Tata Venture Review & Pictures


Thread Starter #1
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata-Venture-Review.JPG

Tata Venture Review Synopsis: Tata Venture price tag is between Rs.4.76 – 5.62 Lakh (Ex.showroom, Delhi). It officially launched in India on 6th January 2011.

Tata Motors, this name doesn’t need any introduction. This Indian Auto giant has played numerous successful innings in the world of Automobiles ever since they entered this field. And who can forget Mr. Ratan Tata’s “lakhtakiya” Nano which despite all the controversies was offered to the customers at a promised price. The firm has produced lot of people movers at reasonable prices be it the Sumo, Indica or Indigo. Tata Motors is back in action and this time, with a bang. Venture is the new Van which was showcased at the 10th Autoexpo held at Delhi the previous year. Venture is directly targeted on bringing down the sales chart of Maruti Eeco! This is the first ever passenger van(MPV) from TATA. The van was launched few weeks back and The Automotive India took spin of this TATA's new breed!!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread Starter #2
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata Venture Looks and Design.

Tata-Venture-Side-View.JPG

Tata-Venture-Front-View.JPG

As a casual observer, you won’t find Venture much diverse from a ordinary people carrier van conversely it isn’t one. The first glimpse of this van will be enough for noticing the anti directional or the butterfly wipers which have been specified the job of wiping the dirt/water off the large greenhouse windshield. The face of Venture is alluring and far more attractive than any van we ever had on the Indian roads. Venture give the impression of being futuristic with well blended bits combined together to give an up market feel. It won’t be unfair if it is said to be the best looking face amongst its rivals.

The chunky headlamps have been given a multi reflection effect which enhances the illumination as well as the appearance of the front. The broad grin shaped grill with horizontal beams is complemented by a solid chrome garnish which is purely Tata’s way of giving an executive appearance to its cars. The top end version CX which we tested comes equipped with fog lamps that house on the body colored bumper. The bumper is petite and well designed. The side profile appears like a typical boxy van however the use of flat panel windows looks extremely sophisticated delivering elegance to this profile. The middle door is slider type which unlike other vans feels lighter in functioning. The door opens wide enough providing Ingress and egress a trouble free experience for aged travelers. And you don’t have to be extra careful of bumping your head into the roof since the Venture has a superior height which is head friendly.

Just like a regular van, Venture too comes without any muscles or lines. The unnecessary use of cheap Vinyls has not been done on Venture which makes it look better simple if not elegant. The ORVMs are wide enough to provide a quick view of the rear coming traffic. The rear profile looks pretty interesting. No isn’t incredibly attractive however its has some resemblance with the Old gen Mercedes-Benz Vito. The rear boasts vertical tail lamp cluster which seems to have become a trade mark of Tata cars. Be it Indica, Vista or the expensive Aria, all share the similar vertical pattern. However the tall stance of the Venture is complemented by such an assembly. The 14” wheels seems perfect for this van. These are the same rims which are currently doing the duty for the Vista. The rims come with full wheel cap similar to the one seen on the younger Indigo CS and Pre-facelift Indigo. There’s no option of alloy wheels and this is happily acceptable for the price tag. Overall the appearance of Venture is far more streamlined than its rivals thereby giving an advantage of good looks. At least in its segment, Venture can be called a beauty contest winner.

Tata-Venture-Rear-View.JPG
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread Starter #3
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata Venture Interiors And Comfort.

Tata-Venture-Rear-Third-Row-Seat.JPG

The Tata cars are well-known to offer extremely high levels of comfort and airy cabin; and the Venture is no different. Handsome height of 1858mm leads not only leads to the ease of ingress and egress but also comfort for tall occupants. The head room is ample which means even if a speed breaker is missed by the driver, you won’t be having the trouble to manage your hair which in the other case gets disturbed due to lowly placed roof. However the odd thing about Venture is the only outlet for the rear passengers is the left side slider door. Yes, you guessed it right; Venture has no doors on the right side for the rear passengers. This certainly is below par. For those who are not aware, the similar concept is used on the Ace magic too, and for a family van, this is certainly not worth appreciation.

