Introduction

The Aria has been around since October 2010 but so far it’s been available only as a 4x4. Admittedly, one did have the option to switch to 2WD on the fly but then you end up paying for 4WD in any case. Now however, to increase the sales numbers, Tata Motors has introduced a 4x2 version of the vehicle. The 2WD Aria will be available in three trims - in Pure, Pleasure and Prestige, where Pure is a base model available only in the 4x2 version. The 4x4 Aria will continue to be offered in Pleasure, Prestige and Pride trims, where Pride is the top-of-the-line variant available only as a 4x4.

The drive

The Aria 4x2 is 145kg lighter than the 4x4 of the same version. As a result it is more fuel efficient than the 4WD version – as per ARAI test data, the 4x2 delivers 13.7kmpl as compared to 13.5kmpl for the 4x4. The Pure version gets ABS and 2-DIN music system as standard; however it misses out on features like steering mounted audio controls, fog lamps, chilled glovebox, leather seats, cruise control, airbags, parking sensor, engine cover, chrome front grille, ESP, 17in alloys and sat-nav.

The Pleasure variant gets a black dashboard and it gets features like steering mounted audio controls, fog lamps, chill glovebox, leather seats, cruise control, airbags, parking sensor, engine cover. The Pleasure is definitely a great option to vouch for. To our dismay, the steering mounted controls are placed in such a manner that your palm touches them while steering, changing the music which is currently being played.

The engine is the same 2.2-litre common rail diesel unit mated to the Mark-II version of the G76 5-speed manual gearbox. There has been a change however in the final drive ratio. The final drive ratio has increased. In our performance run, the Aria clocked from 0-100kmph in 13.7 seconds, which is good enough since it weighs about 2,670kg.

The suspension of the Aria was fine-tuned by Lotus Engineering. The ride on the 16in wheels is very much composed as the crossover glides over bumps and jolts without affecting the comfort of the occupants.

Verdict

Tata Aria 4x2 costs Rs 11.61lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). With this lowered pricetag, Tata will target to increase the number of buyers, especially among those who wouldn’t want the option of 4WD. Our serious recommendation would be to buy the Pleasure which costs Rs 12.61lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) since it comes loaded with a lot of frills and is indeed a great value for money package. If quality is the point of discussion, then Tata has definitely come ahead, but there is still some ground to cover.