Pickups have always been the Australian thing and one of the most important market segments for decades. This high market demand enticed many automakers to try their luck, and this included the Indian multinational, the Tata Group.
The Indian automaker’s goal was to offer a pickup as capable as established class leaders but at a significantly more affordable price. They came up with the Tata Xenon, which they produced for more than a decade.
Unfortunately, it failed to win the hearts of Australian drivers, who favoured more the likes of Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Triton. To put it simply, the Tata Xenon wasn't good enough for this market.
It had some reliability issues, some of its design solutions felt outdated, and performance was unimpressive. Today, this pickup truck can be found on the market of used trucks, and while it doesn’t impress, it’s a good choice for those looking for affordable alternatives to mainstream models.
The First Generation of Tata Xenon (2009-2020)
The Tata Xenon arrived in Australia in 2009. Although a brand-new nameplate, it wasn't a completely new model. It was practically the second generation of a model called Telcoline, which was available in Australia between 1996 and 2005. Tata kept the original nameplate in some other parts of the world.
As mentioned, the Australian model was launched in 2009 and remained in the market for more than a decade. It received a couple of updates during this long production cycle, including powertrain upgrades, new transmission, and updated styling, but the overall layout remained the same.
Design, Tata Xenon Australia
The Tata Xenon debuted in Australia in 2009 as a midsize pickup, just like its predecessor. Moreover, it rides on the same but significantly updated X2 platform.
We are talking about the same layout that includes a longitudinally placed engine, rear-wheel drive, and a 5-speed manual gearbox. Of course, models with four-wheel drive were also offered.
There were two layouts for the cab style. Base models were offered with a single-cab design, while double-cab versions were available too, with two rows of seats and a capacity for five passengers.
For the suspension setup, you may count on double-wishbone, hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers with an anti-roll bar at the front. The rear axle is equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers and leaf springs.
That’s a pretty typical setup for a pickup, so you know what to expect in terms of the ride quality–the rear end can be a little restless on bumpy roads.
Dimensions
The Tata Xenon features typical dimensions for the segment. The standard single-cab model measures 2850 millimetres in the wheelbase, while the double-cab model is 3150mm between the axles.
The single cab is 4800mm long, while the double cab is 325mm longer. Both models are 1860mm wide and 1730mm high with a ground clearance of 210mm.
Depending on the configuration and level of equipment, this pickup weighs between 1750 and 1950 kilograms.
Tata Xenon Single Cab Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2825mm
- Length: 4800mm
- Height: 1765mm
- Width: 1860mm
- Ground clearance: 210mm
- Kerb weight: 1750-1950kg
- Turning circle: 12m
- Rear track: 1571mm
- Front track: 1571mm
Tata Xenon Double Cab Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3150mm
- Length: 5125mm
- Height: 1765mm
- Width: 1860mm
- Ground clearance: 210mm
- Kerb weight: 1750-1950kg
- Turning circle: 12.9m
- Rear track: 1571mm
- Front track: 1571mm
Engine
The Australian version of this pickup was offered with just one engine option, which is a familiar 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel designed by the PSA Group (Peugeot and Citroen).
The engine, which came paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission, puts out 103 kW (max) and 320 Nm of torque to the rear or all wheels.
In 2012, the Tata Xenon received an updated turbodiesel engine to meet new emission standards at the time, particularly in Europe. The engine was upgraded with variable-geometry turbo induction (VGT) and DPF filter, with the max output increased to 110 kW and average fuel economy improved by a full litre per 100 kilometres.
In both cases, the max towing capacity is 2,500 kg, while the max payload is 750 kg.
Another big update came with the 2017 Tata Xenon when the old 5-speed manual transmission was replaced with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Tata Xenon Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 2179cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Maximum torque: 320Nm
- Maximum power: 103kW (2009-2012); 110kW (2012-2020)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (2009-2016); 6-speed automatic (2017-2020)
- Fuel tank capacity: 65L
- Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km (2009-2012); 7.4L/100km (2012-2020)
- Max Towing Capacity: 2500 kg
- Max Payload Capacity: 750 kg
Tata Xenon Updates
We have seen a couple of updates during this long production cycle. The first one happened in 2012 when Xenon came with a new engine. The familiar 2.2-litre turbodiesel was upgraded with a variable-geometry turbocharger and DPF filter. That significantly lowered emissions, improved throttle response, and increased power to 110 kW.
The second update happened a few years later. The 2015 Tata Xenon came with some minor styling changes, but more importantly, it significantly improved safety. It came with stability control and improved ANCAP safety rating to four stars.
Finally, the third update came with the 2017 model year. The old 5-speed manual was replaced with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Tata Xenon Common Issues
Tata Xenon problems in Australia were relatively common. According to the drivers, the main issue is the overall feel of quality. The cabin materials are super cheap, while the build quality isn’t great, either. Many have complained about the seats for being too hard and lacking side support.
Yet, what can you expect from a vehicle at this price range? To its credit, reliability issues are not so common. Some complaints were reported about the in-car electrics and the new automatic transmission, but other than those, things have been working relatively well so far.
Do you own a Tata Xenon and want to sell it? Or are you interested in another Tata vehicle like the Safari? You can register and advertise it on our website to widen your reach and attract more interested buyers. Advertise now!
By Nebojsa Grmusa