Tata reveals four new models for South African relaunch, with prices starting under R200,000

South Africans in the market for an affordable vehicle will be even more spoiled for choice from September, when Tata relaunches as a passenger car brand.

Backed by the Motus Group, which is the country’s largest vehicle retailer, Tata will hit the ground running with four products, covering a significant portion of the passenger car market.

Pricing will be announced in September, but company officials have said the Tiago entry-level hatchback will start below the R200,000 mark, while the Land Rover-based Harrier will cost up to R700,000.

The Punch and Curvv compact SUVs will also form part of the initial line-up, with the Nexon and Sierra SUVs joining the range at a later stage.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) will initially launch with a network of 40 dealerships around the country. Plans are to increase this network to around 60 by the third year of operation and 70 by the fourth. Sales ambitions are bold. The long-term goal is to become a top-five player in the passenger vehicle space, with a 6% to 8% market share.

Local media got a closer look at the four new products at the launch event held in Sandton on Tuesday evening, and most were impressed by the build quality of these vehicles. Although the jury is still out until they have been driven, the vehicles appear to have come a long way since the humble Indica models that launched the brand locally 20 years ago.

Here’s what to expect from the new models:

Tata Tiago

Set to become one of Mzansi’s least expensive cars, the Tiago will start under R200,000, with one source hinting it could start well below that mark.

The 3,767mm-long hatchback is larger than the Suzuki Celerio, but smaller than the Swift, offering 242 litres of boot space. 

Power comes from a normally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 63kW and 113Nm, pairing with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

The Tiago will be available in XM, XT, and XZ+ specification grades, with the mid-spec model packing a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the range-topper boasting a 10.25” floating unit with an HD reverse camera as well as automatic climate control.

Tata Punch

This compact SUV is India’s best-selling vehicle and could become the brand’s top seller locally.

Going up against rivals such as the Hyundai Exter and Nissan Magnite, the Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 65kW and 115Nm through a five-speed manual or AMT gearbox.

It will be available in four specification flavours - Adventure, Adventure+, Accomplished+ and Creative+ - with top versions boasting a 10.25-inch screen, wireless charging pad and 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

Tata Curvv

The Curvv, while similar in size to a Suzuki Grand Vitara, presents a striking, coupe-inspired exterior design that’s sure to turn heads on the road.

It is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine, delivering 88kW and 170Nm through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

High-end features include a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, 360-degree surround view camera and customisable mood lighting. Safety features comprise six airbags and ESP stability control across the range.

Tata Harrier

The flagship of Tata’s new range, with pricing set to creep up to the R700,000 mark, is called the Harrier.

Measuring a shade over 4.6 metres, it boasts a similar footprint to the Toyota Rav4 and is powered exclusively by a 2.0-litre Kryotec turbodiesel engine that produces 125kW and 350Nm.

Available features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Car2Home connectivity, voice-enabled dual zone climate control, ventilated front seats, gesture-controlled power tailgate, and a suite of Level 2 ADAS advanced driving systems.

After-sales backup 

All local Tata models will be backed by a five-year or 125,000km warranty.

“We are proud to partner with Tata Motors in reintroducing their acclaimed passenger vehicle range to South Africa,” said Motus Group CEO Ockert Janse Van Rensburg.

“With our deep-rooted expertise in distribution, retail, and aftersales, and Tata’s proven track record in engineering and innovation, we are poised to offer customers a choice of new-age vehicles with a compelling value proposition. 

“This collaboration is not just about vehicles—it’s about building trust, delivering excellence, and shaping the future of mobility in South Africa.”

IOL Motoring