Tata Venture with 'On Test' stickers spotted in Pune; Is it the new CR4 variant?

One of the most ambitious projects of Tata Motors in recent years, apart from the Nano and the Aria, is the Venture MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle). Developed on the highly successful Ace platform, the Venture was developed to cater to private buyers in semi-urban and urban market, with its attractive looks and features. But it has to be said that the Venture isn't that big a success as we, and obviously Tata Motors, expected it to be. Just like they do for most of their models, it seems Tata Motors is already hard at work to try and maximize the prospects of Venture in the Indian market. This top-end GX model of Venture that was spotted in Pune with "On Test" stickers just goes to prove our statement.

The exteriors of this test vehicle is exactly the same as stock Venture models and we couldn't find out any differentiating factor or tell-tale signs of what is new in it. That makes us believe that Tata Motors could actually be testing a new power-train or alternate fuel options in this vehicle. The CNG variants of Tata Motors usually come with green CNG stickers on the sides even when they are being tested (We spotted the Winger MPV with one earlier), but this model had none. With that option ruled out, is it the CR4 engine that Tata is testing on this Venture? The CR4 engine has been a big hit for Tata in the Indica eV2 and Indigo eCS models and has earned a name for itself with its excellent fuel-efficiency and relatively better refinement levels.

For those who do not know, the Venture is currently powered by the 1.4-liter IDI turbo diesel engine that churns out of 71 PS of maximum power. With Tata Motors targeting private buyers for the Venture, the CR4 engine would be a big step up in the right direction.

Is our speculation right? Will the CR4 be extended into the Venture range as well? Will this be the much-needed boost for sales of the Venture to pick up? A lot of questions remain unanswered.