Phoenix Distribution, a newly created subsidiary of MG-Rover car manufacturer Phoenix Venture Holdings, launched a range of Indian-built Tata utility vehicles consisting of the Safari four wheel drive sports utility and the TL pickup line. A two-litre intercooled turbo charged diesel engine producing 89bhp/64kW at 4300 rpm and 190Nm of torque at 2500 rpm is matched to a five-speed manual gearbox and, on four wheel drive models, an electrically controlled Borg Warner transfer box. Additional, body style and trim level range extensions are being considered.
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Phoenix Distribution said that vehicles in the UK sports utility sector vary in size and price from the Toyota RAV 4 to the Land Rover Discovery and sales in the sector reached about 138,000 units.
It is pitching the Discovery-size Tata Safari as a value-for-money model with seven seats, five doors and electrically controlled, selectable 2WD/4WD.
The Safari will be targeted at retail customers with a penchant for outdoor activities, small businesses, farmers and the construction industry.
The four TL pickup models, offered with two- or four-wheel drive and single and double cabs, will compete against the (Thai-built and different from US-built models) Mazda B series/Ford Ranger twins, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Pick-Up and Toyota HiLux and will also be pitched as the value-for-money contenders in a sector that in 2002 accounted for almost 12,000 vehicles.
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