Tata Ace Gold Plus Diesel Pick-Up Truck Launched At ₹5.52 Lakh

Tata Motors has added a new variant to its Ace lineup with the launch of the Ace Gold Plus. Priced at ₹5.52 lakh (ex-showroom), it becomes the most affordable diesel option in the range. The vehicle is targeted at small business owners and fleet operators who want low running costs and easy maintenance.

DEF-Free Diesel Operation

The key change in the Ace Gold Plus is its Lean NOx Trap (LNT) technology. Standard BS6 diesel engines require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), also known as AdBlue, which must be refilled regularly. The LNT system avoids this. It captures nitrogen oxides and burns them off during brief cycles, keeping the engine compliant without the need for DEF. For operators, this removes the hassle and cost of DEF supply.

Another effect of the DEF-free system is on service needs. Regular BS6 diesels require workshops equipped to store and manage DEF and handle sensors linked to it. With LNT, the Ace Gold Plus can be serviced more easily, even at smaller centres without specialised equipment. This could help Tata expand its service network coverage in smaller towns.

Engine and Payload

The Ace Gold Plus is powered by a 702cc turbocharged Dicor diesel engine producing 22 PS and 55 Nm of torque. It comes with two driving modes: Power Mode for gradients and heavy loads, and City Mode for fuel-efficient urban use. The truck offers a payload of 900 kg, which makes it suitable for last-mile delivery, from goods transport to courier services.

A 30-litre fuel tank and a 4.3-metre turning circle are aimed at city use. The vehicle weighs 1,815 kg gross and uses front disc brakes. Tata will offer multiple load deck options to suit different businesses.

Cost and Competition

At ₹5.52 lakh, the Ace Gold Plus is positioned against rivals like the Mahindra Jeeto. By removing the DEF requirement, Tata has also reduced recurring costs for owners. Since DEF prices and supply logistics add up over years of use, the savings will be most visible to small operators who run their vehicles daily.

Small commercial vehicles account for nearly three-fourths of all commercial vehicle sales in India. The growth of e-commerce and hyperlocal deliveries has further increased demand in this segment. By cutting operating costs, Tata is aiming to strengthen its position in a market where margins are thin and purchase decisions often come down to lifetime ownership cost rather than just sticker price.

The Timing

The festive season is often a key buying period for commercial vehicles, and the Ace Gold Plus launch aligns with this cycle. Commercial vehicle demand is also recovering after a slowdown, and operators are focusing more on total cost of ownership. By combining a lower upfront price with simpler maintenance, the new variant is positioned to address these concerns.