TagAz Road Partner Pickup 2.9 TD (120 Hp) P600

The TagAz Road Partner Pickup 2.9 TD (120 Hp) P600 represents a segment of rugged, utilitarian vehicles designed primarily for the Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets, where durability, affordability, and practical capability often outweigh advanced technological features or luxurious appointments. Produced by the Taganrog Automobile Plant (TagAZ) between 2008 and 2011, this specific generation of the Road Partner Pickup was a rebadged version of the SsangYong Musso Sports, a testament to the common practice of licensing and localizing established foreign designs for regional markets. Positioned as a workhorse, the P600 variant was a two-door, two-seat pickup truck, engineered to tackle demanding conditions, offering a robust platform for both commercial and personal use in environments where paved roads are not always a given. Its architecture emphasized a traditional internal combustion engine powertrain, paired with a capable four-wheel-drive system, embodying a straightforward approach to vehicle design focused on reliability and functionality.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the TagAz Road Partner Pickup 2.9 TD (120 Hp) P600

At the core of the TagAz Road Partner Pickup 2.9 TD (120 Hp) P600’s capabilities lies its robust 2.9-liter (2874 cm³ or 175.38 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder diesel engine. This powertrain, originating from SsangYong, was designed with an emphasis on low-end torque and reliability, crucial attributes for a vehicle intended for hauling and navigating challenging terrains. The engine features an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, a configuration that balances efficiency with power delivery. Fuel is supplied via a precombustion chamber injection system, a tried-and-true method for diesel engines of this era, known for its robustness and tolerance to varying fuel qualities. Further enhancing its performance, the engine is equipped with both a turbocharger and an intercooler, which boost air intake, leading to a more complete combustion and increased power output.

This 2.9 TD engine generates a respectable 120 horsepower at 4000 revolutions per minute, providing ample power for its intended applications. More importantly for a pickup truck, it delivers a substantial 239 Newton-meters (176.28 lb.-ft.) of torque. This torque figure is critical for towing, carrying heavy loads, and maintaining traction in off-road scenarios. The engine’s longitudinal layout, positioned at the front of the vehicle, contributes to a balanced weight distribution and allows for the robust drivetrain components necessary for its all-wheel-drive (4×4) system. Power is channeled through a five-speed manual transmission, offering the driver direct control over gear selection, which is particularly beneficial in varied driving conditions, from highway cruising to steep inclines or muddy tracks. The engine operates with a high compression ratio of 22:1, typical for a diesel engine, optimizing fuel efficiency and power generation. With an engine oil capacity of 8 liters (8.45 US qt), it is designed for durability and sustained operation.

In terms of fuel economy, the TagAz Road Partner Pickup 2.9 TD (120 Hp) P600 demonstrated figures that were competitive for its class and era. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 10 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to approximately 23.5 US miles per gallon. For urban driving, consumption increases to 12 l/100 km (19.6 US mpg), while extra-urban driving yields a more efficient 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg). These figures underscore its design as a practical vehicle, balancing the demands of a powerful diesel engine with reasonable operating costs. The vehicle adhered to the Euro 2 emission standard, reflecting its production period and the regulatory environment of its primary markets.

Design, Features, and Robust Utility

The design philosophy behind the TagAz Road Partner Pickup 2.9 TD (120 Hp) P600 is unequivocally rooted in utility and resilience. As a two-door, two-seat pickup, its primary function is to transport goods and navigate challenging landscapes. The body-on-frame construction, characteristic of traditional pickup trucks and SUVs, provides a sturdy foundation, capable of withstanding heavy loads and rough terrain. Its dimensions, with a length of 4935 mm (194.29 in.), a width of 1864 mm (73.39 in.), and a height of 1760 mm (69.29 in.), give it a commanding presence and ample space for its cargo bed. The wheelbase of 2515 mm (99.02 in.) contributes to a stable ride, while the front track of 1510 mm (59.45 in.) and rear track of 1520 mm (59.84 in.) ensure a solid stance.

The suspension system is engineered for durability and off-road capability. The front features an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, providing a good balance between ride comfort and articulation on uneven surfaces. The rear suspension is a dependent, multi-link spring system, augmented by telescopic shock absorbers. This configuration is ideal for carrying heavy loads and maintaining stability, crucial for a pickup. Braking performance is handled by ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, offering reliable stopping power, further enhanced by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved control during emergency braking maneuvers. The steering system is a hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion unit, providing predictable and relatively effortless steering, especially important for a vehicle of this size and weight, and when navigating tight spots, reflected in its minimum turning circle of 11.9 meters (39.04 ft.).

The TagAz Road Partner Pickup 2.9 TD (120 Hp) P600 rolls on 255/65 R16 tires, a size that offers a good compromise between on-road comfort and off-road grip. With a kerb weight of 2150 kg (4739.94 lbs.) and a maximum permissible weight of 2835 kg (6250.11 lbs.), it boasts a substantial maximum load capacity of 685 kg (1510.17 lbs.), making it well-suited for various hauling tasks. The cargo bed itself is generous, offering a minimum trunk space of 780 liters (27.55 cu. ft.) which expands to a maximum of 1810 liters (63.92 cu. ft.) when optimized, underscoring its utility. A fuel tank capacity of 72 liters (19.02 US gallons) provides a decent range, reducing the frequency of refueling stops, which is advantageous in remote areas. Overall, the TagAz Road Partner Pickup P600 was a no-nonsense vehicle, designed and equipped to be a reliable partner for those needing a capable and robust pickup in its target markets.

Technical Specifications