The driver seat is too high and gives a typical van feeling. Finding the best driving position takes time. Additionally the residency of pedals isn’t good at all. While depressing the clutch, our foot often got brushed with the lining above the pedals. Unlike other vans in the segment, Venture assures better comfort levels for its passengers. All the rows get integrated headrests which are well cushioned. However the seats look a bit malnutrition’ed due to the lack of thick cushioning. They lack under thigh support which may lead to uncomfortable rides on long stretches. Nevertheless, the set up is still the best in class. The middle row enjoys enormous legroom which is a bit lesser in the third row and least for the first row, i.e. the driver and co-driver. Last row can be folded to make space for luggage.

Tata-Venture-Rear-Second-Row-Seat.JPG

Tata-Venture-Dashboard-Interior.JPG

The dash board of the Venture looks like that of a regular hatch back or a sedan. The low placed dash has been wrapped in beige which looks good. The quality of plastics is typical Tata. They have been well in integrated but still there are a few bits around the centre console which do not look promising to last long. The centre console has twin ac vents and their design is similar to the one seen in the Manza. The ac controls are rotary and sit on a graphite console. The controls are easy to reach and their small size looks pretty. The Air conditioning is very effective and the cooling is quick due to the presence of roof vents for all the rear rows. For the ease of storage, Venture has twin glove boxes onboard. So keeping the things isn’t an issue in Venture. The gear stick is a straight borrow from Manza. Ahead of the gear stick are the power window controls. The head light adjustment control too resides here. At centre of the dash, sits the so called MID. In the name of information it displays the date, day, current time and the temperature. The instrument cluster is very basic and has a black background. The top end variants is equipped with the tacho meter which is highly useful for those who have a habit of driving according to the rpms. It also houses a service remainder lamp which glows when the car is due for its service.

Tata-Venture-Roof-AC.JPG

Tata-Venture-Instrument-Cluster.JPG
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread Starter #4
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata Venture Engine and Gearbox.

Tata-Venture-Engine.JPG

The Venture is the first diesel van in its segment which will unquestionably give it a huge benefit in sales.
Under the skin, Venture has a 475IDI Turbo diesel engine (EX and GX variants) which generates a power of 71PS @ 4500 rpm. Just a glance of specs is enough to declare this van as a successful venture of Tata. The base version CX has a non-turbo 475IDI engine whos power is lesser. It churns out mere 50PS @ 4500 rpm of power. The engine has been placed below the seats. However unlike Omni, it isn’t audible much and from the almost no noise inside the cabin, its too difficult to realize that the fact is true. The engine can be accessed by folding the driver seat. However for minor check ups like fluid level inspection, Tata has provided with a small lid near the hand brake. The lid can be opened up and the oil levels can be monitored.

Crank the engine and you will be surprised to hear extremely low engine noise. The vibrations are almost nil and the revs give the Safari like feel. The NVH levels are a bit higher as compared to the sedans and hatchbacks but that is not an issue when viewed as an overall package. Clutch is pretty hard and has been positioned tightly. It acquires some time to get your foot adapted to this unusual location. The engine is responsive at low revs and performs wonderfully at higher rpms. The turbo lag can be felt below the 1500-1700 rpm, the drive feels a bit sluggish below this range. However once you are past this range, the rush of turbo turns the drive into an exciting one. Even though there is presence of turbo lag at lower rpms, the drive isn’t a tedious one in bumper to bumper traffic. The gearbox is just decent and the gears can be easily positioned into their spaces. They never seem to miss their slot. As mentioned before, the gear stick has been taken from the sedan sibling Manza which works like a gem. It feels nice and is short and slick. The engine response is quick; however the power does seem to get affected with the AC. We noticed a minute drop in power with the AC on. The difference is not much noticeable, and doesn’t affect the drive to a large extent. At high speeds the engine noise is pretty much audible; however on the contrary the low rev noise is almost nil.

Tata-Venture-Engine-and-Gearbox.JPG
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread Starter #5
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata Venture Performance and Safety.

