Tata Signa 3518.T

March 9, 2021: In the long-haul multi-axle cargo carrier segment, Tata Motors offers the Signa 3518.T a truck with factory-fitted cabin. This truck is also known as the 12-tyre rigid truck that caters to the 35T GVW category ranges between ₹ 36.07 - ₹ 36.85 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This popular truck is now BS6 compliant but retains the highly preferred 180hp engine that is unique in this segment, while the company also offers more powerful trucks in the category besides the Cowl variant LPT 3518 Cowl.

Tata Signa 3518.T Engine & GearBox: The Signa truck gets the proven and reliable Cummins ISBe 5.6L engine that produces a massive 180hp of power at 850 Nm of torque. The engine is tuned Tata’s 6-speed manual gearbox. 

Tata Signa 3518.T Axles: Tata's extra heavy-duty 7T-reverse Elliot type and rear axle is single Reduction RA110LD.

Tata Signa 3518.T Frame: The frame is ladder type, the heavy-duty that comes in 285 x 65 x 8.5 cm.

Tata Signa 3518.T Cabin: The ergonomically designed Signa cabin offers generous space, improved interior and superior noise, vibration and harshness levels that make the Cabin highly comfortable. The AC and forced ventilation is offered as an option.

Tata Signa 3518.T Fuel Tank: The fuel tank is made out of high-density polyethylene with anti-theft mechanism, leak-free and corrosion-resistant. The fuel capacity is 365L.

Tata Signa 3518.T Tyre: The truck gets 295/90R20 radial tube Tyres. The tyres are designed with a 90% aspect ratio for increased axle payload with features like advanced tyre tread compound and optimized tyre tread pattern. 

Tata Signa 3518.T Rivals: Some of the key rivals trucks in this category includes Ashok Leyland 3520, Mahindra Blazo X 35, Eicher Pro 6035, and BharatBenz 3523R. 

Overview

Tata Signa 3518.T is another heavy-duty rigid truck from the company's comprehensive portfolio of trucks. This 12-wheel massive truck is suitable for transportation of agriculture produces cement, construction aggregates, sand, market loads, cold chain, industrial goods, FMCG, edible oil, milk, chemical, bitumen, etc. 

Like the rest of the HCV range, 3518.T is equipped with 6-key characteristics that are a unique offering of Tata Motors: superior performance, lower total-cost-of-ownership, comfortable and convenient truck, multiple choices, connectivity, and peaceful ownership experience. The Signa 3518.T is a proven cargo truck suitable for challenging cargo transportation needs. 

Exterior

The exterior of Signa 3518.T is identical to any HCV of Tata Motors with the same signature cabin, design element, and familiar look and feel. This truck is a 35,000 kg of gross vehicle weight category haulage that takes on heavy and bulk cargo shipments effortlessly.

The ladder-type, heavy-duty chassis frame comes in 285 x 65 x 8.5 dimensions. For better fuel economy through reduction of an aerodynamic drag though containerized applications. 3518.T is available in 5205 mm, 5505 mm, and 5905 mm wheelbases and deck length options of 6706 mm, 7315 mm, 8230 mm. The radial tube tyres at the back and front with 295/90R20 sizes, designed for better payload capacities with low rolling resistance to get better fuel economy. The polymer fuel tank size is 365 liters with an anti-fuel theft mechanism. 

Interior

The Signa 3518.T came with modern Signa cabin design and developed keeping in mind the operational requirements of heavy-duty long haul trucks. To take care of the comfort of driving the tilt & telescopic steering wheel is standard on this truck. A 4-way adjustable mechanically suspended seats, AC and blower options, higher comfort through class-leading noise vibration and harshness treatment, 4 -point cabin suspension with vertical & transverse shockers. 

Higher ergonomics features include an easily accessible control panel, driver-friendly dashboard, pendant type accelerator, and clutch pedals along with higher in-cabin space. For the driver's convenience to handle this massive truck effortlessly, it comes with ride comfort, front & side proximity Mirrors, and 3-piece bumper for modular serviceability.

A modern instrument cluster is another highlight of this truck with advanced driver information, driver coaching, new diagnostics, and driver prompt features. This truck also comes with ultimate package protection features such, annual maintenance, TPMS Packaging, electronic stability control, and cruise control packaging. 

Performance  

Durability and reliability is the most vital aspect for fleet-operators in the long haul trucks. These trucks carry large valuable cargo across the country, and under performance or breakdowns aren't good for the business. Therefore, truck owners always look for high performance and highly reliable trucks. Tata Motors knows this better than anyone, as the company has been serving the trucking communities for decades. 

To ensure higher speed and substantial pick up at the start with full load cargo, the 3518.T gets a proven 180hp, which produces a maximum torque of 850 Nm and blends well with Tata's in-house G950, 6-speed manual synchromesh gearbox. The engine is 4.5% higher power for excellent loaded pick-up, 21% higher torque for impressive load pulling, and much higher gradeability for multi-terrain suitability. Also, higher torque & low RPM engine for higher fuel efficiency, the two-stage fuel filter optimizes fuel usage and electronic viscous fan for fuel savings.

It comes with heavy-duty 7T reverse Elliot type axle at the front and a single reduction RA110HD type at the rear. Tata Motors is also offering a new generation telematics solution with advanced features for fleet, trip & business management. Other key performance features packed in the includes load-based speed control, vehicle acceleration management, gear shift advisor, multi-mode fuel economy switch, venturi combo oil filter, and nano net fuel filter, etc. 

Safety

Tata Motors has bought a lot of safety focus across the entire medium and heavy commercial truck range. The 3518.T comes from the same DNA with segment-leading inbuilt safety features on these trucks to safeguard the driver, the cargo, and the vehicle. Apart from the strong and durable cabin with 3-piece bumper and steel structure for absorbing any impact to ensure driver safety. And several in-cabin safety features for better control of the vehicle during high speed or a full load of cargo. Features such as the panic button and vehicle tracking system and LED tail lamps with lower power consumption and longer durability for safer driving.

Verdict

This is another HCV rigid truck from the Tata Motors portfolio for select long-haul applications. It comes with all the performance-oriented features along with durability and reliability. The Tata brand, along with the dedicated customer support across India, is a key differentiator that comes with these trucks. A truck for demanding as well as highly sensitive transport needs. 3518.T, unlike the cowl variant, comes with factory fitted modern cabin design for long-haul applications and saves the extra time of building a cabin outside, this a truck buyer can deploy it straight to work. This makes Signa 3518.T is an appealing truck in its category.