This donkey does all the work
Tata as a brand is not one that comes up often in my day-to-day motoring discussions, and as such it is easy to forget that the company - which incorporates many companies from a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors - has been in existence since 1868. This makes it one of the oldest Indian conglomerates - a standing which demands a lot of respect.
And, although they built vehicles for an international market, and I am specifically referring to bakkies and commercial vehicles, the demanding roads in their own country would dictate how these were being designed to ensure durability and toughness.
No wonder then that the Tata 207DI, the subject of this report, is fondly and respectfully referred to as a donkey. I collected the 207 at Multifranchise in Mbombela and about five kilometres away from the dealership I was thinking about Toyota. Now why would this be? Well, many years ago I drove a Toyota Stout – some of you may remember the Stout – it had a suspension which could be compared to a brick fitted with four steel wheels – it was as tough as nails with the capacity to outlast a Defender – but driving it over any distance would leave one feeling like you have been hit by a tornado. We also referred to it as a donkey.
I am, however, happy to report that the Tata 207’s suspension, although also very “stout”, is much more accommodating and forgiving while it will still probably outlast many of the competition. This is an unpretentious workhorse and basta!
The exterior is undeniably bakkie – steel bumpers, large wheels and a wider rear track to improve stability – a chassis that is made of 4-mm steel – leaf springs in the rear and a double-wishbone suspension in the front – with all connection points on the chassis seemingly able and strong enough to tow an oil drill. The drop-side loading bay is claimed to be the longest in its class at 2,425m and it can carry 1 100kg – it is really “beeeg” and one becomes aware of this once you settle down in the cabin. The side mirrors – and this is one of my gripes with the 207 – is a little flimsy and my best efforts could not adjust them to my preferred position for a rear-view perspective.
The cab is surprisingly spacious. The driver’s seating position in combination with the position of the steering creates a similar driving experience to that of sitting in a large truck and, surprisingly also was the fact that the steering offers a tilt-adjust option. Then – there are only two seats with a comfortable space in between but not encouraging enough for it to be used as a third seating space.
Ergonomics inside the cab is practical and workman-like with a clear instrument cluster, functional ventilation and also a radio fitted lower down at the rear of the gear shift – pretty standard and quite acceptable for this segment. Oh, and the 207 comes with central locking – another welcome surprise.
The Tata 207 DI Turbo is fitted with a 3,0-litre diesel producing 52,5kW (6% up on the previous engine) and 225Nm@1 500-2 000r/min (22% up). Start it up and you hear a Vaaljapie tractor – it is loud and proud. Another thing which is loud, are the door locks – switch the engine off after your drive and the doors unlock with the sound of a .22 next to your head. I guess all of this simply confirms the 207’s toughness.
This engine and its gear-ratio set-up forces you to drive it within the green band, which means that although it can reach 120km/h, it is best at about 100km/h which again is calming and pleasurable. With a load of cement bags and labourers on the back, the hills may, however, be a slow, perhaps even frustrating drive.
But then, the unpretentious 207DI will be a cost-effective investment in your business and farming activity as you will be able to work it till the day the wheels come off and without fearing bankruptcy. Tough does not necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg – test the 207 and make up your own mind.
