Tata Penguin (Magic Iris) Mini Truck caught testing

fz_rider · 22nd June 2010, 19:33

“Tata Motors who introduced the world’s cheapest car the Nano finally seems to be taking advantage of each and every segment of the automotive sector”, was the comment that most of the auto journalist came on to when the first test mules of this 0.5 tons small pickup were spotted a year back. Everyone knew that the vehicle was codenamed “Penguin” but thought of this may be one of the versions that Tata Motors may have planned apart from the other variants like the hybrid, electric and the much awaited diesel on the Nano platform.

Things became clear when at the Auto Expo 2010 the Tata Magic Iris was unveiled and finally came to a conclusion that this is a pickup based on the same. The guys of the VelocitiMag caught an uncamouflaged test mule of the Penguin while doing trials around Pune. Nothing different if compared to the front looks with the Iris except the cargo bay at the rear.

The Penguin looks good enough if compared to its three wheeled competitors against which it is positioned on to. The main competition will be the Mahindra Gio of the same segment which was launched couple of months back but does not hold much of its share in the 0.5 tons LCV segment. The Penguin may be sharing the same work mill doing its job on the Magic Iris which has a displacement of 600 cc and produces a maximum power of 11 bhp and will be placed on the rear end. The added advantage of this category LCV will be comfortable and hassle free driving compared to the conventional rickshaw based pickup.

Mahindra were the first and then the Tata Motors. The game in this segment will be hotter now as something new may be cooking in the brains of Bajaj Auto and the Force Motors who are in the same foray. No official confirmations yet but expect the vehicle to be launched within coming few months or may be by the end of this year.

Source : Velociti Magazine

HammerHead · 22nd June 2010, 20:04

Hey I saw the same truck in same colour a month back here in Pune. It does look cute in real.

Ashley2 · 22nd June 2010, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by fz_rider

The Penguin looks good enough if compared to its three wheeled competitors against which it is positioned on to. The main competition will be the Mahindra Gio of the same segment which was launched couple of months back but does not hold much of its share in the 0.5 tons LCV segment.

Is the M&M Champion under production..
How does the M4, Minidor, Truk stands out here..

nishant_242 · 26th June 2010, 16:50

The truck really looks nice. It looks like a 4 wheeler, unlike the ugly Mahindra Gio(ugliest vehicle ever made in India). It should do very well in India, if it is priced correctly.

pamiboy · 27th November 2010, 23:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by nishant_242

The truck really looks nice. It looks like a 4 wheeler, unlike the ugly Mahindra Gio(ugliest vehicle ever made in India). It should do very well in India, if it is priced correctly.

Very true. It looks a lot better compared to its competition (which I don't even want to mention the name..the ugliness makes me feel vomit

).

Hatts off to TATA for producing a real alternative to the rickshaw based carriers

.

PAVAN KADAM · 28th November 2010, 00:08

Ace is the best in the Segment right now. Decent in looks and a great performer.

Looks like the Iris will take over and rule a different segment in mini carriers in the future.

22nd June 2010, 19:33	#1
fz_rider Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: World Posts: 1,148 Thanked: 766 Times	Tata Penguin (Magic Iris) Mini Truck caught testing “Tata Motors who introduced the world’s cheapest car the Nano finally seems to be taking advantage of each and every segment of the automotive sector”, was the comment that most of the auto journalist came on to when the first test mules of this 0.5 tons small pickup were spotted a year back. Everyone knew that the vehicle was codenamed “Penguin” but thought of this may be one of the versions that Tata Motors may have planned apart from the other variants like the hybrid, electric and the much awaited diesel on the Nano platform. Things became clear when at the Auto Expo 2010 the Tata Magic Iris was unveiled and finally came to a conclusion that this is a pickup based on the same. The guys of the VelocitiMag caught an uncamouflaged test mule of the Penguin while doing trials around Pune. Nothing different if compared to the front looks with the Iris except the cargo bay at the rear. The Penguin looks good enough if compared to its three wheeled competitors against which it is positioned on to. The main competition will be the Mahindra Gio of the same segment which was launched couple of months back but does not hold much of its share in the 0.5 tons LCV segment. The Penguin may be sharing the same work mill doing its job on the Magic Iris which has a displacement of 600 cc and produces a maximum power of 11 bhp and will be placed on the rear end. The added advantage of this category LCV will be comfortable and hassle free driving compared to the conventional rickshaw based pickup. Mahindra were the first and then the Tata Motors. The game in this segment will be hotter now as something new may be cooking in the brains of Bajaj Auto and the Force Motors who are in the same foray. No official confirmations yet but expect the vehicle to be launched within coming few months or may be by the end of this year. Source : Velociti Magazine Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

22nd June 2010, 20:04	#2
HammerHead Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Goan in Pune Posts: 1,252 Thanked: 649 Times View My Garage	Hey I saw the same truck in same colour a month back here in Pune. It does look cute in real.
	() Thanks

26th June 2010, 16:50	#4
nishant_242 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Jamshedpur Posts: 65 Thanked: 3 Times	The truck really looks nice. It looks like a 4 wheeler, unlike the ugly Mahindra Gio(ugliest vehicle ever made in India). It should do very well in India, if it is priced correctly.
	() Thanks

28th November 2010, 00:08	#6
PAVAN KADAM BANNED Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NAMMA BENGALURU Posts: 5,602 Thanked: 2,552 Times	Ace is the best in the Segment right now. Decent in looks and a great performer. Looks like the Iris will take over and rule a different segment in mini carriers in the future.
	() Thanks