Tata Signa 4018.S

Overview

The tractor-trailer segment within the heavy-duty trucks market has been going through a lot of actions, emerging as a key category in the overall truck/transport sector in India. Besides the long-distance, rigid, haulage trucks, demand for tractor-trailers has shot up as more and more organized fleet operators are deploying these tractors on a large scale to benefit from the economics of scale. What also helped tractor-trailers to become popular is the growing network of expressways that makes big trucks run efficiently over longer routes. Historically, Tata Motors has been the leader in this high-value segment with some of the Industry’s best tractors.

The Signa 4018.S is one among them, based on the successful tractor platform that served the customers for decades top truck/tractor in the category. The legendary 180hp engine with a Signa cabin along with Tata Motors' power of 6 makes this tractor even more compelling to customers. Despite intense competition the 4018.S has maintained its leadership with some of the key benefits like affordable price, economical to run and strong brand attributes of the market leader. Over the years, Tata Motors has refined this tractor taking into account the customer needs and also changing regulations. If you want to buy one of these tractors, read our detailed review that takes an in-depth look.

Exterior

On the exterior, the Signa cabin of the 4018.S is quite familiar, designed and developed for heavy-duty applications. The 40T gross vehicle weight category tractor looks impressive no matter which profile you see. The overall compact design and premium-looking cabin make the 4018.S stand out in its class. Some of the key exterior features that make the tractor quite different include the right and left aero corners for lesser aerodynamic drag and higher mileage. For easy access and safety, there is a single lock to the cabin. You would see the side proximity mirror, normal rearview mirror and also the wide-angle rearview mirror for better driving and also serve safety.

Then the lowest step-in height with three steps footstep and scuff plate makes entry and exit of the cabin rather effortless. Also, the clear lens wraparound headlamp for superior visibility coupled with chic styling makes the 4018.S stylish and upmarket. The 3-piece bumper eases the reparability due to it having a modular design.

You also wouldn’t miss the 295, 90R20 radial tube tyres interest and rear that are designed with a 90% aspect ratio for the increased axle load and promise 3-4% of higher mileage due to low resistance rates. Also for convenience, the tyres are entirely interchangeable with 10R20 tyres duties the same wheel rim size. The Signa 4018.S gets two options of fuel tanks 365 L & 557L (365 + 192) capacity in rectangular shape made of high-density polyethene material.

Interior

Get inside the cabin of this giant tractor, and you feel the difference in terms of what a company design and a factory-fitted cabin are. The comfort is taken care of by the features like the tilt & telescopic steering, the 4-way adjustable mechanically suspended seats, and optional AC and blower. The superior noise, vibration, and harshness elements make the cabin cool and comfy even in the most extreme weather conditions. For the driver and co-passengers' convenience-who spend days inside the cabin mostly on week-long trips, it has got higher utility space, superior ergonomics with an easily accessible control panel and a driver-friendly dashboard.

Factory-fitted forced ventilation, premium control panel, improved cabin suspension, bottle holder at the door, wide and sizable sleep berth, and sun visors for the driver and co-drivers make the Signa 4018.S best truck to drive and spend time, just like a home on the wheels. Then there are 3-mode fuel economy switches, a gear shift advisor, and a new generation instrument cluster with almost all truck information embedded into it.  

Performance  

Ultimately what matters the most is the overall performance of the truck and how it will help you efficiently ship cargo. Here the Signa 4018.S retains the well-known characteristics that made it most popular among truck customers. What defines the performance is the proven Cummins ISBe 5.6L BS6 engine that produces 180hp of power and 850Nm of torque offering more power and torque than the BS4 engine.

Tata Motors has tuned the engine in such a way that the high torque & low RPM ensure higher mileage. The engine is complemented by Tata’s 6-speed manual gearbox which also helps in better mileage. The powertrain is supported by key aggregates such as the 7T reverse Elliot front axle and 11.5T banjo type single reduction rear axle. The parabolic leaf suspension at the front and semi-elliptical multi-leaf spring at the rear. With the changing times, Tata Motors has equipped this iconic tractor more contemporary with the latest features and technologies that make it even more compelling for truck buyers.

Safety

Safety is another key focus area for truck makers, and even more and more customers now want trucks that come with safety features. The Signa 4018.S  gets features to ensure the driver and cargo are safer during trips or an unfortunate event of an accident. It has fitted with a reverse parking assistance system for safer reversing of vehicles and preventing damage and loss of productivity.

Then it also gets an Overspeed alert at the instrument clusters to better control the tractor on highways. Features such as hill-start aid to prevent the rollback of the vehicle during stop & go- the situation on an uphill gradient actuated by a switch, prevents rear-end collision, minimizes clutch and brake liner wear, and improves safety and uptime. 

Verdict

The Tata Signa 4018.S tractor has what it takes to become a reliable part of your fleet for long-haul shipping needs. Despite an upgrade with new features and technologies, this legendary tractor retains its original character that has defined this popular tractor for decades. This closer look at this tractor reiterates the fact that it has preserved customers' trust in it. The Signa 4018.S is the best product out in the market that has become even more improved with key changes and upgrades.

Tata Motors knows what the customers expect from such a giant tractor, and it refined the Signa 4018.S with exactly that. So, if you are planning to expand your fleet with the addition of a tractor, then this segment leader should be on your radar. Check out the on-road price and nearest dealers in your city by visiting the TrucksDekho product page.

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