In a market like Australia, where pickups are one of the most popular segments, it takes work to make a breakthrough. As a relatively unknown company in this part of the world, there was only one way for Tata to become relevant in the market – to offer a super-affordable pickup.
Tata Telcoline turned out to be a great alternative to more renowned competitors. Indian engineers made an affordable yet capable truck, which remained on the market for a long time. This was a capable and dependable work machine, while its successor, Tata Xenon, is also a relevant player in the market today.
The First Generation of Tata Telcoline
The Tata Telcoline wasn't the company's first pickup truck, but it was the first one developed by the Indian company. Before Telcoline, the company had a model called 407, a truck heavily based on the good-old Mercedes-Benz T2. However, the 407 was a heavy-duty truck, while the company needed something smaller, something more versatile.
After two years of development, Tata launched the new pickup in 1988. Initially known as Tatamobile, it marked pretty impressive sales on the domestic market, so the next step was to offer it abroad. It was offered in Europe first, while the Australian version came in 1996. Down Under, this pickup was named Telcoline.
This was something new on the Australian market, and as you may presume, one of the main trumps was the Tata Telcoline price. This pickup was significantly cheaper than other models in the class, but at the same time, it was capable enough to meet the demands of most buyers.
Moreover, it even came with a couple of convenience features. Base models were equipped with goodies like power steering and a radio cassette player, while things like adjustable tilt and the telescopic steering wheel were available.
Design
The Indian company itself developed Tata Telcoline, a mid-size pickup. The initial version for the Australian market featured a single-cab layout, with the double-cab version joining the lineup a year later.
The Telcoline was available in two diesel engines and one transmission, but we will get on that in a moment.
The overall layout was typical for a pickup. We are talking about a typical setup with a longitudinally mounted engine at the front and rear-wheel drive. Two years after the initial launch, the Indian manufacturer offered a 4x4 version and a new turbodiesel.
Of course, many other features and technical solutions were typical for pickups of the time, starting from the suspension setup, which was a little bit on the rigid side. At the front, the pickup featured an independent suspension, with a double wishbone and a torsion bar spring.
On the other end, the Telcoline was equipped with traditional leaf springs and a solid axle. Such a setup provided good towing capacity of 1000kg for the normally aspirated diesel engine, and up to 1500kg for its more powerful turbodiesel counterpart.
Regarding brakes, the pickup featured discs at the front and good-old drum brakes on the rear axle.
Dimensions
The Tata Telcoline was a mid-size pickup in two versions—single-cab and double-cab—which of course featured different dimensions.
The single-cab model featured a 2825mm wheelbase with 4585mm overall length, 1700mm width, and 1590mm height. The kerb weight was between 1570kg and 1715kg, depending on the engine and other features.
On the other hand, the double cab model measured 3150mm in the wheelbase and 5210mm length. It was also wider and higher, with 1810mm in width and 1730mm in height. Of course, it was also a bit heavier, with a kerb weight that went up to 1850kg in some variants.
Tata Telcoline Single Cab Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2825mm
- Height: 1590mm
- Length: 4585mm
- Width: 1700mm
- Turning circle: 11.3m
- Rear track: 1450mm
- Front track: 1460mm
- Kerb weight: 1570-1715kg
Tata Telcoline Double Cab Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3150mm
- Height: 1730mm
- Length: 5210mm
- Width: 1810mm
- Turning circle: 13.5m
- Rear track: 1450mm
- Front track: 1500mm
- Kerb weight: 1700-1850kg
Engines
The initial model was offered with just one engine—Peugeot's 2.0-litre four-cylinder normally aspirated diesel (max output of 50kW and 118Nm)—which was available only with a 5-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Two years later, Tata offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, with notably more power and torque (rated at 67kW and 191Nm of torque). It was coupled with the same 5-speed manual transmission and provided a better towing rating and overall performance. The max towing rating with this engine was 1500kg, while the base unit could tow no more than 1000kg.
Another important upgrade was the optional 4x4 drivetrain, which was never offered with the base engine.
Tata Telcoline Engine Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1948cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Forced Induction: -
- Maximum torque: 118Nm
- Maximum power: 50kW
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 65L
- Max Towing Capacity: 1000kg
Tata Telcoline Engine Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1948cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Maximum torque: 191Nm
- Maximum power: 67kW
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain: RWD; 4WD
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 60L
- Max Towing Capacity: 1500kg
The Second Generation of Tata Telcoline
The original, first-generation model was in production for 18 years and replaced in 2006. The replacement came in the form of the second generation, which brought evolutionary design changes based on the same but significantly updated X2 platform.
After a couple of facelifts, engine upgrades and other updates, this generation is still in production. It was offered in Europe, South Africa and many other parts of the world. On the other hand, the Indian carmaker decided to rename the model for the Australian market, which is now known as Tata Xenon.
Are there any common problems with Tata Telcoline?
Back in the day, the Telcoline was a new thing in this part of the world, where the market for pickups was already quite crowded. Telcoline’s trump card was its affordable price, but this also translated to the interior quality, which is below average for the segment.
However, the vehicle's simple design ensures excellent reliability and durability. No major issues or faults were recorded, so if you’re looking for a cheap used pickup, this may be a good choice. If you own one of these and plan to sell it, the easiest way to find more interested buyers is to advertise on our website.
By Nebojsa Grmusa