TagAz Tager 2.3 (150 Hp) 4×4

The TagAz Tager represents a unique chapter in the automotive landscape, emerging from the TagAZ (Taganrog Automobile Plant) facility in Russia. Produced between 2008 and 2012, this robust off-road vehicle was essentially a rebadged version of the first-generation SsangYong Korando, specifically tailored for the Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets. The original SsangYong Korando, known for its rugged durability and straightforward mechanicals, provided a solid foundation for the Tager, allowing TagAZ to offer a capable and relatively affordable four-wheel-drive utility vehicle. The variant under scrutiny, the TagAz Tager 2.3 (150 Hp) 4×4, exemplifies this philosophy, featuring a gasoline engine designed for reliability and adequate performance in challenging conditions, rather than outright speed or luxury. It carved out a niche as a no-nonsense workhorse and recreational off-roader, appealing to consumers who prioritized capability and a strong value proposition over modern creature comforts and refined road manners.

The Engineering Heart: TagAz Tager 2.3 (150 Hp) 4×4 Powertrain

At the core of the TagAz Tager 2.3 (150 Hp) 4×4 lies a powertrain engineered for dependable performance in demanding environments. The vehicle is propelled by a 2.3-liter (2295 cm3 or 140.05 cu. in.) naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline engine, mounted longitudinally at the front. This configuration, common in traditional body-on-frame SUVs and trucks, contributes to a balanced weight distribution and allows for robust four-wheel-drive system integration. The engine delivers a respectable 150 horsepower at 6200 revolutions per minute (rpm), translating to a power output of 65.4 Hp per liter. While not a powerhouse by contemporary standards, this output is entirely adequate for the Tager’s intended purpose, providing sufficient thrust for both on-road cruising and off-road maneuvers.

Crucially for an off-road vehicle, the engine generates a healthy 210 Newton-meters (or 154.89 lb.-ft.) of torque, peaking at a relatively low 2800 rpm. This low-end torque characteristic is vital for negotiating steep inclines, pulling heavy loads, and maintaining traction over uneven terrain, allowing the vehicle to muscle its way through obstacles without excessive revving. The engine’s architecture features a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, a design choice that enhances volumetric efficiency and allows for better breathing across the engine’s operating range. Fuel delivery is handled by a multi-port manifold injection system, a proven technology that ensures precise fuel metering for optimal combustion and efficiency, while maintaining ease of maintenance.

With a compression ratio of 10:1, the engine is designed to run efficiently on standard petrol (gasoline). Its bore and stroke measurements of 90.9 mm (3.58 in.) and 88.4 mm (3.48 in.) respectively, indicate a slightly oversquare design, generally favoring higher revving capabilities and power output, though still balanced with the need for torque in this application. The engine oil capacity stands at 6 liters (6.34 US quarts or 5.28 UK quarts), suggesting a robust lubrication system capable of handling the stresses of prolonged operation, especially under varying load conditions common to off-road driving.

Design and Features: Utilitarianism Meets Off-Road Capability

The TagAz Tager’s design ethos is firmly rooted in utilitarianism and function, a direct inheritance from its SsangYong Korando lineage. As an off-road vehicle, its primary visual cues emphasize ruggedness and durability rather than aerodynamic sleekness or urban sophistication. The body type is unmistakably that of a traditional off-roader, characterized by a sturdy, boxy profile, generous ground clearance, and often, prominent wheel arches designed to accommodate larger tires suitable for all-terrain use. This design language resonates with buyers seeking a vehicle that looks and performs like a true go-anywhere machine, unfazed by rough roads or challenging weather conditions.

The Tager’s exterior styling, while not contemporary by Western European or North American standards of its production era, possessed a timeless, adventurous appeal in its primary markets. Its robust construction typically included a body-on-frame chassis, providing superior rigidity and durability for off-road excursions compared to unibody designs. This structure is inherently more resilient to twisting forces encountered on uneven terrain and offers better protection in certain types of impacts. Furthermore, the elevated ride height and substantial approach and departure angles (though not explicitly provided in the data, are characteristic of its class) are crucial for navigating obstacles without scraping the undercarriage.

Inside, the TagAz Tager would have offered a functional and practical cabin, prioritizing durability and ease of cleaning over luxurious materials or advanced infotainment systems. Features would have been geared towards the essentials for comfort and control in a rugged environment. Power steering, basic climate control, and a robust four-wheel-drive selector would have been standard or widely available. Safety features, while perhaps not as extensive as those found in premium modern SUVs, would have included fundamental elements like seatbelts and potentially airbags, in line with the regulations of its target markets. The overall design philosophy ensured that the Tager remained a reliable and accessible option for those needing a genuinely capable vehicle for work, adventure, or simply navigating challenging infrastructure.

Technical Specifications: TagAz Tager 2.3 (150 Hp) 4×4