At first glance, Tata Motors South Africa might not seem like a large company, as they only offer two models here. However, the company forms part of the Tata Group, a multinational holdings company based in Mumbai, India. Tata Motors is the Tata Group's flagship automotive company, designed to deliver affordable vehicles that leverage off the company's large network.
In South Africa, Tata offers the Bolt in the passenger sedan and hatchback segments, and the commercial Super Ace. With an extensive network focused on serving new and existing clients, Tata looks to steadily grow its base in South Africa and Africa.
Affordable, simple, and compact, it's easy to see why Tata is a popular budget brand in South Africa.
Tata Motors first entered the automotive market in 1954 following a joint venture with Daimler-Benz to help manufacture their vehicles. In 1991, Tata Motors developed their first vehicle, the SUV Sierra, launched to take advantage of the growing international taste for SUVs.
Tata Motors followed this up with the Estate, a station wagon designed for the Indian market.
The Indica was Tata's launchpad into the international scene and its success allowed Tata Motors and the Tata Group to acquire stakes in various other companies such as Daewoo, a Korean commercial vehicle manufacturer, and Hispano Carrocera, a Spanish bus manufacturer.
Today, Tata Motors is an international powerhouse, owning several companies including the luxury-focused Jaguar Land Rover Group.
Tata Motors designs and manufactures their cars in India and exports them to select countries. Tata South Africa has a network of 25 dealerships which offer the following two models:
Model |
Category |
Bolt |
Hatchback/Sedan |
Super Ace |
One-tonner |
The Tata Bolt is the brand's only passenger vehicle in our local market. It is available in hatchback and sedan, with an array of specification levels, and is marketed to the budget-conscious driver.
Stated by Tata as being 'feature-packed', the Bolt offers a lot in terms of technology to make driving a pleasure. Daytime running lights, fog lights, and LED indicators improve the car's visibility, while the funky and colourful styling makes Bolt drivers stand out.
The Bolt also offers a 13cm infotainment system powered by HARMAN and includes advanced voice activation technology. USB and Bluetooth connectivity ensure a constant media stream through the four-speaker sound system. All of this can be adjusted through the multi-functional steering wheel controls.
The Tata Bolt retails from R159,995.
Tata Motors does not offer in-house car insurance packages for customers. You can, however, get a warranty and service plan for a new vehicle.
If you are looking to insure a brand new or used Tata vehicle, use our hippo.co.za car insurance comparison tool. It only takes a few minutes and you'll be able to compare car insurance quotes from a number of insurers side-by-side to find the one that is best for you.
Interested in other South African vehicle manufacturers? Visit our car buyers' guide to learn more.
Sources: Tata South Africa; Wikipedia, Naamsa
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.