Tata Motors will enter Brunei this year with three compact vehicles.

The Indica, Vista and Manza models will be launched in the sultanate in the coming months through its distributor - Worldwide Motors - appointed in September last year.

Brunei-spec Tata vehicles will come with a five-speed manual transmission, basic features and use a 1.4-litre engine.

Prices will range between BND 10,000 to 15,000 (US$ 7,994 to 11,992).

Additional details were not reported but it is learnt that a small consignment of petrol-powered Indicas left to Brunei via sea in late March.

Statistics from the Brunei Automobile Traders Association (BATA) shows vehicles under the engine capacity of 2,000 cc are the most popular in the country in the recent years.

The market had 18,642 registrations last year, with the Toyota Vios as its best-selling car.

Tata vehicles will be targeted at customers who are first-time buyers and those who prioritise affordability, says Worldwide Motors.

In the last year, Tata Motors has been concentrating on building its export arm, launching products and appointing distributors in Indonesia, Australia, Philippines, South Africa and Algeria, among others.