By Aurelia Mbokazi
Like the next person, I love a bargain. Knowing I have paid less than expected gives me a thrill. In my circles, I am that woman who will drive to a market for fresh produce straight from the farmers. Fresher food, better prices? I am there.
That enthusiasm extends to cars, especially now that buying one can feel like a financial mountain to climb. So when the newly launched Tata Osprey arrived with a starting price of R249 900, I wanted to know what that money could buy.
A week behind the wheel gave me plenty to think about
Looking the part
The Osprey makes a lovely first impression. In person, it looks bigger than it does in photographs, with a presence that belies its compact size.
My test car came in a striking turquoise finish with a contrasting white roof and black accents around the mirrors, grille and wheel arches. I loved how the colours worked together, giving it plenty of character and street cred to brighten up my driveway. There was nothing about its appearance that suggested you have had to settle for less because you are watching your budget.
Settling in
Inside, the good impressions continued. The cabin has thoughtful touches, and the seats were comfortable enough for me to adjust my position and settle in happily.
At this price, I appreciated the effort Tata has put into making the interior feel welcoming. Affordability need not mean spending every journey wishing you had bought something else.
Finding my way around the controls took a little time. There were moments of searching for the right button, although that is common with any new car I review. As the week went on, things became easier.
The 382-litre boot was one of the pluses that stood out and earned my approval. It offers useful space for shopping and everyday family luggage. For someone whose bargain hunting sometimes involves coming home with more than planned, ample boot space matters.
A gentler pace
All Osprey models use a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but my driving experience was more leisurely than lively.
TMy children noticed too. “Can this car go?” became a recurring question, especially on the way to school when it took a little longer to pick up speed.
The Osprey felt like it might answer, “You should have left earlier,” before carrying on at its own pace. It gets you from A to B looking good, but don’t expect it to share your urgency when you’re running late.
For me, its appeal lies in the comfort, space and price. You simply need to be comfortable with its more measured pace.
Would I buy it?
Absolutely. I would go in knowing its limitations, but there is plenty here that I enjoyed.
The range runs from R249 900 to R329 900, with an automatic available from R279 900. Six airbags, electronic stability control and rear parking sensors come standard across the range. Prices also include a five-year/125 000km warranty and a three-year/45 000km service plan.
Those are meaningful considerations when the family budget is already stretched.The Osprey deserves a place on the shopping list. It looks good, feels comfortable and offers useful everyday space at a price that made this bargain hunter pay attention.
