gets a serrated coupling flange propeller shaft for better reliability and maintenance. 

Apart from these features, there is a white illumination facia and light around the ignition switch which helps the driver to enter the cabin at night and to start the vehicle without difficulties. 

Tata 407 Gold SFC Rivals

While the Tata 407 Gold SFC is a value-for-money product that has been dominant in the LCV segment, it does face competition from the likes of other LCV trucks such as the Eicher Pro 2049, Mahindra Jayo, and the Ashok Leyland Partner.

Overview:

India’s light-duty commercial vehicle (LCV) market is highly competitive with several top brands looking to offer value-for-money business propositions to customers. Some of the brands that are aiming to offer light-duty trucks in India are Tata Motors,  Ashok Leyland, Eicher, BharatBenz and Mahindra. 

Speaking of Tata Motors, its 407 model LCV truck has been the first choice among truck buyers for many decades now. Launched back in 1986, Tata Motors claims that the 407 has come a long way to become one of the safest LCVs currently available in the market.

Known today as the Tata 407 Gold SFC, that carries the original DNA of the 1986 407 truck, Tata asserts that the new 407 Gold SFC truck continues to offer the same compelling business advantage to truck owners that the original 407 offered.

The 407 Gold SFC is a light truck that serves both the urban and rural cargo needs of customers. It is compact in design, comes with a robust engine and aggregates, and is reliable. Looking to learn more about the Tata 407 Gold SFC to make an informed decision? You're in the right place. Read on:

Exterior Design:

One of the unique selling propositions of the 407 Gold SFC platform is its original 407 look and feel, despite its debut being decades ago. The cabin, sharp grille, and unique nose make it stand out from other trucks in its segment. It is the only truck that has a semi-forward cabin (SFC) design in the LCV segment.

Despite the revamp, Tata Motors has not changed much in terms of design. The 4450kg GVW (gross vehicle weight) category cargo truck comes with a load body of 8.3 feet in length, 6.5 feet in width, and a height of 1.06 feet. It gets the 7.00-R16LT 12 PR tyre, and a 60-litre fuel tank fitted on the side. 

Interior:

The cabin is packed with features such as a high-quality music system with Blaupunkt speakers, a high-speed USB mobile charger, and a new multi-function ergonomic instrument cluster with a gear shift advisor. It has Melba fabric seats that make the cabin ergonomic, and comfortable in both summer and winter.

The Tata truck’s new-generation instrument cluster also displays a trip indication, fuel level, DEF level, air pressure, seat belt warning, engine temperature, DPF regeneration, time, and fault-related indications. Apart from these, the cabin has white illumination fascia and an ignition switch for easy accessibility.

Performance:

Performance is another area where the 407 Gold SFC has a proven track record. The Tata truck gets a 4SPCR engine, which produces 134hp, and 300Nm at around 1200-2200rpm. This makes the SFC truck suitable for market load, fruits and vegetables, FMCG, White Goods, e-commerce, parcel and courier, LPG cylinders, poultry, cash van, milk, bottle carriers, and fish and fish feed applications.

The 407 Gold SFC also offers higher load-carrying capacity and reduced leakage risks with a banjo-type rear axle. The truck even has superior ride comfort with a parabolic leaf spring and hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers in the front and a semi-elliptical leaf spring with hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers in the rear.

Constructed with high-strength steel (800MPa) for superior tensile strength, the chassis of the 407 Gold SFC is the strongest in its segment. Its bolted design enhances modularity and its serrated coupling flange propeller shafts offer better reliability and lower maintenance.

Further, the truck is equipped with H2LS brakes which offer better efficiency and help in better control. The brake setup is basically maintenance-free and durable.

Safety:

Indian trucks have rapidly progressed with safety now a top priority for truck owners. OEMs are integrating numerous in-built and standalone safety features to enhance truck, driver, and cargo safety. The 407 Gold SFC is no exception; it is equipped with necessary safety features, including a tough and sturdy SFC cabin, and robust suspension and brakes. 

Verdict: 

Taking a closer look at the Tata 407 Gold SFC, it seems like a value-for-money truck in the light-duty cargo carrier segment which gives you good mileage, durability, and higher payload and comes at an affordable price tag. 

Key standout features of the Tata 407 Gold SFC include the newly refined engine, larger cargo bodies, a modern and contemporary cabin, and superior build quality.