Bologna Motor Show The Bologna Motor Show is Italy’s premier automobile exhibition and among the largest in Europe. |  |
The Bologna Motor Show is Italy’s premier automobile exhibition and among the largest in Europe. This year’s event had a number of significant launches which were more than just eye candy.
Tata Motors chose the Bologna Motor Show to launch its much-awaited Safari 2.2-litre Dicor. The sign of a company that has truly gone global is when it launches a product in the international market before the domestic one. But the reason the European market received priority over India is because by January 2007, new legislation in Europe demands Euro IV emission standards. The 2179cc Dicor, though based on the block of the earlier 1.9 turbo-diesel, is essentially an all-new engine which, apart from being significantly cleaner, is also more powerful. This new 16-valve, twin-cam unit produces an impressive 142bhp and 32.6kgm of torque. It is around 70kg lighter than the existing 3-litre Dicor engine, which is antiquated in comparison. The lighter weight would have a positive rub-off on the Safari’s handling and braking. Peak power is produced at 4000rpm, which hints at the free-revving nature of this new diesel. We can’t wait for it to come to India but will have to for the next six months.
Also on show was the Indica Dicor, which uses the current model’s 1.4 block but has a completely new head and injection system.
However, the big launch at the Tata stand in Bologna was an all-new pick-up dubbed the TL Sprint. Based on the 207’s chassis, the Sprint is a brilliantly-styled, four-wheel-drive double-cab. A single-cab version is also available. The Sprint is powered by the same 2.2-litre common-rail diesel that powers the Safari but the Sprint TL will only be sold in Europe initially, in Spring 2007, by which time it will get a new name.
Tata’s strong presence in Bologna also signified the importance of the Italian market which, along with Spain, is the largest for the Indian auto giant in Europe.
The only other Indian vehicle manufacturer present in Bologna was Mahindra & Mahindra which also displayed its range of pick-ups. The Bolero pick-up is targetted at the bottom end of Europe’s pick-up market and is available in single- and double-cab configurations. The Goa pick-up, which is essentially the Scorpio pick-up, was also showcased as was the Goa, which is the Scorpio as we know it. M&M also displayed an Alpine Recovery Vehicle, ordered by a private motoring association to rescue stranded vehicles.
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