Farmers and commercial users can go back to basics with the Tata Telcoline bakkies. Where the rest of the pickup industry has industriously converted their cart-horses to show-jumpers and race-horses over the years, Tata has concentrated on delivering the goods — cheaply.
The Indian built-Tata range distributed by the Imperial Group’s Associated Motor Holdings is made up of four models, all fitted with power steering, raised bodies and Peugeot-derived two-litre intercooled turbodiesel engines delivering 64 kW of power and 190 Nm of torque. The bakkies come in single and double-cab versions, with two or four wheel drive, and all have limited slip differentials. They also boast reinforced suspension and steel underbody skid-plates to enable them to cope with heavy going, and their load carrying capability is impressive, with the single cabs being registered to carry 1 310 kg, and the double cabs 1 250 kg.
As far as specifications go, the Tata isn’t quite as basic as its price would suggest . Immobilizers and central locking are standard on all models, as are rear window demisters, intermittent wipers, height-adjustable headlights and a tilt-adjustable steering column. Air-conditioning is standard on all 4×4’s. The top of the range double cab 4×4 also offers a host of other yuppie fitments such as a burglar alarm, remote central locking, a nudge bar, a roll bar, a rear step, a radio/cd combination and alloy wheels. It also has a 3 year/60 000km service plan.
Four wheel drive versions feature electronic switching between 2 High, 4 High and 4 Low modes, with the ability to change from two wheel drive to four wheel drive (high) on the fly at up to 65 km/hr. The bakkie must be stopped before low range can be engaged.
The interiors of the bakkies aren’t going to win any awards for build quality. The switchgear is rather cheap and nasty, but the importers tell us that the factory has already promised to improve quality in future shipments. Still, everything you need is there, and this vehicle is, after all, about getting the job done rather than looking cute.
On the road the Tata feels decidedly rough and ready, with noise and vibration levels much higher than we expect these days. Performance too isleisurely, so I found it best to keep speeds down to around 110 km/hr. I drove both the 4X2 and 4X4 models on gravel roads and over a demanding 4X4 trail, and there they coped splendidly, even though some of the launch vehicles were loaded to the gunwales with water tanks and fodder.
Stickers inside the cabins warn drivers to allow the engine to idle for a while before switching off, which can be an irritant. Tata says that all models will in future be fitted with a device that allows the engine too idle unattended for a minute after the ignition is switched off and the doors locked. These measures, necessary to keep the turbocharger bearings lubricated as the blower slows down, are an indication that the turbo technology is a few years behind the times. Still, things like that help keep the prices down.
And the pricing is extremely competitive, with the 4X2 single cab model retailing at R99 900 and the 4X2 double cab going for R123 995. The four-wheel-drive variants will set you back R149 995 and R179 995 respectively for single and double cab models. The single cab 4×2 bakkie carries a full one year/100 000km factory warranty whilst the more expensive versions enjoy a 3 year/100 000km warranty. All models have 3 year roadside assistance and initial 1500 km oil change and vehicle check included as standard in the price. Service intervals are 10 000 kms.
Tata says that their spares pricing will be considerably lower than that of their competitors. The proof of this pudding will definitely be in the eating, but with 15 retail dealers countrywide supported by the massive Imperial Group we think these bakkies could be just what the doctor ordered for those who want solid, affordable workhorses rather than yuppie toys.