Tata Xenon Yodha launching today in India

The Tata Xenon Yodha is all set to launch, marking the first one in 2017. The Maruti Suzuki Ignis will launch next on 13 January, followed by another Tata Motors launch: the much-awaited Tata Hexa on 18 January.

Tata Motors is going to be the first automaker to launch a vehicle in 2017, with the Tata Xenon Yodha pickup on 3 January 2017 (today). The segment of pickup trucks is very new in India, especially in terms of personal use. These pickups are being used commercially, of course, but are also gaining favour as a personal vehicle, offering the ruggedness and utility to tackle rough terrain and the ability to also handle urban roads. Before the Xenon Yodha, this segment had the Tata Xenon XT, Mahindra Scorpio Getaway and the top-end Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. Back in 2015, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) noted that this segment had more sales than the mini-truck segment, with annual sales of around 140,000 units. The Tata Xenon XT was positioned right in the middle of this segment in terms of pricing and features, and the Tata Xenon Yodha will come as an update to this model, with a higher price tag.

Tata has been tight-lighted about its upcoming pickup truck, but the Tata Xenon Yodha will likely come with a new front grille, wheels, bumpers and rollover bar. It may also get a revised cabin, with changes in the build quality, seats and dashboards. An infotainment system may also be in the cards for the Tata Xenon Yodha. Other possible features will include ABS as a standard, dual front airbags and alloy wheels. Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: Isuzu unveils adventure utility vehicle D-MAX V-Cross

The current Xenon shares the same platform as the Tata Sumo Grande, with a 2.2-litre DiCOR engine under its hood powering 138 PS of power. The upcoming Xenon Yodha is most likely to get its engine from the Tata Safari Storme instead of the Sumo, which is the 2.2-litre VARICOR engine delivering 147 bhp of power and 320 Nm of torque. The engine would be mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The Xenon Yodha may also get a boosted variant delivering 154 bhp and 400 Nm, mated to a six-speed manual. An optional four-wheel drive system will also be available as a bonus.

As for pricing, expect the Tata Xenon Yodha to come at a premium over the Xenon XT, which is priced from INR 9.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). In all likelihood, the Xenon Yodha will be priced around INR 2 lakh more than the XT, placing it under the price range of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, a key competitor that costs INR 12.80 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) at the moment. Still, Tata will be looking to offer the Xenon Yodha at a lower cost than the D-Max, which packs in more features and performance for the money. The Xenon Yodha will also be competing at the Mahindra Scorpio Getaway, which is priced at the lower end of the spectrum at INR 8.94 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).