When in 1986, Tata launched the first light commercial vehicle of India at that time nobody really thought that this is going to make sales figures of more than 5.5 lakh+ vehicles within the span of 34 years and is going to rule the hearts of Indians in a different parallel way. Looking at the history of Tata 407 and comparing it with the TATA 407 of today’s BS-6 models one really cannot notice the much difference in the basic concept behind the 407. An iconic mini truck.
Recently with the enforcement of BS-6 norms, 407 was launched with all-new engines and updates, this time with a more powerful 100HP engine with even more pulling power, making it a more favourable choice available of its segment.
Starting from the very basic front look, being classic retro and give 407 an iconic design which is now complemented by a grill that comes with Chrome lining strip at top which really looks decent and adds to the elegance. The headlights are still halogen as most commercial vehicles carry the league but are decent enough to guide you on the dark highways. side indicator does work well for asking turn request but still are vulnerable to damage and could have been placed more smartly by TATA. From the rear end 407, the loading bay is High and the whole body is made over a ladder frame chassis which is now stronger as said by Tata. The rear bumper is also so smartly placed which makes a vehicle safer and sturdy from the rear.
4SPCR BS-6 2956 cc 4 cylinder engine with 100 HP of power and 300 Nm of maximum torque is now more powerful as it is 18 % faster than its previous generation and carries 20% more pulling power which will make your daily go around a more easy task. Also, the service interval is now 40,000 KM whereas hub greasing, Axel oil change, etc are further increased to an interval of 1,20,000 KM which makes it a better choice. To add the cherry on top Tata motors provide 3 years or 3,00,000 KMS warranty, but if it would have been unlimited kilometres then we would have loved it, but locking 3,00,000 with a light commercial vehicle within intracity drives is going to be a bit of a task.
The power from the engine to the gearbox is transmitted by a 280 mm diameter single plate dry friction type clutch which is now smoother to operate and reduces your efforts. The 5-speed gearbox of Tata 407 is synchromesh transmission type and we do not see much improvement in it in gear shifts but has expected to place the gear lever at some good place in order to make some space for a middle passenger as the cabin is not a walkthrough as we have seen in Tata ultra T7.
209 mm of ground clearance looks decent for a city purpose but we would give you a small suggestion to avoid taking your 407 to a village area or bad roads where you need to have a bit of off-roading as the suspension setup is on the stiffer side which is good for overloading but not good for comfortable rights despite having the anti-roll bar shock absorbers at both front and rear. Also, the front has parabolic leaf springs and the rear has a semi-elliptical leaf springs setup. Turning your Tata 407 at corners requires are good experience due to its height and 12 PR front and rear tires and its turning radius of 12 meters gives you are task to do it carefully.
The new cabin is good as compared to the previous generations with 3 headrests in specific models, a good platform to climb up inside the cabin, the light at the back is bright but the two-spoke steering wheel is carried from the previous generations gives you decent handling. we also liked the storage spaces on offer as we have plenty of storage spaces where we have the smartest under the driver’s seat smart storage, a dashboard lockable glove box, paper storage on drivers door with a bottle holder and also to complement all this we have a small hook which will be of great use if use smartly just behind the nondriver’s headrest.
the cabin is also equipped with a rear window to look behind on your cargo which also keeps a cabin ventilated and airy. We have the option of blowers in all the models of Tata 407 and now power steering comes as a standard. Also, the rearview mirrors are wide and give you a clear idea of what is behind you. but we have a bit of complaint with the sun visors given as they are very small and cannot be used for the purpose they are given.
The diesel fuel tank is of 60 litres and in BS-6 models we have AdBlue tank of 18 litres.
Tata 407 has a gross vehicle weight of 4450 kg and a payload of approx 2200 kg and if you’re driving in your city where you don’t need to worry about overloading, the overload capabilities of Tata 407 are not hidden from us. Though we recommend you never overload your Tata 407
the Gradeability of Tata 407 is stamped up from 23 % to a whole lot of 40% + which is a very welcoming upgrade.
Also inside the cabin now you will see a most modern and very practical instrument cluster which has a digital screen that shows you gear shift indicator, trip function, current mileage, average mileage, DEF meter,
Air brake and abs warning, seat belt warning, fuel economy, RPM meter, odometer and whatnot .we have reverse parking sensors which will assist you while you park your Tata 407.
Also now you can choose a variant that has a music system fitted from the company and a high-speed mobile charging socket for your mobile phone charging purpose.
Now we’re coming to the most important part of this blog which is about mileage and price.
The mileage of Tata 407 varies from 8 to 11 kilometres per litre depending on your driver’s behaviour and driving techniques employed. With the full permissible payload and tipper body type, we managed to get a mileage of around 9 kilometres per litre. Also the price of Tata 407 Gold is 9.50 lacs ex-showroom in India, where you can add approx 1.5 to 2 lac rupees for other formalities and your body type which you are going to choose.
Do let me know if you are planning to buy one and believe me, this will add a great profit to your business and once you will be ready to upgrade TATA 407, this will return you the highest resale value in this segment.