2015-07-30Staff Report 2 The compact Tata Super Ace one-ton pick-up, which was launched in 2012, has undergone a host of improvements and updates with the introduction of the latest Super Ace EX2 model. This is now a unique model in the local light commercial vehicle market following the withdrawal of the Daihatsu brand and its similar Gran Max forward control pick-up from Southern Africa last year. The Super Ace EX2 has no fewer than 60 specification changes compared to its predecessor. The Super Ace has the longest load bed among one-ton pick-ups in Southern Africa at 2.63-metres and the drop side body has a deck height of only 60cm which makes for ease of loading and unloading. The load body, which is 1.5-metres wide, giving a total load area of 3.8m2. It has a turning circle of only 10.2-metres, which provides easy manoeuvrability in congested traffic conditions. These features make the Tata Super Ace ideal for a host of urban applications from couriers to nurseries, gardening services, plumbers, building suppliers, handymen and furniture stores. There are already a number of different canopies and a rack for carrying ladders and the like available from Tata dealers to suit various usage applications. Among the technical changes in the Super Ace EX2 are: a four-layer insulation package to reduce the transmission of heat to the occupants in the cab, a change in the position of the engine oil dipstick which has resulted in an alteration to the seat design, an updated cooling system with a larger radiator, chrome-plated pads on the gearbox forks to make gear shifting even smoother, while a water separator has been added to the fuel system and the seat belt length has been increased by 300mm. There are also a number of cosmetic changes, of which the most noticeable is change in the colour of the interior from grey to black. Other changes that differentiate the new EX2 model are the incorporation of cup holders and an oddments tray on top of the engine cover, washable floor covering, a “Turbo” mascot on the left hand door, a one-ton sticker on the tailgate, wheel covers on the LE model, a chrome lip on the front grille of the DLE variant and EX2 badging. Both models are well equipped, with standard power steering, remote central locking and engine immobiliser, heater/demister, fabric seat covering, adjustable bucket seats for the driver and passenger, digital clock, lockable glovebox, 12V DC power outlet, height-adjustable headlights, lockable fuel flap, rear protection bat, battery guard, collapsible steering column, load sensitive brake equaliser and side impact beams. The more expensive DLE model adds air conditioning, wheel covers, power windows, fog lamps, remote adjustment for the exterior rear-view mirrors, grab handles and colour-coded bumpers. The engine and transmission are all designed in-house by Tata Motors. The four-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel power unit of 1,4-litres develops 52kW of power at 4 500r/min and peak torque is 135N.m at 2 500r/min. The engine drives the rear axle through a five-speed manual transmission. Claimed fuel economy is 7,2l/100km on the combined cycle. Maximum gradeability is 39 per cent and the claimed top speed is 125km/h. The independent front suspension and leaf sprung rear axle provide a comfortable ride. Braking is by a disc/drum combination with a valve to balance hydraulic pressure according to the load. The Super Ace is covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty, with a 3-year/60 000km service plan and 3-year roadside assistance ensuring peace of mind for the owner. 2015-07-30Staff Report 2
