The Tata Bolt had a brief stint in South Africa. But is it good enough to be considered as a used purchase five years after its discontinuation?
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The Tata Bolt was launched in the South African market in 2015 as part of Tata Motors’ attempt to establish a stronger presence in the compact car segment. The car was a significant leap forward for Tata, particularly because it represented a shift in design, technology, and performance compared to the brand’s previous offerings.
South Africans had become familiar with Tata as a manufacturer of affordable vehicles, but the Bolt aimed to push beyond just budget-friendly pricing and being another Tata.
At the time of its launch, the Bolt was part of Tata’s “Horizonext” strategy and was unveiled alongside its sibling, the Bolt sedan, both of which were designed with input from Tata’s European design centres in the UK and Italy. Reflecting on our first encounter with the Bolt in 2015, we said in our initial report:
“Despite not being an entirely new car, the Bolt is definitely a step in the right direction for the Indian manufacturer. With prices starting at R132 995, it’s more than R20 000 cheaper than the more powerful but equally well-equipped Ford Figo. If the level of comfort is not enough to please would-be buyers, its frugal running should impress on a daily basis and even more so if you can adapt your driving style to its 66 kW engine. With the Bolt, Tata has improved one of its core products, and this is a welcome preview of things to come for the brand.”
Ultimately, while the Tata Bolt served as a promising attempt at repositioning the brand in the small car segment, its lifespan was cut short in 2019 due to market realities and a shift in Tata Motors’ focus towards more popular vehicle categories.
Rundown on the Tata Bolt
In South Africa, the Tata Bolt was primarily powered by a single petrol engine option: the 1.2-litre turbocharged unit. This engine was a major talking point for Tata at the time, as it marked the debut of the company’s newly developed turbo-petrol engine series. The 1.2-litre engine produced 66 kW of power and 140 N.m of torque. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. While an automatic variant was available in certain markets, South African consumers only had access to the manual version.
One of the key selling points of this engine was its multi-drive mode system, which allowed the driver to switch between three distinct driving modes: City, Eco, and Sport. This feature adjusted throttle response and engine performance depending on the chosen mode.
Inside, the city car featured a dual-tone dashboard, glossy black inserts, and chrome touches. A standout feature was the touchscreen infotainment system developed by Harman. This system, integrated into the higher-end variants of the Bolt, offered Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX inputs, and voice command functionality.
In terms of safety, the Bolt came with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and corner stability control.
Things to look out for when buying a used Tata Bolt
One of the first things buyers should be mindful of when inspecting a used Tata Bolt is the build quality of the interior. Although the Bolt was praised for offering more features than most vehicles in its price range, the interior materials can show signs of wear and tear sooner than expected. This includes issues like fading plastic trim, peeling upholstery, and rattling from loose panels or fittings.
The Bolt’s turbocharged petrol engine was marketed as a fuel-efficient yet performance-oriented option for city driving. There have been reports of power loss, particularly under load, as well as uneven idling and occasional engine stalling. Regular servicing and oil changes can prevent many of these problems, so it’s advisable to request a full-service history to ensure the car has been properly maintained.
In some instances, Tata Bolt owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s manual gearbox. These issues usually manifest as difficulty shifting between gears or a grinding noise when engaging the clutch. This could indicate wear on the clutch assembly or gearbox synchronizers, both of which can be costly to repair if left unchecked.
At launch, the Tata Bolt may have been known for its comfortable ride, particularly for a car in its price bracket, but potential buyers should be aware to potential suspension issues. Common issues include noises from the suspension system, such as creaking or knocking, and uneven tyre wear due to alignment issues. Replacing worn-out suspension parts or realigning the wheels can improve ride comfort and handling, but these repairs should be factored into your purchasing decision if necessary.
One of the concerns with owning a Tata vehicle in South Africa has been the availability of parts and reliable aftersales support. As such, buyers should be aware that Tata no longer sells passenger cars or bakkies in South Africa. Therefore research the availability of parts in your area and check with local service centres about their experience working on Tata vehicles. This can give you an idea of how easy or difficult it will be to maintain the car in the long term.
Which one to get?
When considering a used Bolt – or any Tata – in South Africa, potential buyers should approach the decision with caution due to several factors that influence the car’s long-term reliability and ownership experience. While the Bolt was designed to offer affordability and decent value in the competitive subcompact market, it struggled to gain a firm foothold in the country.
Aftersales service, or rather the lack thereof, is another significant factor that should give potential buyers pause. The availability of spare parts can be inconsistent, and the issue is exacerbated given that the car has been out of production for several years.
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