A few days after Tata Motors announced that it will reenter the passenger vehicle (PV) space in South Africa, the company has introduced its first set of models in the country. The Indian carmaker reenters the PV market of the rainbow nation after a hiatus of six years.
Tata Motors first entered the South Africa PV market in 2004 with Indica and Indigo. The brand later expanded by introducing Vista, Safari and Aria. However market challenges forced the company to shut shop in 2019. Tata has tied up Motus Holdings Ltd. which has been assigned as the exclusive distributor for Tata’s passenger vehicles in South Africa.
Speaking at the launch, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “Our return to South Africa marks a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ global journey. We are excited to bring our newgeneration of vehicles—engineered with cuttingedge technology, uncompromising safety, and modern design—to a market that values safety, quality and innovation.”
The launch event, held in Johannesburg, included the unveiling of four models including Harrier, Curvv, Punch, and Tiago. All four cars are built in India, while sales in South Africa will be handled by Motus Holdings. At launch, TMPV will operate through a nationwide network of 40 dealerships, with plans to expand to 60 by 2026, ensuring broad accessibility and strong customer support across South Africa.
The Harrier is currently Tata’s flagship offering in South Africa. A 4.6 metre long midsize SUV, the Harrier is powered by a 2.0litre Kryotec diesel engine that puts out 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with either a 6speed manual or a 6speed torque converter automatic transmission.
On the other hand, the Curvv measures 4,308 mm in length. The coupe SUV is only offered with a 1.2litre turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 118 bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque. Punch and Tiago get the same 1.2litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. However, the power plant in the former pushes out 86 bhp and 115 Nm of peak torque whereas in the latter it churns out 84 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque.
