Tata Motors launches the Sumo Grande MkII

Muntaser Mirkar, Photography: Kunal Khadse 14 Dec 2009

Tata Motors has launched the most recent iteration of their best-selling Sumo in Mumbai - the Sumo Grande MkII.

Tata Motors has launched an upgraded version of the famed Sumo brand. They did it over a year back with the radically different Grande - but with all its flaws, it wasn't really a very popular buying option. But with the latest iteration - the Sumo Grande MkII Tata's engineers have ironed out all that was missing on the car and have finally made it a good car to buy. Visually the MkII isn't too different from the previous Sumo Grande. Subtle changes are noticeable though and they make the car look a lot classier than before. The car's now got a new grille to spice up the front and rubbing strips on the doors to break the monotony of the profile. The biggest change on the exterior and one that makes the Sumo Grande MkII hugely appealing is the incorporation of a near row of four LEDs on the wing mirrors for the turn signal indicators.

Sumo Grande MKII Interior

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The new version of India's most loved people carrier isn't all about styling though - it comes with a whole lot of upgrades under all that bodywork which actually make a big improvement. The biggest change is in the suspension department with newly anchored stabilizer bars for the double wishbone coil springs in the front and the parabolic leaf springs at the rear and a more optimized differential ratio. The 2.2 litre DICOR diesel unit also has been tinkered around with and promises to be a lot more drivable than the earlier version. The engine makes 120 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque.

The Sumo Grande MkII also gets style upgrades like alloy wheels and a high-end music system with iPod connectivity. The Sumo Grande MkII is available in three variants and has been priced well taking the competition straight to the Mahindra Xylo as well as the Bolero and other UVs. The Sumo Grande MkII LX is priced at Rs 6.43 lakh, the EX at Rs 6.83 lakh and the top of the line GX at Rs 7.5 lakh ex-showroom in Delhi. Look out for a complete drive report soon on www.zigwheels.com.

User's Comments

Amit Suneja (16 March 2010 20:30)
I am very sorry to say that the bulk of the vehicle reminds of designs of yesteryear salvage depot vehicle refurbishments. TATA needs to REDUCE BULK (METAL),WORK ON DELICACY, LOWER CG WITH HIGHER GROUND CLEARANCE (YES ITS POSSIBLE) - SMALLER DISTRIBUTED DIFFERENTIALS FOR ONE AND FLOWING LINES. Amazingly even yet to be launched ARIA has boxy dashboards. I am sure we'll see something much better. Desperately waiting for a fresh idea with low height, high ground clearance, low side roll off roader (X2?). Anyone listening? | Reply

sam (12 March 2010 11:07)
TATA engineers must have a good look at their creation. Do they really think that they are doing a great job??? and if they think they are doing a good job then they all need to be sacked as a small child will do a better job, That Magic car is so cheap looking that it reflects the person driving that car. Cheap and disgusting is an understatement to the TATA product. Shame on all those engineers working on this porject. | Reply

bharat (16 February 2010 17:08)
The front grill is crap....and the quality is still poor (when compared to Xylo, the Innova is streets ahead). However it will do well with taxiwallas. The new Tata Motors CEO should make it his mission to improve quality and perform,ance of ALL Tata Motors cars. | Reply

Kiran (12 January 2010 21:39)
TATA should provide accessories options to choosy customers like roof railings, plated mirrors, door handles, ladder for rear door, sporty stickers. Front bumper should get better designs and Tire on rear door would add luxurious look. SUV lovers will appreciate these. | Reply

Indrajith (06 January 2010 20:14)
Gr8, now insted of V2 they are doing Mk II like the amby of yore. The same will happen to the Manza and they give it a car of the year for it's segment. but TATA is smart, insted of spending huge amounts on R | Reply

Sanket Kanchan (29 December 2009 19:32)
I think this time tata has struck the right chord by giving middle class an affordable MUV to have some offorad fun as well. We must appreciate the effort tatas have put in taking the people feedback on the car | Reply

Shantanu (29 December 2009 05:12)
I agree to all the above comments especially about the interiors | Reply

Raves (28 December 2009 15:00)
The TATA Sierra of 90s still appeals me, from the look | Reply

vaibhav (19 February 2010 14:40) Reply to Raves
No doubt about it.. I could never imagine why they stopped the production. | Reply

