Tata’s range of light commercial vehicles have carved a substantial niche within the local market. However, increasing pressure from established Japanese competitors, as well as growing interest in products from China, mean that the company’s had to dig deep to deliver what they think is one of SA’s definitive business partners.

The Indian conglomerate’s new Super ACE 1-ton Mini Truck combines a new-age design with the necessary technologies to deliver exactly what your business needs. Apart from being one of the most affordable LCVs in its class, the Super ACE offers its operators a four-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine that is mated to a fivespeed manual gearbox.

The engine develops 52kW of power and 135N.m of torque at 2 500rpm, making the Tata an excellent vehicle for those fleets that operate within a city or suburban areas. The Super ACE has compact yet practical dimensions, measuring in at 4,34m in length and 1,56m in width.

Tata is also proud of the light trucks’s one-ton loading capacity, combined with one of the longest loading decks in its class – measuring in at 2,63m. The versatility of the Super ACE extends further in that it comes with multiple body options – normal dropside, with a canopy or in other configurations depending on your business requirements.

In its own test Tata’s managed to achieve 14km per litre of diesel. The company has also paid careful attention to the vehicle’s parts basket pricing to ensure that it remains not only inexpensive to buy, but also economical to run. Moreover, the Super ACE can be fitted with an air-conditioning system to ensure that its driver and co-driver are kept cool under pressure when trying to stick to tight delivery deadlines on increasingly congested SA roads.

“If you are in any business, be it courier, furniture, gardening service, plumbing, electrical, building supplies, catering or departmental stores, your search for an ideal business partner is over. The Tata Super ACE is the smartest solution for your needs,” said Tata SA’s Phonnie Cilliers.

Cilliers explained that amongst many of the Super ACE’s uniqueselling points, the one that stands out for most interested customers is the vehicle’s standard 3-year/60 000km maintenance plan, 3-year/100 000km warranty and 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.

“The differentiation that Tata Motors offers is the value proposition in terms of pricing and life-cycle costs of the vehicles. Customers have started to realise that Tata is a global brand and perceive it as a smart choice.

We have the complete range of customer service and support programmes for our LCVs and cars, including full maintenance plans, service plans, warranty, towing and breakdown support, customer care call centre, etc,” he added. Thanks to its sharp styling, versatility, large loading area, comfortable ride and handling, fuel efficiency, affordability and the maintenance plan, the Super ACE seems like it’s poised to take new businesses to greater places. Prices start at R 124 995.