Overview

Talk about quality and convenience in the entry-level small pickup vehicle segment and you have the Tata Ace right at your palm’s reach. The giant Indian automaker had introduced the ‘Ace’ brand a very long time back but continues to bring newer variants to keep a hold on the competitive market in a very strong way.

And thus came the new variant of the sub-one tonne pickup, the Tata Ace Gold. Launched in April 2018, the company priced this new mini-van at Rs. 3.75 lakhs. The Ace brand does enjoy a very good record in the sector as it has sold more than two million units ever since it was first introduced back in 2005.

The Tata Ace Gold is an amazing mini truck for the small freight cargo transportation companies and is taken up by delivery services and packers and movers too.

Specs

• Engine - IDI 0.7 Litre 2 Cylinder Engine
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GWV) - 1,550 kg
• Wheelbase - 2,100 mm
• Power steering - No

Engine and Performance

The Tata Ace Gold is powered by a 0.7-litre IDI two-cylinder engine which is compliant with the BS-IV emission norms. The engine can generate up to 16 bhp of power at 3,200 rpm along with a peak torque of 39 Nm, which comes at 2,000 rpm. The produced power is channelled to the wheels via a manual gearbox, which is assisted by a single-plate dry-friction diaphragm clutch.

The mini truck can run at a maximum speed of 60 kmph, which is enough for small freight movers. The power production may be on the lower side but the high amount of torque makes it possible to carry goods without seeming underpowered.

Vehicle Built and Load Capacity

The Tata Ace Gold is a perfect replica of all the goodness of the standard Ace. It has a very compact body that is very convenient to handle. There is a D+1 day cabin built on the chassis with a carrier deck.

The mini-van has an overall length of 3,800 mm, but the wheelbase is pretty long 2,100 mm. The truck has a total weight of 1,550 kilograms, out of which, the payload capacity is 710 kilograms. The ground clearance of 150 mm isn’t that great to be taken on bad roads. However, considering that it is an entry-level mini truck, it serves the purpose on normal city roads pretty well.

Handling and Suspension

The new Tata Ace Gold has mechanical steering in place instead of the popular and demanded power steering, which can be considered to be a minor flaw. However, since the pickup isn’t very huge and heavy, the driver can manoeuvre it pretty easily.

The Ace Gold is suspended over Parabolic leaf spring suspension at both the axles, which maintain the comfort level. Having a similar setup at both ends means the feedback is stable from everywhere and you won’t feel let down at all.

Braking and Safety

Being a small pickup van, the Tata Ace Gold does not have air brakes, or even hydraulic ones. Instead, the company uses a combination of disc and drum for the front and rear wheels respectively. Both the brakes work in tandem to offer good stopping power. Since the top speed and weight are on the lower side, the brakes turn out to be quite effective.

On the safety front, the vehicle has parking brakes added to the braking. However, ABS has been given a miss, considering the price point. For the occupants inside, seat belts are given too (driver and front occupant).

Design and Comfort

Tata Motors has persisted with its winning formula of the design on this new Gold variant too. It has the same flat deck body. The A-pillar and the windscreen has a decent rake angle and is curved rather than being straight-ish. The wheel arches are deep, indicating good suspension travel for all the axles.

Inside the cabin too, there are many more comfort additions for the driver that are usually rare in a budget-friendly model. Though there is no air-conditioning, the mechanical steering column is tiltable so that the driver can handle it at the most comfortable angle. The armrest further increases the comfort. Further, the driver gets an adjustable seat and telematics too.