Raves (28 December 2009 15:05) Reply to Raves
and style point of view. how abt if tata comes up with something with most of latest amenities | Reply

amrit (28 December 2009 13:44)
The Sumo is an outdated car in all respects be its interiors or its under the hood specs. Wonder why TATA is stuck with moulded ABS plastic interior, when competiton has moved to two tone, leather, coth and a gamut of other interor options. From the look of it, (the pics @zigwheels), the SUMO is nothing but an 'Old Maid' in a new set of clothes. The design remains tacky, an over exposed glove compartment door,ugly central console and the most horrid seating in its class. Maybe TATA engineers need to be sent to the UK to the Rover plant for a crash course in 21st century automobile engineering and some interori designing classes | Reply

ryan gomes (27 December 2009 21:16)
I agree to all the comments from above(BUT)with this economy and the sales from tata motors they atlist tried to keep their employes happy Cheers to that. | Reply

Amit Sharma (26 December 2009 20:07)
Theres no point in launching more | Reply

Ramesh menon (25 December 2009 11:15)
Dear TATA, pl hire fresh designers with fresh thoughts, leaving behind those copycat designers, also replace the irritating interiors with sub quality plastics. | Reply

S Banerjee (24 December 2009 12:21)
I Completely agree that Tata's have spoilt the party by naming this car after a Taxi. The Sumo brand is associated with taxis and thats all. Same with the Indica Vista/ Indigo Manza...I fail to understand that why cant they leave the nostalgic names behind and come up with some fresh ones??? Anyways...as far as the Grande is concerned...it looks good from the front, but really aweful from the rear. Secondly the vehicle is damn heavy...the under tuned 2.2 Dicor makes for a very sluggish drive. Last but not least...the plastic quality on the interiors are poor. Look at a Ford Ikon or a Fiat Linea...the quality speaks for itself. I just cant comprehend whats the problem with Tatas. I would be really surprised if this vehicle does any better than the previous version. And yes...still no 4*4...???Cummon Tata... | Reply

Abhishek (01 January 2010 16:48) Reply to S Banerjee
Hey look if u want all the features that u think are missing in the vehicle. Then just have a look at the Safai GX. U kwith tht kinda cost tata's have made a prety decent product. And as far as the naming goes. just drive any of the new Indica vista or the Indigo manza or just take test drive to feel the care.. they are classy vehivles... lokks like u have no taste. | Reply

ajeet (31 December 2009 21:13) Reply to S Banerjee
Hey Bannerjee Why R U Looking the name Of Vhicle Why can't its Performance? | Reply

nishant paul tigga (24 December 2009 09:27)
great car,but actually the name sumo put me down,but the vehicle has the good space as compared to the safari,and the third row seats are the best in the class,and as i have taken the vehicle to the adventures,but the vehicle has superb good off road capablity,but the ground clearance can be more from the front ,so tata should solve theis problem,but the overall i agree the grande is the best in the class for the comfortable,styling and adventures,thank's to the tata for building such a good vehicle. | Reply

sanjai (22 December 2009 12:25)
i want to know more | Reply

Ashu (21 December 2009 13:48)
The most fundamental mistakes that the TATA's have done is calling the vehicle SUMO GRANDE. Thus the branding and positioning takes a big hit. I must admit that i was vastly impressed with the exterior look but the name SUMO put me off. Also for the price the interior looked awful and given that the weight of the vehicle is also on the higher side the power and pickup expected was completely lacking. The plastics and the styling in the interiors were also a put off.Still a lot of refinement required. my 2 cents worth | Reply

aum (21 December 2009 13:05)
tata should start making real jeep breed now, i mean something similar to hummer (civilian version).i really hope to see the true offroad jeeps (4 by 4) back. i really miss the gypsy. hope they start making those vehicles now instead !! | Reply

Shobhit Awasthi (20 December 2009 03:39)
I have always liked the Grande over my Scorpio, I agree ABS would have added the benefit, however would wait to see the performance over my current car to decide on changing over. | Reply

Sunil (15 December 2009 17:36)
add fatter tyres, improve plastic quality and offer an all wheel drive(with safety features like ABS,EBD,airbags) as a option.........TATA will definitely be able to give the masses an affordable 'CRV' at a price of aprox Rs 10 lakhs | Reply

Jublee (16 December 2009 01:01) Reply to Sunil
I also agrees with this point of view but I strongly feel TATA somewhere misses the overall designing part of their vehicle infact this Sumo Grande can be one of the best ever produced car in India by making it a 4WD and add extra safety features with a stunning design. But this change is also welcome by all of us .... | Reply

Shrikant kaushik (15 December 2009 06:34)
It is a very good drive with amazing turning radius the int plasics though are ordinary and no space for toolsValue for money | Reply

NarawaneSR (25 December 2009 22:28) Reply to Shrikant kaushik
I agree | Reply

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Tata Motors launches the Sumo Grande MkII

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