Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

MEANINGFUL MAKEOVER The Grande’s clean-cut, fresh design gives it a contemporary look that is a generation ahead of its predecessor

Despite face-lifts and changes, the Sumo failed to make an impact and Tata realised that a more thorough reworking of the vehicle needs to be done. And, from what we can tell about the Sumo Grande given its specifications is that Tata has managed to make a significant change. The design is impressive in the flesh, there’s plenty of space including the very useable third row and, as ever with a Tata car, it is great value.

The Grande’s clean-cut, fresh design gives it a contemporary look that is a generation ahead of its predecessor. Styled in the U.K. by the Concept Group, the Grande was designed to look modern. Tata has maintained the SUV-like two-box look, bonnet and passenger cabin. The lines that flow along the body of the vehicle make it attractive as does the ‘V’-shaped grille, flowing bumper and front wheel arch.

The boxiness of the old Sumo is still there though owing to the vertical A-pillar and upright rear. Tata’s designers wanted to move away from the hardcore off-roader looks but as a result, the Grande ends up looking a touch slab-like. Check out the very subtle rear bumper and the spare that has been moved to the underbody. What these changes do accomplish is that they give the Grande the appearance of a cross between an off-roader and a MPV.

The interiors have been completely changed and the new stylish steering wheel and gear lever look awesome. The dash and seats are in beige making the cabin seem airy and the tacho and speedometer are easy to read and have also been designed well. Unfortunately, low-quality bits such as the awful glove box and ill-fitting panels are an eyesore. The front seats are comfortable. Even the second-row of seats is comfortable. The backrests can be reclined for additional comfort. Access to the third-row of seats is decent and even adults can be seated in these and be comfortable enough on long drives.

However, there are flaws too; you can’t adjust the seat height with the door closed and some of the plastics feel hand-cut, with wide seams and poor fits visible.

Power to the rear wheels is supplied by Tata’s all-new 2.2 DiCOR motor — yes the same unit that powers the Safari, which means this 1,940kg car has a decent amount of power propelling it forward. Under the hood of the Grande, this 2.2 DiCOR motor makes 118bhp, as against 140 for the Safari, the de-tune carried out in the interest of fuel economy. However, this motor still uses the variable geometry turbo and you can feel its effects as soon as you tap the accelerator.

The throw on the new, improved gearbox is shorter than on the Safaribut the gears still engage with a rubbery feel. Flat-out performance isn’t impressive. With a lower power-to-weight ratio and taller gearing than the Safari, the Sumo Grande takes almost two-and-a-half seconds more to reach 100kph compared to the Safari 2.2 DiCOR. Performance though is comparable to the Toyota Innova, which is only marginally quicker to 120kph than the Grande.

Tata understands well the importance of scoring good figures in this important parameter and has done everything possible to get it right. It seems to have accomplished this due to the tall gearing, curtailed power output and special tuning of the motor.

In the city, the Grande delivered 9.6kpl and on the highway, it gave 13.2 kilometres to a litre. If you take a look at the Sumo Grande from an overall point of view, Tata Motors has achieved what it wanted; the new design will certainly attract family car buyers and the Grande is comfortable and spacious as well. The interiors look good; performance too is on a high level and the best part is of course that it is efficient.

Yes, it does have its share of flaws such as the old Sumo’s chassis and suspension, the basic leaf spring rear suspension meaning it doesn’t drive as well as it should.

However, when compared to its competition, it is found lacking and safety features like ABS and airbags are not provided either. But, with a price tag of Rs 7.84 lakh, it is substantially cheaper than its competitors and this is what the Grande’s USP is.

Max Power: 118bhp at 4000rpm

Max Torque: 25.4kgm at 1500-3000rpm

Top Speed: 141kph

0-60: 7.14secs

0-100: 17.72secs

CFE: 11.4kpl

Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres

Boot capacity: 150-500litres (with seats folded)

Length: 4421mm

Width: 1780mm

Height: 1940mm

Wheelbase: 2250mm

Weight: 1940kg

Ground clearance: 180mm

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail