Best muv you can buy.

 

Exterior To be honest I just love the looks of the old sumo. And was just shocked when I first saw the grande. But after 2 years, now I feel grande looks good. Designers at TATA have done a good job. It does look like the Sumo from every angle but still so modern.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) When you step in though, its like a time vault. Nothing has changed other than colour. I just dont understand why TATA use bit and pieces in their dash rather than one piece dash. One piece dash will solve the problem of inconsistent fit and finish. Mateirials used are hard wearing, which suits my taste. So no complains there. One thing you will love is the level of comfort. Seats are super comfortable. And middle row captain seats are just superb. The last row though is a bit flat but managable. Leg room at the last row is just sufficient. Have to mention one thing, the cabin is well insulated.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Start the engine and what???? no vibration???? Looks like TATA engineers are working over time. You release the clutch and let the torque do the job for you, You dont need to press the throttle. Gear shifts could have been better. But over all the performance seemed adequate. Car sprints well and can do a constant 100kph.

 

Ride Quality & Handlings Low speed ride is good. Soaks up the bumps well, so non leaf springish. There is a bit of up and down movement during high speed cruising but nothing to be scared of. Handling is good if you are sedate. But your agressive inputs will throw the car off balance. Braking is good, compared to the earlier grande, but there is that typical sumo nose dive ( which I like but can be scarey for the passengers).

 

Final Words I just dont understand why most people dont considor a grande while buying a muv. Its worth a look. It looks, rides and cruises better than a xylo or a bolero. I did a short test drive (20-25kms). And decided I'll buy one. Went ahead and booked one in walnut gold.

 

Areas of improvement Should be intierior fit and finish. May be the use of one piece dash board can solve it. One thing I would want TATA to retain in future sumo line ups is the unpolished nature of it. I like the rough nature of it.

 

looks, engine, spaceintierior fit, nose dive under braking