Tatas roll out new sedan in Geneva

Meets European crash-worthiness and safety norms.

Tata Motors today said its new sedan, Elegante, will be the platform for future cars to be launched in the export and domestic markets in the coming years. Chairman Ratan Tata unveiled the sedan at the Geneva Auto Show today.

Tata said, "The concept car that we have showcased would probably meet the design cues of our new models, which will go into production from next year and the next to follow. Several of the design cues of the Tata Elegante are incorporated in the forthcoming generation of Indica and Indigo cars." Tata Motors plans to launch its highest selling small car Indica on the same (Elegante) platform, which is expected to hit the market in two years.

Other cars from the Indica platform "" Indigo and Marina "" are also expected to have contemporary Elegante features. The new cars would initially be exported to Europe and later introduced in the domestic market.

Elegante would be the first car from the Tata Motors stable to carry a six-speed manual and automatic gearbox, along with the V6 petrol powertrain unit.

It would also have four-cylinder transverse petrol and diesel engines from 1.4 litre to 2 litres.

The common rail direct injection turbo diesel engines with variable valve timing confirming to Euro-V norms, have also been introduced in the sedan.

Besides meeting all European safety and crash worthiness norms Elegante would also feature satellite navigation system, cruise control, integrated bluetooth compatibility, rain sensor and front and rear parking sensors.

While many of these features would not be available in the range of cars to be introduced in India, the core design and safety standards are expected to be of the same level. Tata Motors also displayed a redesigned Tata Pick-up, fitted with a 2.2 litre common rail direct injection diesel engine, confirming to Euro-IV emission norms.

It would carry safety features such as anti-lock brake system and airbags, and would be sold in Thailand, Latin America, European and African markets.