The TagAz Tager 2.3 (110 Hp) 4×4 is a five-door, five-seat off-road vehicle produced by the Azerbaijani manufacturer TagAz from 2008 to 2012. The Tager represents a unique entry in the automotive landscape, largely due to its origins and the limited export market outside of its primary region. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications and design provides insight into the automotive industry within the former Soviet republics and the adaptation of existing platforms for local production. The vehicle was positioned as a rugged, affordable utility vehicle, catering to the demands of varied terrain and practical transportation needs.
TagAz Tager 2.3: Overview and Market Context
The TagAz Tager was built under license from Hyundai, utilizing the Hyundai Galloper platform. The Galloper itself was a first-generation Mitsubishi Pajero, rebadged and produced by Hyundai. TagAz, established in 2006, aimed to establish a domestic automotive industry in Azerbaijan, and the Tager was a key component of this strategy. The vehicle filled a niche for a capable, body-on-frame SUV in a market where demand existed for robust vehicles suitable for both on-road and off-road use. Its production run, though relatively short, highlights the efforts to create a locally manufactured automotive option.
Engine & Performance
The TagAz Tager 2.3 4×4 is powered by a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 110 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 210 Nm (154.89 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2800 rpm. This naturally aspirated engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 55.4 Hp/tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 105.8 Nm/tonne. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.2 liters per 100 kilometers (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l). While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for its intended purpose, prioritizing durability and reliability over outright speed. The weight-to-power ratio of 18 kg/Hp indicates a focus on practicality rather than sporty acceleration.
Design & Features
The TagAz Tager boasts a traditional SUV body style, characterized by its boxy shape and robust construction. Its five-door configuration provides easy access to both front and rear seats. The vehicle’s design is heavily influenced by the original Mitsubishi Pajero/Hyundai Galloper, with a focus on functionality and off-road capability. The interior is relatively basic, reflecting the vehicle’s price point and target market. Features include a spacious cabin capable of seating five passengers, and a trunk offering between 350 liters (12.36 cu. ft.) and 1200 liters (42.38 cu. ft.) of cargo space depending on the rear seats’ configuration. Safety features, typical for vehicles of this era and market segment, are limited compared to modern standards. The Tager’s suspension consists of an independent torsion bar, double wishbone setup at the front and a dependent, multi-link spring with telescopic shock absorbers at the rear, designed to handle rough terrain. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | TagAz |
| Model | Tager |
| Generation | Tager |
| Type (Engine) | 2.3 (110 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 23.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 27.7 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.8 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 18 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 47.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 2800 rpm (154.89 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2295 cm3 (140.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 90.9 mm (3.58 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.4 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1985 kg (4376.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2515 kg (5544.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 350 l (12.36 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1200 l (42.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4512 mm (177.64 in.) |
| Width | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1840 mm (72.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm (103.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Dependent, multi-link spring with telescopic shock absorbers |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
In conclusion, the TagAz Tager 2.3 4×4 represents a localized automotive effort within Azerbaijan, built upon a proven platform and tailored to the needs of its regional market. While not widely known internationally, it serves as a case study in automotive adaptation and the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities.
