In the annals of automotive history, certain models tend to stay ignored even by the most enthusiastic of aficionados. The 1992 Tata Calypso, one of the first small vehicles conceived by Tata Motors (formerly TELCO), is one such example. The forgotten MPV had upto 12 seats and shared its platform with the 207. Even though the MPV could have become a pioneer of the Indian MPV segment, it never saw the light of the day. Remember, this is from a time when the Toyota Qualis was 8 years away from its local debut, which would have meant a free run for the Calypso.
You may also like: Tata Nexon Facelift Gets Futuristic Facade – Here’s Proof!
Genesis of the Tata Calypso:
It was way back at the start of the liberalisation era that Tata Motors embarked on a mission to come up with a world-class MPV. The robust 207 platform was chosen for the underpinnings. Meanwhile, the aesthetics were reminiscent of the large vans from Toyota and Nissan. It’s noteworthy that such vans were already quite popular in India, making their way here through the import route.
At its core, the Tata Calypso was engineered to seat up to 12 passengers. This would have ensured suitability for commercial as well as private use. Powering the MPV would have been the 2.0-litre Peugeot naturally aspirated diesel engine, delivering a mighty 63 horsepower. In the standard format, it had 10 seats (3+2+2+3 layout). The MPG was 4,395 mm long, 1,700 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall. It had a wheelbase of 2,225 mm and rode on 15-inch wheels. It tipped the scales at 1,650 kg.
You may also like: This is How Tata Motors Plans to Dominate the SUV Segments
You may also like: Tata Punch EV Spied, Tiago-Like Specs Likely
Never Made it Production
Despite its immense potential and well-thought-out design, the Tata Calypso faced an unexpected twist of fate. While poised to be a market disruptor, the Calypso never managed to see the light of day. This prospective best-seller, despite its potential to become a best-seller, remained veiled in obscurity. Though the Tata Calypso’s impact might have been obscured by the sands of time, it makes for a classic case study of what-ifs and possibilities. It’s also a testament to the dynamic nature of the automotive industry, where even radical innovations can sometimes succumb to uncertainties.
You may also like: Tata Altroz Gets Sunroof in Second-From-Base Variant
