INDIAN vehicle manufacturer TATA plans to sell 1,000 examples of its new seven-seater Safari 2.0 TDi 4x4 in the UK in its first full year, following its launch next month.

Priced from £14,995 on-the-road and powered by a 2.0-litre 90bhp turbodiesel the Land Rover Discovery-sized five-door off-roader has an electronic four-wheel drive system with limited slip rear differential and automatic freewheeling front hubs. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and central locking.

UK distributor Bridlington-based Motor Vehicle Industries has also announced it is to expand its dealership network from 50 outlets to 80 by 2001 in readiness for TATA's small car, the Indica. The five-seater hatchback is expected to arrive in spring next year with diesel and petrol engine options - both 1.4-litre, four-cylinder units.