Tata-Venture-Outside-Rear-View-Mirror.JPG

Being a van, Venture is certainly not expected to perform like sedans or hatches. Basically this segment has the major thought of their utility of carrying maximum people in them. And Venture does this with ease. The 475 IDI Turbo diesel engine produces a peak torque of 135Nm @ 2500 rpm(EX and GX variants). Turbo lag isn’t huge thereby making the bumper to bumper traffic conditions not so fatigue. The turbo rushes past 1700rpm which helps Venture to move ahead with ease even when fully loaded with passengers.

The Venture comfortably cruises freely in the midrange which is about 50-90kmph, however past this limit, the engine feels to be working under some stress though after slight hesitation the needle does go past 100kmph. Yeah! Its just an passenger mover & not an super sprinter. The handling at these speeds is just decent. The cornering does feel a bit scary, thanks to the presence of body roll. The roll isn’t prominent, yet during cornering at high speeds it’s highly felt. The speeds are not so tough to achieve on a Venture, but the braking is. Venture comes with Vacuum assisted independent hydraulic brakes at front and rear. Yes you read it right, Venture doesn’t come with disc brakes at front which is highly disappointing and scary. Braking under intense conditions gives a nervous feeling and Venture takes its own time to stop. Typical cost cutting measure & to keep in price band of Eeco. Venture is equipped with 165mm R14 tires which provide optimum grip. Also thanks to the small turning radius of 4.5m, you don’t need to find a huge gap for U turns. The power assisted steering also does wonders. The small 3 spoke steering wheel is good to hold and provides good feedback in almost all driving conditions. The ground clearance of Venture is about 160mm is not what we expected in Venture, conserding an MPV, atleast 170 -180 should have done some justice! In the name of safety, Venture boasts collapsible steering and side impact beams. The ABS or Airbags are not present even on a premium.

Tata-Venture-Wheel.JPG
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread Starter #6
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata Venture Fuel Efficiency and Verdict.

Tata-Venture-Logo.JPG

The mileage as certified by ARAI is 15.42 kmpl. This is certainly a good figure if not the best. And being a diesel drinker, the Venture wont burn in hole in pocket even on long trips. The Tata Venture comes with a warranty of 2 years or 75,000 kms (whichever is earlier). In the nutshell, Venture is a tough rival to the oldies like Omni and Eeco. The major advantage of Venture over its rivals is the presence of a diesel mill which is not even on cards for the existing ones in future. Venture would surely find good success in the commercial segment. For those who dont mind the close resemblance with Ace magic from some angles, and wish to move with lots of members aboard, Venture is the best bet.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread Starter #7
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata Venture Likes, Dislikes and Ratings.

Tata-Venture-Side-Profile.JPG

We Like in Venture [thumbsup]

  • Excellent Pricing

  • Comfortable seats

  • Roof mount AC

  • Decent looks

We Dislike in Venture [thumbsdown]

  • Just adequate powered Diesel Engine

  • Single exit for rear passengers

  • Disappointing Plastic Quality

  • After Sales Service

  • Lesser Driver legroom


The Automotive India Star Ratings


  • Design and Quality:
    (8/10)

  • Comfort Levels:
    (8/10)

  • Performance:
    (7/10)

  • Ride Quality:
    (7.5/10)

  • Handling:
    (7/10)

  • Fuel Efficiency:
    (7.5/10)

  • Safety:
    (5/10)

  • After Sales Service:
    (7/10)

  • Value For Money:
    (9/10)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread Starter #8
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Tata Venture Price and Specifications.

