[TusharK]

Test mules of a compact sedan built by Iranian carmaker SAIPA - 'Societe Anonyme Iranienne de Production Automobile' have been spotted near Chennai.



The spy video reveals two variants of the same left-hand-drive car. The lower variant has steel wheels, dual-tone interiors and is equipped with a manual transmission. The other test mule appears to be a higher variant and has alloy wheels, dual-tone interiors, automatic climate control, front centre armrest with storage, height adjustable seat belts and an automatic transmission. Both variants have a driver side airbag.



The test mules appear to be of a facelift version of an existing SAIPA model. The cars feature a hexagonal front grille flanked by small headlamps. The SAIPA Tiba has a similar front fascia. The Tiba is built on the S81 platform and is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 79 BHP @ 5,200 rpm and 126 Nm @ 3,200 rpm.

SAIPA was established in 1965 and has since been assembling cars for Citroen, Renault, Nissan and Kia in Iran. Hence, it is believed that Renault-Nissan or Kia might have imported the cars for R&D purposes.

Source:

Power Stroke PS / Youtube

[amtak]

If SAIPA was here in 1995, these cars would have been okay. In 2018, they are just wasting their time and money.

[Amit_breakfree]

This will provide a good competition to Maruti Esteem, Daewoo Cielo, Open Astra, and Hyundai Accent.

I don't know who has imported the car or why has been imported, because there has been completely no noise about such a car or the brand being launched in India. This could just be a one-off case or might have been imported by Nissan, Renault, for some in-house testing purposes.

[SmartCat]

Might sell well if they offer 1,000 barrels of crude oil free with every purchase.

Some interesting tidbits about Iranian automobile industry from wiki -

- Second largest industry in Iran after oil & gas
- Accounts for 10% of Iranian GDP
- Employs 4% of work force
- Produces over 1.2 million automobiles per year
- 18th largest automobile manufacturer in the world
- Exports of over $ 1 billion

[i74js]

I see nothing wrong. India is a growing market and is not saturated for any player who wishes to enter, compete and stay invested here. There is a certain amount of bias for MSIL and Hyundai but that should not stop others to take a plunge.

In India, disruptive product as well as disruptive pricing, both can work and if a tested product from overseas market can create a space for itself at a compelling price point. It will find takers.

Cheers !

[rajshenoy]

I had read about Datsun go based sedan somewhere. It looked like Renault logan (cab segment). Since the scoop mentioned nissan, could this be it?

[ajmat]

Since it is based on an older Peugeot, perhaps PSA are resurrecting the Ambassador's brand value of obsolence in this avatar

[Impala_123]

I think, this can be a part of PSA's new launches in India and can be produced as entry sedan under citroen. It looks kind of "Rest of the World Testing" to evaluate the product for Indian geographic , climatic and road conditions.

Originally Posted by TusharK

Test mules of a compact sedan built by Iranian carmaker SAIPA - 'Societe Anonyme Iranienne de Production Automobile' have been spotted near Chennai.

Just observed that "Horn pad on steering wheel is missing " this is generally removed while some vehicle dynamics testing to fit the steering wheel sensor. It looks like its Tiba based sedan build by Saipa for Indian counterpart , which is under developmental testing.

[GTO]

There is no way a 'dabba' (box) like this is going to sell in the fiercely competitive Indian market. If Mahindra-Renault couldn't sell a low cost sedan (i.e. Logan), and neither could Toyota (i.e. Etios), this one has failure written all over it. Heck, Ford couldn't even sell a fairly modern sedan (i.e. Aspire).

And let's not forget the upcoming BS-VI emission & stringent safety norms. I doubt this car will ever clear them.

Originally Posted by i74js

In India, disruptive product as well as disruptive pricing

If you were talking of an electric car or similar, I'd agree. But what exactly is disruptive about this car? Not the car itself, and neither the price (trust me, you can't beat Maruti or Hyundai in cost efficiencies). A 1.5L engine that makes less power than the mass market 1.2L motors?

Originally Posted by ajmat

Since it is based on an older Peugeot, perhaps PSA are resurrecting the Ambassador's brand value of obsolence in this avatar

No chance. Peugeot will never do a 309 again. All the MNCs have learned that outdated products will not sell in India. If Peugeot wants their 2nd shot at India to have any chance of success, they need to bring in contemporary, world-class products.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by GTO

No chance. Peugeot will never do a 309 again. All the MNCs have learned that outdated products will not sell in India. If Peugeot wants their 2nd shot at India to have any chance of success, they need to bring in contemporary, world-class products.

I was being sarcastic - PSA merely licence production to Iran, they do not have any stake in this company. What is more likely is that new components or a redesign for this car is happening in India. Quite possible considering the current sanctions affecting Iran!

[aniketi]

Is their any chance of somebody imported this car as a Vintage car for personal use?