I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 Tata cars that witnessed minimal sales. To clarify, this doesn’t imply that literally not a single unit was sold, but rather that their sales figures were exceptionally low compared to other Tata products and cars in their respective categories. Tata Motors stands as one of the prominent carmakers in the country, consistently securing the third position on the monthly sales charts. However, like any car manufacturer, there have been instances where certain products did not resonate well with buyers. This is a common phenomenon in the automotive industry. Let’s delve into the details of these particular cars.
5 Tata Cars That Saw Limited Sales
Car |
Production Years |
Tata Zest |
2014-2019 |
Tata Bolt |
2014-2019 |
Tata Safari Petrol |
1998-2005 |
Tata Indigo Marina |
2004-2010 |
Tata Indigo Manza |
2002-2018 |
These Tata models faced challenges in attracting significant sales, with production years ranging from 1998 to 2019.”
Tata Zest
The initial entry on the list of the top 5 Tata cars with limited sales is the Zest, a compact sedan that remained in production from 2014 to 2019. Notably, it shared its platform with the Tata Indica Vista and was manufactured at Tata’s Ranjangoan facility. Tata aimed to provide customers with a roomy sedan based on the Bolt hatchback. However, this strategy didn’t quite align with the preferences of buyers at the time. The market response was tepid, leading to subdued sales for the Zest. Consequently, Tata decided to discontinue its production in 2019.
Tata Bolt
The Tata Bolt serves as the foundation for the previously discussed Zest model. The practice of transforming hatchbacks into sedans is a longstanding trend, offering car manufacturers cost savings through part-sharing. This approach provides customers with a distinct vehicle without a significant increase in cost. The Bolt was available concurrently with the Zest, offering a robust hatchback option with a choice between a 1.2-litre turbo petrol or a 1.3-litre turbo diesel engine. Boasting a reasonable wheelbase of 2,470 mm, it adhered to the standards of that era. However, neither of these models gained substantial traction among buyers, eventually paving the way for the introduction of the Tiago and Tigor siblings in today’s market.
Tata Safari Petrol
It’s noteworthy that while the Safari brand enjoys immense popularity and success in India, there were certain versions during its lifespan that didn’t resonate as well with buyers. The Safari, an iconic SUV with a history spanning over two decades, witnessed the introduction of a petrol variant by Tata Motors in the early 2000s. This move aimed at cost reduction and expanding the SUV’s reach to a broader audience. However, during that period, the concept of downsized turbo petrol engines wasn’t prevalent, leading to the petrol Safari lacking the robustness and power characteristic of SUVs. Despite featuring a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 135 hp, the torque failed to leave a lasting impression. Consequently, the petrol Safari didn’t attract significant buyer interest, while the diesel version continued to enjoy substantial sales volumes.
Tata Indigo Marina
The Tata Indigo Marina represented the Indian automaker’s venture into crafting a spacious station wagon, tailor-made for large families with the need for substantial luggage capacity. The distinguishing feature of this body style lies in its expansive space behind the second row, dedicated to accommodating ample luggage instead of an additional seating row. While the concept aimed at addressing the needs of families with significant storage requirements, potential car buyers didn’t resonate strongly with it. The Indigo Marina was available for sale from 2004 to 2010, featuring a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an output of 85 PS and 118 Nm of peak power and torque. Interestingly, the generously-sized boot became known for accommodating not just luggage but also serving as a comfortable space for people to travel with their pets on extended journeys!