Tata ACE ZIP XL BS-IV

April 17, 2020: After showcasing the TATA Ace Zip XL during the Auto Expo 2014, the homegrown automaker launched the small commercial vehicle in 2017. Since then, the vehicle has become more popular day by day. It is equipped with a 0.6-litre single-cylinder naturally aspirated water-cooled engine, which is capable of producing a maximum power of 12.47 bhp coming at 3000 rpm and a peak torque of 38 Nm, which comes in between 1200 rpm and 1800 rpm. It comes mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with a single plate dry friction diaphragm. As for the measurements, the vehicle is built on a 1650 mm of wheelbase. Its overall length is 3369 mm, overall width is 1480 mm, and the overall height is 1810 mm. The GCW of the vehicle is 1.310 kg, which includes 710 kg of kerb weight and 600 kg of payload capacity. 

Overview

The Tata Ace Zip was first launched in 2010 and has seen more than 1 lakh units being sold in the Indian market. This urban goods mover was launched to compete with the ubiquitous three-wheeler, by offering better safety and stability.

Capitalising on the success of its smaller variant, the Tata Ace Zip XL comes with a 15% longer body, more power, torque, gradeability and better turning radius. Add to that a superb warranty program and 1600 service touch points of the Indian manufacturer and this vehicle becomes a winner straight off the bat.

The Tata Ace Zip XL's competition are the Mahindra Jeeto, and Piaggio Porte.

Specs

Engine: 611cc, Single Cylinder, Water-Cooled

Clutch: Single plate dry friction diaphragm type

Steering: Mechanical Rack & Pinion

Brakes: Hydraulic Drum

Max. GVW: 1310 kg

Engine & Performance

The single cylinder 611cc mill is water-cooled and produces a healthy 12.47 hp at 3000 rpm. More importantly, it produces 38 Nm of torque at just 1200 rpm, giving the Zip XL good pulling power even when fully loaded.

The engine is mated to a manual synchromesh 4-speed gearbox. This is a simple yet effective solution for the requirements in this class.

This solid torque figure show up in the Tata Ace Zip XL's 22% gradeability. This makes it perfect for urban environments where goods have to be moved through narrow but steep routes.

The 10-litre fuel tank capacity coupled with the 33.8 kmpl ARAI fuel efficiency figures give the Zip XL a decent tank range. Allowing for longer continuous cargo runs without the need for refueling.

The Gross Vehicle Weight is 1310 kg, while the kerb weight is 710 kg. Ground Clearance is a useful 150 mm.

Vehicle Build & Load Capacity

The vehicle build is typically reliable, as one would expect from Tata. At the same time weight has been kept low, to maximize the payload.

The sturdy Ace Zip XL's payload is 600 kg in its ample carriage area. The area of which is 1927 mm long, 1480 mm wide and 300 mm high.

Handling & Suspension

The Tata Ace Zip XL handles well as it is equipped with a Macpherson Strut suspension at the front and a coil spring with semi-trailing arm and hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. The suspension gives enough damping to provide a plush ride. While still being stiff enough to handle the 600 kg payload easily without bottoming out. Essential for the broken urban roads where this vehicle will spend the majority of its life.

Making it even more apt for the cities is its 3.5 m turning radius. This allows the Zip XL to be maneuvered in incredibly tight spots.

The 12-inch wheels which have been employed on it complement the suspension by rolling over small obstacles and absorbing potholes.

Braking & Safety

Hydraulic drum brakes have been used for the front and rear on the Ace Zip XL. It would have been good if discs had been provided at least in the front to increase stopping power. The lack of it is mostly to keep the cost down in this highly price sensitive segment. It does get Twin Load Sensing Proportioning Valve brakes instead. This system senses the load on the rear wheels and regulates the braking input accordingly. Thanks to this the rear wheels do not lock up when being driven unloaded. The 1650 mm wheelbase gives the Zip XL added straight-line stability without compromising its handling. This helps especially when the vehicle is being driven at maximum load capacity.

The driver and passenger are kept safe thanks to seat belts, powerful headlights for night driving and a large windscreen for better visibility in tight traffic situations.

There is a high tensile beam at the front to protect the driver in case of a frontal collision.

Tata offers the Ace Zip XL with a 2 year or 72000 km warranty which is one of the best in this segment of goods carriers.

Design & Comfort

The XL gets the immediately recognizable Ace Zip series design. Even though it is a vehicle built for practicality, one cannot help but notice how 'cute' this vehicle looks from the front.

The driver gets the comfort of having an adjustable seat for spending long hours in the vehicle. There is also a factory fitted music system which can be added to the Zip XL.

The load body is bolted onto the XL, which makes servicing it substantially easier.