Tata Ace Gold

The Tata Ace Gold is a utility pickup truck range under the small commercial vehicle (SCV) category. It is available in three fuel-type variants – Petrol, Diesel, and CNG – built for tackling last-mile logistics operations. Tata Motors states that the Ace Gold range is a popular choice among operators.

Featuring a robust chassis construction with a cabin load body, the Ace Gold model can handle heavy market loads like fruits, vegetables, gas cylinders, water bottles, and milk canes. The Ace Gold Diesel has 1685 kg gross vehicle weight (GVW), the Ace Gold CNG and CNG Plus have 1630 kg GVW, and the Ace Gold Petrol has 1615 kg GVW to carry intercity and intracity applications. 

With a starting price of Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Ace Gold range, which includes Petrol, CNG, and Diesel variants, is considered to be a value-for-money SCV range for different logistic businesses. All of its variants deliver fuel-efficient powertrains to bring business profitability.

Tata Ace Gold Performance

The Tata Ace Gold range comes with multiple powertrain configurations. The Ace Gold Petrol variant has a 694 cc MPFI (multi-point fuel injection) 4-stroke water-cooled engine that produces 30 hp at 4000 rpm and 55 Nm at around 2500-3000 rpm. Similarly, the CNG and CNG Plus variants are powered by a 694 cc 2-cylinder Positive Ignition engine that produces 26 hp at 4000 rpm and 51 Nm at 2000-2500 rpm. 

However, the Ace Gold Diesel variant gets a 702cc 2-cylinder Compression Ignition engine to generate 22 hp and 55 Nm in power mode and 17 hp and 40 Nm in city driving mode. The Ace Gold model gets parabolic leaf springs at the front for comfortable cargo rides and semi-elliptical leaf springs at the rear for high load-carrying capacity. 

Different variants of the Ace Gold have different fuel tank capacities as the Ace Gold Petrol boasts a 26-litre, the Ace Gold CNG has a 70-litre, the Ace Gold CNG Plus has a 105-litre, and the Ace Gold Diesel gets a 30-litre fuel tank capacity to ensure uninterrupted cargo mobility. All the Ace Gold variants are equipped with disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear to offer better braking control at high speeds. 

Tata Ace Gold Specifications

With 1615 kg GVW, the Ace Gold Petrol provides a payload capacity of 775 kg in closed body, 875 kg in cab chassis, and 735 kg in high deck body configuration. The Ace Gold CNG and CNG Plus variants have 660 kg and 615 kg load carrying capacity respectively. Another variant of Ace Gold Diesel carries a 750 kg loading capacity for seamless distribution of cargo materials. 

Measuring the wheelbase, the Ace Gold Petrol and Diesel variants have a 2100 mm wheelbase while the Ace Gold CNG and CNG Plus variants have 2250 mm for maintaining stability during haulage operations. For improved manoeuvrability, its Petrol and Diesel variants get 4300 mm TCR (turning circle radius), and its CNG and CNG Plus variants get 4625 mm TCR to handle congested city lanes.  

Tata Ace Gold Features 

The Tata Ace Gold range comes with adequate features for a comfortable driving experience. These include a digital instrument cluster, a decent-sized glove box, a bottle and document holder and a USB smartphone charging port to improve the driver’s productivity. In addition to these, the Ace Gold range gets a gear shift advisor for improving fuel efficiency. 

With a driver plus 1 passenger seating capacity, the design of the model maintains a decent ground clearance of 160 mm for safe cargo movement even on rugged terrains without damaging the undercarriage. The Ace Gold vehicle is fitted with a manual steering system with fewer complex components to reduce maintenance requirements.

Tata Ace Gold Rivals 

The Ace Gold range is a cost-effective mini truck since it comes with next-generation features and efficient powertrain configurations. Its closest competitors are the Mahindra Jeeto, Ashok Leyland Dost+, and Maruti Suzuki Super Carry.  

Overview 

Tata Motors Ace Gold is a popular mini truck in India that has redefined the cargo delivery segment across cities, towns, and rural areas. The Tata Ace Gold falls under the 2-tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) category in small commercial vehicles (SCV) for last-mile logistics operations. 

