Tata Motors To Launch Updated Xenon Yodha On January 3

Tata has announced that the Indian car maker will be launching the updated Xenon Yodha pickup truck on January 3, 2017. Before the arrival of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, the Xenon XT was one of the only two (Mahindra Scorpio Getaway being the other) lifestyle pickups present in the country. Alone, these two were unable to attract customers, but, now, with the V-Cross selling like hot cakes and the Indian market finally warming up to lifestyle pickups, Tata is clearly looking to capitalise on the opportunity. The updates on the truck are expected to be largely cosmetic and will be focused on making the truck more premium. 

The changes will be reminiscent of the ‘Evolve’, the updated Xenon XT launched in the South African markets. The truck will most likely receive new wheels, bumpers, front grille and roll-over bar. Inside, the pickup is expected to feature an all-new cabin with revised materials. The plastics currently on use are of low quality and will most likely make way for ones with better quality and feel. Also, the Xenon Yodha is expected to feature an infotainment system and improved seat upholstery. 

As of now, the Xenon XT is powered by a 2.2-litre DiCOR engine mated to a manual transmission and four-wheel drive. This engine has a power output of 140 PS and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. The Yodha might get the 2.2 Varicor which produces 150PS of power and is used in the Safari Storme. These updates will mean that the Xenon is up for a price bump. Expect the Yodha update to bring with it an additional one-and-half lakh rupees, making the truck cost about Rs 11.5 lakh. To put things into perspective, it would still undercut the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross which starts at around Rs 12.5 lakh.

The Xenon Yodha will be the first of many launches from Tata in 2017. Lined up are cars like the Hexa on January 18, Kite 5 sedan, Nexon and the Tiago Sport. With such ammunition in the arsenal, Tata looks like the one to look out for in 2017.