New Tata bakkie is an ace when it comes to lifting

The compact Tata Super Ace one ton cab-over bakkie, which was launched in South Africa in 2012, has undergone a host of improvements and updates with the introduction of the latest 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 bakkie from South Africa last year.

The Super Ace EX2 has no fewer than 60 specification changes compared to its predecessor.

There are two trim and equipment levels, with the base DLS model priced at R139 995 (including VAT) and the higher specified premium DLE derivative costing an additional R10 000.

The Super Ace has one of the longest load beds among one-ton bakkies in South Africa at 2,63 m and the drop-side body has a deck height of only 60 cm, which makes for easy loading and unloading capabilities.

The load body, which is 1,5 m wide, giving a total load area of 3,8 cubic metres.

It is also unhindered by wheel wells as is the case with conventional bakkies.

It has a turning circle of only 10,2 m, 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 uses.

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 300 mm to suit the wider girths of some people.

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 from the old 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:

• Power steering.

• Remote central locking and engine immobiliser.

• Heater and 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.

• Side impact beams.

The more expensive DLE model has added:

• Air conditioning.

• Wheel covers.

• Power windows.

• Fog lamps.

• Remote adjustment for the exterior rear-view mirrors.

• Grab handles.

• 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 52 kW of power at 4 500 rpm and the peak torque is 135 Nm at 2 500 rpm.

The engine drives the rear axle through a five-speed manual transmission.

Claimed fuel economy is 7,2 l per 100 km on the combined cycle. Maximum gradeability is 39% and the claimed top speed is 125 km/h.

The Super Ace is covered by a three year or 100 000 km warranty, a three year or 60 000 km service plan and three year roadside assistance ensuring peace of mind for the owner.