Having run Escort, Skoda and LDV pilot vans, we have seen a marked improvement in all aspects of our job with the Tatas. Firstly, the drivers love them, quoting more comfort, reduced noise levels and more versatility and load carrying than our other vans.

Secondly we have seen improvements in mpg (up to 42 mpg in the first two weeks). Thirdly, we can load 1.2 tonnes into the back and still tow more than any of the other vehicles we looked at. In fact, we like the product so much we are now a dealer! As a commercial vehicle buyer and seller, it really annoys me to see inaccurate reviews concentrating on the wrong aspects of a commercial and I feel your tester is guilty of this. His lack of understanding of the commercial sector is proved by his title ‘muscles in on the macho truck sector’.

No true commercial user buys a truck because it is macho and the Tata never pretends to be this. Please let me address your findings one at a time.

I must agree with the tester’s verdict on the seat travel and am informed that the runners on the next batch to arrive have been extended to solve this criticism.

‘Deafening clatter and huge cloud of black smoke...?’ The engine is, I agree, slightly noisier than the Mitsubishi but do you actually drive other commercials? Our Escort, Skoda and LDV are all substantially noisier and I would suggest that a huge cloud of black smoke was an overstatement.

Indeed, when our vehicles were brand new they smoked the very first time we started them, but I have noticed no smoke whatsoever since and when you are on the move the engine smoothes out. Maybe if your tester had driven it more than 10 miles, he would have noticed this.

In regards to the driving of the vehicle, I would suggest that there was something wrong with it. The new TL has an upgraded twin synchro cone box which is both smooth and pleasant to drive. The engines are very free-revving and 60mph is reached rapidly. Indeed, after driving a 300-mile round trip at 80mph, I can safely say that the vehicle is quick and comfortable at these speeds. The vibration in your test vehicle at 60mph requires attention and may be something as simple as wheel balancing, though your tester should have stated this.

You have stated the Tata's retail price of £11,357 + VAT yet mention the fleet buyer’s value on the Mitsubishi. The price you should have stated was £15,591 + VAT (according to CAP).

And how does your tester know the vehicle is difficult to sell after thee years?

This is the most laughable statement of all. For your information, a three-year-old TL4 crew cab (taken from CAP) has a value of between £3,250 and £4,000 (£7,357 depreciation over three years). The Mitsubishi L200 double cab has a three-year value of between £7,725 and £8,325 (£7,266 depreciation over three years).

The depreciation figures look very similar to me, but take into account that the Tata is £4,000+ cheaper upfront and you can see the benefits in terms of wholelife costs.

I also know many Tata dealers (myself included) who are desperate for used stock as the vehicle is actually a very quick seller, used, due to its value for money, so your statement is both irresponsible and totally incorrect.

I cannot understand why you test commercial vehicles yet totally omit any commercial aspects in your road test. Is this because your commercial testers do not understand commercial vehicles and what buyers require?

There is no mention of load dimensions, driving impressions while fully loaded, towing capacity, wholelife costs, durability, ease of repair or reliability, all of which the Tata would score highly on. Indeed, you tested a 4x4 and didn't even take it off road. Is this because it would again score highly and start to give a good impression?

From reading the test, dare I suggest that the Tata was tested as a car and by a car tester, rather than as a commercial and 4x4? Come on, please get real with your commercial reviews. Would you test an £8,000 Kia against a £15,000 BMW and call it fair? Each vehicle has its place and you have a responsibility to be both fair and impartial in your tests.

  • ED – Halfway through reading this letter I began to worry that maybe we had totally misjudged this vehicle. It wasn’t until the end I realised that the correspondent was none other than a Tata dealer. It is hardly surprising under the circumstances that he would take issue with our views, is it? On the other hand, we are unbiased journalists and the report accurately reflected our week with the Tata TL.

    We were so appalled by the Tata’s general driving characteristics that we handed it over to Simon Harris, road test editor of Fleet News, for a second opinion. He came back some minutes later shaking his head in disbelief. Mr Kimberley suggests that maybe there was something wrong with the vehicle. All we can say is that it came straight from MG Rover’s test fleet so assume it had been checked over before it was given to us.

    The road test may have missed a few items (space constraints affect all magazines I fear) but it remains our view that this vehicle just doesn’t measure up to UK fleet standards in any way, shape or form.