Tata Aria cut price crossover spied, in an ICB Exclusive

We have earlier reported about a Tata Motors having a low cost Aria variant under development, a car that will be aimed at the taxi marketand one which will be shorn of many features and creature comforts to arrive at a lower price tag. Now here’s some proof. Team ICB’s roving eye in the sky EarthFusion spotted this Aria being tested inside Tata Motors. From the spyshot, it is evident that the cut price Aria does not have vinyl stickers on the B and C pillars, and this is something that is available even on the current entry level Pure variant of the Aria. Also, the presence of steel wheels is another give away that the Aria being tested is a cut price model.

2012 Tata Aria Cut Price Crossover Spyshot

What this essentially indicates is that the Aria that has been spied would be positioned below the current entry level variant as a new cut price model. The interiors of the test mule too showed a few changes, to make for the lower price tag. While we couldn’t get more detailed images of the car along with the changed interiors, we’re on our toes closely tracking this model and it is just a matter of time before new images of the low cost Aria emerge. The cut price version of the Aria is expected to be available with only a two wheel drive layout.

The Aria Crossover is the flagship vehicle in Tata Motors range and despite having generous equipment levels and one of the best fit and finish standards in the Tata car line up, the Aria has found no takers with sales in the doldrums. The cut price Taxi variant of the Aria is seen a ploy by Tata Motors to boost sales of this crossover. Tata Motors is a major player in the taxi segment of the Indian car market, with many Tata cars being preferred by cabbies due to the low initial purchase price and low cost of spares and maintenance.

The 2012 Aria crossover is available in two wheel drive and all wheel drive modes. The crossover is powered by a 2.2 Liter common rail turbo diesel DICOR engine. The engine pumps out 140 Bhp of peak power and 320 Nm of peak torque. The Aria is available with six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and Traction Control as the safety features on the top end model. The Aria comes with an impressive array of creature comforts and is highly spacious on the inside, making for a very comfortable cabin. The Aria’s average ex-showroom price is INR 11.98 lakhs.