Ace venture

PITSTOP

From making multi-axle, multi-wheel behemoths, the world's fifth largest medium and heavy commercial vehicle maker, has introduced this pint-sized truck, the Ace.

The indigenously designed Tata Ace is powered by an Indica engine split into half "� yes, which means a twin-cylinder, water-cooled 16 bhp 700cc IDI diesel unit.

In the hub-and-spoke distribution model, the Ace pick-up will fit in as a 'last mile' distribution vehicle, with its sub one-tonne payload capacity "� a task currently handled by three-wheelers. A little bigger than the Maruti Omni, the Ace gets an all-steel cabin with car-like features and ergonomics.

Tata Motors claims that the Ace can run for 500 km without refueling and has the ability to navigate narrow lanes thanks to its small turning radius.

The Ace will have a phased launch, beginning with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Pondicherry, and will come with a 36,000 km/12-km warranty. A more powerful version of the Ace with a higher payload capacity is also expected.

Centra point

TVS Motors have just launched a new version of their TVS Centra. The old machine was a technology-savvy commuter and the new one keeps all of those positives intact, but goes in for a spot of natty dressing.

Among the changes are a new heat shield design, which provides more burn protection for rider and passenger. The indicators have chromed backs now and there is a new engine guard as well.

Obviously, there's a whole bunch of new colours and graphics to make the Centra look cheerful and fresh.

TVS emphasised that the new bike will return the same fuel economy as the plain-jane old Centra and that the new version is a direct consequence of customers demands. But the best part of the revamped Centra is that it's cheaper by about Rs 2,500.