good motoring
Home on wheels
H.Kishie Singh

It is not very often that the auto industry offers something completely different. We have had sedans, SUVs, MPVs, 4X4s and just about everything that comes on wheels.

This is different. It is a Tata TL 4X4 but there the resemblance stops. To begin with it breaks tradition and offers the motoring aficionado a unique touring experience. This is the campervan or mobile home, and will be seen on Indian roads for the first time. A made in India vehicle. We are used to seeing foreign adventure tourists who have driven overland from Europe, and envied them.

The Tata TL 4X4 has proved itself as a workhorse in South Africa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the mid-East. The TL 4X4 is a 4- cylinder, 2-litre diesel engine, turbo-charged, inter-cooled with indirect injection. It puts out 92 bhp and 190 nm of torque. The 4X4 is electronically engaged. It has a limited ship differential for better traction both on road and off road. It has disc brakes upfront, drums at the rear, suspension at front and parabolic leaf spring at the rear. Double acting hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers are on all four wheels. Power steering is standard. Tubeless tyres are standard. However, for extra safety the campervan is fitted with 235 mm thick Michelin Scorpion tyres. Tubeless, of course. No fear of tyre burst or even punctures. The TL 4x4 can carry a load of 1.28 tonnes. All modern equipments like A.C, heater, defroster and wipers with spoiler blades are standard.

The first view of the campervan is of a sleek aerodynamic vehicle. It is a twin cab with four doors and will accommodate four adults with comfort. It is with this seating capacity that the campervan has been designed to accommodate four persons sleeping.

The most outstanding feature on the exterior that catches the eye is the location of the spare wheel. It is almost at ground level and the bracket holding it lowers it to the ground. A user-friendly design, especially if a lady has to use it. Not that it will be required with 235 mm thick tyres but it is an indication of the thought process that has gone into the design of this campervan.

A head-on view shows the projector type fog lamps built into the bumper. Positioned above the fog lamps are the adjustable semi- sealed halogen headlights. Another very thoughtful design. The campervan carriers its own supply of water. The 110 litre tank is below floor board level. The extra weight will keep the centre of gravity low and reduces body sway on a winding road. A chrome-plated can adorns the rear end.

Enter the bedroom-cum-kitchen and the layout is aesthetic and pleasing. There is a 65-litre refrigerator with freezer compartment. A stainless steel sink, a burner fuelled by gas for cooking requirements. The drawers are held shut by strong magnets so they won’t open by themselves. Tables pull out from here and there, as do the beds. During the day they provide sitting and at night they convert into beds. Bedside, reading lamps are provided. There are four CFC lights, turbo fans, 9.5 inch LCD-TFT, a VCD-DVD player for in-house amusement.

Most essential, a chemical toilet is provided. It is separate from the vehicle and you can easily have your early morning communion with nature in the wild.

The campervan is made by Overlanders Speciality Vehicles Pvt Ltd on a Tata TL 4X4 pick-up. It is aptly called Freedom and is designed by Daulat Deshmukh.

Happy motoring.