Overview of the Tara sedan by Iran Khodro
During the MIMS-2022 event in Moscow, the Iranian automotive company Iran Khodro introduced the Tara sedan. This model is built on a platform derived from the Peugeot 301, reflecting a collaboration that blends Iranian engineering with a familiar European design baseline. The Tara sits in a segment where comfort, practicality, and value hints at a growing demand for affordable, well-equipped sedans in regional markets.
Under the hood, the Tara is powered by an EG5+ engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters. This power unit delivers 113 horsepower, which, when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provides a balanced blend of performance and efficiency for daily driving and longer journeys. The engine family in question traces its lineage to the TU series associated with Peugeot Citroën, known for compact displacements that still offer solid torque characteristics. Modern automotive practice often favors more compact, efficient powertrains, yet these engines remain robust and serviceable with options for thorough overhauls when needed, which stands in contrast to some newer engines that are marketed as less serviceable. This context helps explain the Tara’s engine choice and its expected behavior in real-world use.
The Tara’s performance targets include a top speed of about 190 km/h, a figure that aligns with its segment and intended use. The sedan’s dimensions are generous for its class: a length of 4519 mm, a width of 1748 mm, and a height of 1466 mm, with a wheelbase of 2652 mm. The result is a spacious interior layout that prioritizes cabin roominess without compromising overall maneuverability. The platform supports a suspension setup that combines MacPherson struts at the front with a semi-independent rear axle, contributing to a comfortable ride while maintaining predictable handling on various road surfaces.
In terms of equipment, the Tara presents a comprehensive feature list designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. This includes a surround view system that assists with parking and low-speed maneuvering, and a built-in video system for in-car entertainment and information access. The interior is finished with leather upholstery and heated seating, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience. A 7-inch multimedia display serves as the central hub for media, navigation, and vehicle settings, while 16-inch alloy wheels provide a balanced mix of style and ride quality. A sport-oriented exhaust system adds a hint of character to the vehicle’s exhaust note, reflecting a blend of practicality and sportiness that some buyers appreciate. The driver’s seat offers adjustable reach and recline across six directions, and the front passenger seat adjusts across four directions, ensuring a comfortable seating position for occupants of varying sizes. The Tara also offers a substantial trunk capacity, with a boot volume of 640 liters to accommodate daily cargo and weekend luggage, reinforcing its suitability as a family-friendly option or a versatile daily driver.
Standard convenience features cover a wide range of needs: electric windows, heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, a sunroof, cruise control, an automatically activated windshield washer system, hill-start assist, and traction control. These elements collectively contribute to a reassuring level of practicality and ease of use for owners during different driving conditions and seasons. Apart from comfort, the Tara places a strong emphasis on active and passive safety through a suite of systems designed to assist the driver and reduce the risk of incidents. Anti-lock braking system, brake force distribution, and emergency braking are part of the core safety architecture, providing essential protection on everyday roads as well as busier corridors.
The Tara’s market positioning includes not only hardware and equipment but also a strategy that contemplates pricing and market entry dynamics. At this stage, the price of the Tara in Russia has not been formally fixed. Iran Khodro continues to monitor the market situation, assess demand, and determine the most effective way to position the model within local dealership networks and service ecosystems. This measured approach allows for adjustments based on feedback, regulatory considerations, and competitive offerings, ensuring the Tara can compete on value while delivering a credible level of refinement and reliability for potential buyers.