The Tata Bolt had a quick stint in South Africa. However is it ok to be thought-about as a used buy 5 years after its discontinuation?
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The Tata Bolt was launched within the South African market in 2015 as a part of Tata Motors’ try to ascertain a stronger presence within the compact automobile section. The automobile was a major leap ahead for Tata, significantly as a result of it represented a shift in design, expertise, and efficiency in comparison with the model’s earlier choices.
South Africans had change into aware of Tata as a producer of inexpensive autos, however the Bolt aimed to push past simply budget-friendly pricing and being one other Tata.
On the time of its launch, the Bolt was a part of Tata’s “Horizonext” technique and was unveiled alongside its sibling, the Bolt sedan, each of which have been designed with enter from Tata’s European design centres within the UK and Italy. Reflecting on our first encounter with the Bolt in 2015, we mentioned in our initial report:
“Regardless of not being a completely new automobile, the Bolt is certainly a step in the fitting path for the Indian producer. With costs beginning at R132 995, it’s greater than R20 000 cheaper than the extra highly effective however equally well-equipped Ford Figo. If the extent of consolation just isn’t sufficient to please would-be patrons, its frugal operating ought to impress every day and much more so should you can adapt your driving type to its 66 kW engine. With the Bolt, Tata has improved certainly one of its core merchandise, and it is a welcome preview of issues to return for the model.”
In the end, whereas the Tata Bolt served as a promising try at repositioning the model within the small automobile section, its lifespan was reduce quick in 2019 on account of market realities and a shift in Tata Motors’ focus in direction of extra common automobile classes.
Rundown on the Tata Bolt
In South Africa, the Tata Bolt was primarily powered by a single petrol engine possibility: the 1.2-litre turbocharged unit. This engine was a serious speaking level for Tata on the time, because it marked the debut of the corporate’s newly developed turbo-petrol engine collection. The 1.2-litre engine produced 66 kW of energy and 140 N.m of torque. The engine was mated to a five-speed guide gearbox. Whereas an computerized variant was out there in sure markets, South African shoppers solely had entry to the guide model.
One of many key promoting factors of this engine was its multi-drive mode system, which allowed the driving force to change between three distinct driving modes: Metropolis, Eco, and Sport. This function adjusted throttle response and engine efficiency relying on the chosen mode.
Inside, the town automobile featured a dual-tone dashboard, shiny black inserts, and chrome touches. A standout function was the touchscreen infotainment system developed by Harman. This method, built-in into the higher-end variants of the Bolt, supplied Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX inputs, and voice command performance.
When it comes to security, the Bolt got here with twin entrance airbags, ABS with EBD (Digital Brakeforce Distribution), and nook stability management.
Issues to look out for when shopping for a used Tata Bolt
One of many first issues patrons needs to be conscious of when inspecting a used Tata Bolt is the construct high quality of the inside. Though the Bolt was praised for providing extra options than most autos in its worth vary, the inside supplies can present indicators of damage and tear ahead of anticipated. This consists of points like fading plastic trim, peeling upholstery, and rattling from unfastened panels or fittings.
The Bolt’s turbocharged petrol engine was marketed as a fuel-efficient but performance-oriented possibility for metropolis driving. There have been experiences of energy loss, significantly below load, in addition to uneven idling and occasional engine stalling. Common servicing and oil adjustments can stop many of those issues, so it’s advisable to request a full-service historical past to make sure the automobile has been correctly maintained.
In some cases, Tata Bolt homeowners have reported issues with the automobile’s guide gearbox. These points often manifest as issue shifting between gears or a grinding noise when partaking the clutch. This might point out put on on the clutch meeting or gearbox synchronizers, each of which might be expensive to restore if left unchecked.
At launch, the Tata Bolt could have been identified for its comfy journey, significantly for a automobile in its worth bracket, however potential patrons needs to be conscious to potential suspension points. Widespread points embody noises from the suspension system, corresponding to creaking or knocking, and uneven tyre put on on account of alignment points. Changing worn-out suspension components or realigning the wheels can enhance journey consolation and dealing with, however these repairs needs to be factored into your buying resolution if obligatory.
One of many issues with proudly owning a Tata automobile in South Africa has been the provision of components and dependable aftersales assist. As such, patrons needs to be conscious that Tata not sells passenger vehicles or bakkies in South Africa. Subsequently analysis the provision of components in your space and verify with native service centres about their expertise engaged on Tata autos. This can provide you an thought of how simple or tough it will likely be to keep up the automobile in the long run.
Which one to get?
When contemplating a used Bolt – or any Tata – in South Africa, potential patrons ought to strategy the choice with warning on account of a number of components that affect the automobile’s long-term reliability and possession expertise. Whereas the Bolt was designed to supply affordability and first rate worth within the aggressive subcompact market, it struggled to realize a agency foothold within the nation.
Aftersales service, or quite the shortage thereof, is one other important issue that ought to give potential patrons pause. The provision of spare components might be inconsistent, and the problem is exacerbated provided that the automobile has been out of manufacturing for a number of years.
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