Tata Xenon XT 4x4

The Xenon’s 2.2-litre DiCOR motor is light and powerful. The top end performance of the motor makes it ideal for highway duty. The Xenon gets the 140bhp engine from the Safari. With the same power as the Safari and 320kg less to lug around, the Xenon 4X4 has a real spring in its step.

Engage first gear on the extremely rubbery gear shift and you have to be careful not to stall the motor. This engine demads a few revs on the dial before it will get the Xenon moving. This is especially true on hill starts. Once past 1500rpm, the DIcor engine gets into its stride. Its noisy and peppy but there's a nice surge as the needle appsroaches 2000rpm and all the way to 3500rpm where the power finally fades out.

The Xenon’s tall gearing means gear changes are more frequent, especially in town and that’s not good. Also, the Xenon’s shift quality is poor and the gear lever, devoid of precision, feels like it is connected to a pot of glue.

On the road its best to keep the big and gruff engine relaxed. In our city cycle the Xenon returned 9.2 kpl and on the highway it returned 12.9 kpl.