Brian Joss –
The compact Tata Super Ace one ton cab-over pick-up, which was launched in South Africa in 2012, has undergone a host of improvements and updates in its new EX2 mode and fills the gap following the withdrawal of the Daihatsu brand and its similar Gran Max forward control pick-up from South Africa last year.
The Super Ace EX2 has 60 specification changes compared to its predecessor.
“Many of these changes are under the skin, but they all contribute to an ever better product with markedly higher quality levels,” said Kyri Michael, the new CEO of Accordian Investments, the company in the Associated Motor Holdings division of the Imperial Group responsible for Tata cars and light commercials.

“Many of these changes and quality improvements are as a result of feedback from our customers and dealers. We have managed to keep the pricing competitive despite the unfavourable exchange rate. There are two trim and equipment levels, with the base DLS model priced at R139 995 (including VAT) and the higher specified premium DLE derivative costing another R10 000,” said Michael.

The Super Ace has the longest load bed among one-ton pick-ups in SA at 2.63-metres and the drop side body has a deck height of only 60cm which makes for ease of loading and unloading. It has a turning circle of 10.2-metres, which provides easy manoeuvrability in congested traffic conditions.
These features make the Tata Super Ace suitable ideal for a host of urban applications from couriers to nurseries, gardening services, plumbers, building suppliers, handymen and furniture stores.
Both models are equipped, with standard power steering, remote central locking and engine immobiliser, heater/demister, fabric seat covering, adjustable bucket seats for the driver and passenger, digital clock, lockable glovebox, 12V DC power outlet, height-adjustable headlights, lockable fuel flap, rear protection bat, battery guard, collapsible steering column, load sensitive brake equaliser and side impact beams.
The more expensive DLE model adds air conditioning, wheel covers, power windows, fog lamps, remote adjustment for the exterior rear-view mirrors, grab handles and colour-coded bumpers.
The engine and transmission are all designed in-house by Tata Motors. The four-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel power unit of 1,4-litres develops 52kW of power at 4 500r/min and peak torque is 135N.m at 2 500r/min. The engine drives the rear axle through a five-speed manual transmission.
“Now that we have the only compact one-ton forward control pick-up in the local market and with the raft of improvements we believe we can grow our market share substantially, particularly with competitive pricing and a number of value-added benefits included in the retail price. The new Super Ace EX2 offers SMME’s a great product for their smaller businesses,” concluded Michael.