Tata-Venture-Logo-on-Grille.JPG

Price:

  • CX: Rs. 4,09,266
  • EX: Rs. 4,60,140
  • GX: Rs. 5,11,015

Dimensions:

  • Overall Length (mm): 3950
  • Overall Width (mm): 1565
  • Overall Height (mm): 1858
  • Ground Clearance (mm): 160
  • Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): 1990
  • No of Doors: 4
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (liter): 33

Engine:

  • Type: 475 IDI Turbo
  • Displacement: 1405cc
  • Power: 71PS @4500rpm
  • Torque: 135Nm @2500rpm
  • Fuel: Diesel


Transmission:
  • 5 Speed Manual

Suspension:

  • Front: Independent Suspension, strut type
  • Rear: Coil Spring type with 3 link

Steering Type:
  • Power Steering

Brakes:

  • Front: Drum
  • Rear: Drum

Wheels and Tires:

  • Wheel: Steel
  • Tires:165 R 14

Color Options:

  • Ivory White
  • Artic White
  • Champagne Gold
  • Lunar Silver
  • Glossy Black

*(Details mentioned of Tata Venture GX)
 
Last edited:
Thread Starter #9
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Pictures Speak.

Tata-Venture.JPG

Tata-Venture-12V-Charging-Point.JPG

Tata-Venture-AC-controls.JPG

Tata-Venture-Center-Console.JPG

Tata-Venture-Control-Buttons.JPG

Tata-Venture-Door-Handle.JPG

Tata-Venture-Door-Interior.JPG

Tata-Venture-Folded-Seat-Space.JPG

Tata-Venture-Front.JPG

Tata-Venture-Front-Wipers.JPG

Tata-Venture-Headlamp.JPG

Tata-Venture-Multi-Information-Display.JPG

Tata-Venture-Reverse-Guide-system.JPG

Tata-Venture-Roof-AC-Vents.JPG

Tata-Venture-Side.JPG

Tata-Venture-Side-Indicator.JPG

Tata-Venture-Side-View-1.JPG

Tata-Venture-Side-View-2.JPG

Tata-Venture-Vertical-Taillamps.JPG

Road Test Credits

  • Road Test & Photography: Akash
  • Edit & Format: Zinam

(C) The Automotive India. All rights reserved. Our content such as reviews, images etc. can not be reproduced in any form without written permission of our authority.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Messages
3,083
Likes
34
Location
Chennai
Re: Tata Venture Exclusive Road Test Review

TATA Venture Road Tested !!!

This is 1st Comprehensive Road Test Report available online exclusively for you on The Automotive India.
 
Joined
Jul 27, 2010
Messages
377
Likes
28
Location
Bangalore
Re: Tata Venture Exclusive Road Test Review

As usual, superb report, Akash. People might prefer this over the Eeco, because of the Diesel engine. I won't be surprised to see this, in the 'cab' world.
 
Thread Starter #12
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Re: Tata Venture Exclusive Road Test Review

As usual, superb report, Akash. People might prefer this over the Eeco, because of the Diesel engine. I won't be surprised to see this, in the 'cab' world.
Thanks Avindu. Definitely Venture is getting the advantage of its diesel mill in sales. Additionally there are many basic features which Eeco lacks while the Venture has them which too will add the buyers inclination toward this new MPV from Tata.
 
Joined
Sep 12, 2009
Messages
4,069
Likes
308
Location
Pondicherry
Re: Tata Venture Exclusive Road Test Review

Omni , eeco gonna take a back seat .

hope the fiat multijet find its way in eeco too


Good report man ,
the car/van looks good for the cost . err may be bit more for the cost.
seats seems so good. and tata , famous for its airy cabin , gonna be hit in the segment!!

Cool pictures!
 
Thread Starter #14
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Re: Tata Venture Exclusive Road Test Review

ilango[speed thirst];68690 said:
Omni , eeco gonna take a back seat .
hope the fiat multijet find its way in eeco too
Good report man ,
the car/van looks good for the cost . err may be bit more for the cost.
seats seems so good. and tata , famous for its airy cabin , gonna be hit in the segment!!

Cool pictures!
Thanks Ilango, i think the price is justified since the Venture has the diesel engine under the skin. And the features on offer are lot more than what Eeco and Omni have.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
9,164
Likes
330
Location
Chennai
Re: Tata Venture Exclusive Road Test Review

Great report and pictures Akash! Even i feel the Venture is going to be a hit in this segment. But they should have provided disc brakes and ABS atleast in the top-end variant.


BTW that bull bar in the front is spoiling the looks of the van!
 

Top Bottom