The facelift begins with the exterior, with flared wheel arches giving a more powerful appearance. New front and rear foglamps are available depending on the specification level, while a solid tubular rear bumper with an integrated step is both attractive and functional. Colour-coded bumpers and a new, stouter grille complete the package.
The Xenon is well specced for its modest price, with features like air-conditioning, electric windows, powered and heated mirrors, and a radio/CD-player audio system complete with versatile USB port. The driver is able to customise the driving position to their own comfort thanks to a height-adjustable, tilting steering wheel.
But what has made the biggest improvement to this vehicle is undoubtedly the new engine. A 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine, featuring common-rail technology, direct injection and an intercooler, replaces the old 3,0-litre unit. Despite the decrease in displacement, the new engine produces more power and torque than the engine it replaces. Peak torque is up from 300 Nm to 320 Nm, while power output is up from 80 kW to 103 kW. A five-speed manual gearbox is the only option.
Both 4x4 and 4x2 versions are available, and the 4x4 models feature shift-on-the-fly technology, a low-range transfer case and a limited-slip rear differential. Ground clearance is 210mm.
The Xenon’s suspension setup is typical of a bakkie, featuring independent double-wishbone front suspension with a torsion bar, matched to a leaf-spring arrangement at the rear.
The Tata Xenon 2.2 DLE is available from Tata dealers countrywide, and is priced as follows:
Xenon Single Cab 4x4 A/c 2.2 R206 495
Xenon Double Cab 4x2 A/c 2.2 R209 995
Xenon Double Cab 4x4 A/c 2.2 R229 995
A three-year/100 000km warranty and a three-year/75 000km service plan are included in the prices.