Tata Motors will showcase a compact SUV concept called Jump at the 2014 Auto Expo. This vehicle is based on the Vista’s X1 platform and is still a couple of years away from production. By showcasing the Tata Jump, the company wants to solicit feedback from show-goers. Tata Motors was planning to launch a pseudo crossover version of the Vista, called the Vista D90 Xtreme but decided against it after seeing the poor market response to the Skoda Fabia Scout and Volkswagen Cross Polo. Fiat also plans to launch a pseudo crossover, called the Punto Adventure.
We have tapped into our sources to get more details about the Tata Jump. The vehicle is internally called as CUV which stands for Compact Utility Vehicle. It looks very similar to the Vista in profile but features a different front and rear-end. The ground clearance is very high for that SUV feel while the spare wheel will be mounted on the rear tail gate. The biggest news is the headlights, which are inspired from the Jeep Cherokee (not Grand Cherokee). Thus the Tata Jump will get daytime running lights on the top with the main headlights below.
The Jeep Cherokee has been criticised for its unconventional styling which many found to be weird. However we did notice the styling grows on you with time. Tata Motors is well aware about their car’s design being a weak link and thus focus has been turned on the styling of vehicles. Entering the compact SUV segment is of paramount importance to India’s largest automaker as it has been the first mover in the sub 4-metre space. The Tata Jump will rival the Ford EcoSport, Maruti XA Alpha, Volkswagen Taigun, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano when it goes on sale in the not so immediate future.