Offered in multiple configurations, including Petrol, CNG, and Diesel variants, the Ace Gold range is designed to appeal to a wide range of customers for added convenience. Tata Motors states that the Ace Gold range is also designed to suit multiple applications with a fuel-efficient powertrain to deliver high mileage.

With utility features such as an informative digital instrument cluster, a big glovebox, a bottle and document holder, a USB charging port, and robust aggregates like a single plate dry friction diaphragm type clutch, the Tata Ace Gold range is ideal for tough fleet operations within and outside cities. 

Exterior 

The Tata Ace Gold range features a simple design language with minimal elements on the exterior panels, yet it maintains a decent road presence. Despite its minimalist approach, its fascia and robust load body construction give it a tough look. Interestingly, even though the design was introduced more than a decade ago with minor changes to the vehicle’s fascia over the years, it remains a favourite among operators due to its simple appearance.

Nonetheless, it boasts a sizable bumper and a rugged grille up front. While fog lamps are not standard, provision is made for aftermarket installation. Its Petrol variant has an overall body of 3800 mm in length, 1500 mm in width, and 1840 mm in height. The Ace Gold Diesel has a similar overall body as that of the Ace Gold Petrol but the diesel variant has a slightly higher body of 1845 mm. 

Furthermore, the Ace Gold CNG and CNG Plus get an overall body of 4075 mm in length, 1500 mm in width, and 1840 mm in height to carry voluminous cargo materials. With a wheelbase measuring 2100 mm (Petrol and Diesel) and 2250 mm (CNG and CNG Plus), the Ace Gold facilitates easy navigation of narrow city lanes. All of its variants are designed with 160 mm ground clearance to optimise performance even on rugged terrains without damaging its undercarriage.

Interior 

The Tata Ace Gold range is loaded with adequate features for enhancing the driving experience and overall comfort inside the cabin. The interior features improve the driver's productivity with a digital instrument cluster, a decent-sized glovebox, a bottle and document holder, and a USB smartphone charging port. With a seating capacity of one driver and one passenger, the Tate Ace Gold model offers a manual steering system to make manoeuvering easy at speed. 

Performance 

The Ace Gold Petrol variant has a 694 cc multi-point fuel injection 4-stroke water-cooled BS6 engine that produces 30 hp and 55 Nm for rendering fast trips. Similarly, the CNG and CNG Plus variants come with a 694 cc 2-cylinder Positive Ignition 4-stroke direct injection engine that produces 26 hp at 4000 rpm and 51 Nm at 2000-2500 rpm. 

Meanwhile, the Ace Gold Diesel variant gets a 702 cc 2-cylinder Compression Ignition engine which is capable of generating a maximum of 22 hp and 55 Nm. The Ace Gold truck is equipped with parabolic leaf springs at the front and semi-elliptical leaf springs at the rear to improve on-road comfort. 

For better braking performance in fully loaded conditions, the minitruck also gets disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. The model rolls with 145 mm wide radial tyres on 12-inches dia rim for improved load carrying capacity. With 14-degree gradeability in its Petrol variant, 13.5-degree gradeability in its CNG and CNG Plus variants, and 14.5-degree gradeability in its Diesel variant, the vehicle can negotiate flyovers and gradients.  

Safety 

To enhance safety, the Ace Gold range incorporates a high-strength leaf spring suspension system which can handle heavy loads. In addition to the robust suspension system, the vehicle features a heavy-duty chassis to avoid downtime and improve the overall rigidity of the mini truck. For better performance and safety, the vehicle also comes with tubeless tyres.

Verdict 

Tata Motors asserts that the Ace Gold range has emerged as the trusted partner of more than 23 lakh entrepreneurs due to its robust powertrain which comes in multiple fuel configurations. Considering its powertrain performance, load-carrying capacity and safety, the Ace Gold range seems perfect for intra-city and last-mile goods transportation. The Ace Gold is a perfect solution for logistics businesses to improve fleet operations and profitability.