Tata seems to be on a mission to improve motoring standards in India, to get people off bikes and trikes and into a four-wheeler. It started with the Nano, which low entry price gave families an alternative to cramming everyone on a bike. Now, the company has launched the Magic Iris at the Auto Expo in Delhi, which should be a decent alternative to the three-wheeled auto rickshaw common in India.
To be launched this year, the Magic Iris “is for public transportation, offering safer and more comfortable mobility for those who depend on three-wheelers”. The tiny body can sit five, including the driver, and occupants will be fully enclosed, unlike in tuk-tuks.
The Magic Iris is powered by a 611cc water cooled diesel engine. With a 10-litre fuel tank, it’s capable of longer distances than a three-wheeler and has a top speed of about 55 km/h. 11 bhp may not be much, but it’s more than what the auto rickshaws offer. Tata also promises lower maintenance costs and a higher load capacity than the popular vehicle it’s trying to replace.
Looks quite cute and cartoonish, don’t you think?
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mostly focus on the Tata Magic Iris's unconventional and unattractive design, with many describing it as ugly, frog-like, or resembling a rabbit. Some appreciate its practicality, safety, and fuel efficiency for Indian drivers, noting it as a better alternative to rickshaws and bikes. A few suggest it could be suitable for markets like Malaysia as a Beca replacement, but most agree it isn't appealing aesthetically. Safety concerns about its tall height and high center of gravity were mentioned, with fears of tipping over. Several comments praise Tata's attempt at providing an affordable vehicle for the middle class, though opinions on its style and market viability are largely negative. Overall, the sentiment is mixed, leaning toward criticism of its appearance but recognition of its utility.