Tata Movus LX 8 Seater

Tata Motor Group is the largest utility vehicle manufacturer in India and it has launched yet another model in the automobile market. This latest vehicle is christened as Tata Movus and it is targeted towards larger Indian families. It is available in numerous variants with seven, eight and nine seat options for the buyers to choose from. The Tata Mouvus LX 8 Seater is one of the mid range variants and it is powered by a modified 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine. This power plant is now incorporated with a concentric sleeve cylinder and a newly developed SAC clutch, which improves its life span. It is capable of generating a maximum power of 118.35bhp that results in generating an impressive torque of 250Nm. This latest model series is blessed with a rack and pinion type of power assisted steering system, which provides excellent response and minimizes the efforts of driver. The best part about this variant is its comfortable seating arrangement with front facing seats in all three rows. There is not much of luggage storage space available, but it still is an ideal vehicle for bigger families. The company has introduced this four wheeler in the utility vehicle segment, wherein it will compete with the likes of Mahindra Xylo, Chevrolet Tavera and other such contenders.

Exteriors:

One of the highlights of this latest utility vehicle is its exterior structure and style. This vehicle resembles the Sumo Grande SUV from all the facets as its shares its body platform. However, the company has designed few conspicuous aspects like a clear lens taillight cluster, rugged bumpers and body graphics, which makes it look unique. To begin with, the side facet of this trim is elegantly etched with stylish body decals, which gives a graceful look to the sides. The wheel arches have a bit of curvy yet macho look and they have been fitted with conventional steel wheels. Apart from this, the company is offering features like black colored door handles, ORVMs and a foot stepper as well. Its rear profile looks very large with a boxy body structure, but it still has a contemporary look, thanks to the newly structured taillight cluster that are equipped with high intensity lamps. It further comes with a black colored bumper that features a pair of reflectors. Coming to the frontage, it has a large body colored bumper with a wider air intake section, which gives a rugged appeal to the front profile. In the center, it is fitted with a black colored radiator grille, but its slats have been treated with chrome, which adds to its classy look.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Tata Movus LX 8 Seater trim comes with a neatly crafted design with ebony black color scheme. Although, the quality of the materials is average, the company has managed to bring a plush look to the cabin with a neat finish. Despite being an eight seater trim, it offers a great leg and shoulder space as all the three rows have been fitted with front facing seats. The company has used good quality vinyl upholstery for covering these seats that also have fabric inserts. The car maker has given silver inserts, especially on the central console and on door handles, which asserting look to the cabin. This trim is equipped with some basic features like an interior fan, bottle holder, sun visor, front roof lamp and an instrument panel. These features will certainly provide basic comforts to the occupants, especially while traveling longer distances.

Engine and Performance:

This latest utility vehicle is powered by a 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine with an improved clutch mechanism. In a bid to reduce the efforts of clutch and increase its lifespan, the car maker has developed a 'self actuating clutch' along with a concentric sleeve cylinder. This improves the overall performance of the engine and its fuel efficiency. This engine displaces 2179cc with its 4-cylinders and 16-valves that helps it to generate 118.35bhp at 4000rpm, while yielding a superior torque of 250Nm in the range of 1500 to 3000rpm. This power plant is mated to a five speed manual gearbox that transmits the torque output to the front wheels and produces a peak mileage of around 15 to 16 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

This latest four wheeler is blessed with a highly robust suspension and a proficient braking mechanism , which determines its road safety. Its front axle is fitted with independent double wishbone suspension system and it is further loaded with coil springs. Its rear axle is equipped with parabolic leaf spring suspension, which works together with the front suspension and keeps the vehicle well balanced. In addition to this, the manufacturer has equipped anti roll bars, which will further reinforce the suspension mechanism. This front wheels are paired with conventional disc brakes accompanied with a single pot caliper, while the rear ones have been coupled with drum brakes, all this put together offers reliable braking at all times.

Comfort Features:

The Tata Movus LX 8 Seater trim is equipped with standard features, which ensures decent comfort to all the occupants. It comes equipped with a heating, ventilation and an air conditioning unit, power steering with tilt adjustment , front room lamps, tip tap outside rear view mirrors, illuminated key ignition slot, magazine pockets in door trims, mobile holder in the central console, sun visor with a passenger side vanity mirror, side foot step, cable operated fuel flap, fabric and vinyl based seat upholstery and an interior fan as well. It is also equipped with an instrument panel with adjustable light intensity that features a digital trip meter and a few other utility based functions.

Safety Features:

This latest trim is blessed with average safety aspects, which needs to improve. It features motorized headlamp adjustment function along with driver door ajar warning system and high mount stop lamps. It also has features like anti glare inside rear view mirror, height adjustable seat belts and child lock. These aspects looks pretty standard, but they are crucial for road safety.

Pros:

1. Plush interiors with comfortable seating arrangement.

2. Engine performance, durability and fuel efficiency adds to the advantage.

Cons:

1. Safety features are below par compared with other contenders.

2. Only two body paint options is a big minus.