Tata Sumo Facelift: Tata Motors is all set to rekindle one of its most legendary brand – Sumo in a new avatar, redefining the meaning of power with the upcoming launch of the all new Sumo that takes toughness to a new level with class leading performance and track welded durability.
This strategic renaissance ensures a vehicle whose rugged dependability has been unmatched, will also now be appealing in a contemporary sense when it comes to ride quality and technology.
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Tata Sumo Facelift Gentle Development of the High-Quality Content
Sumo, the 4200mm long hinge-on-the-roadbox in the line-up of the Down-Looking SUV – refreshed to near world-class standards from the word go, Sumo makes no bones about its new avatar with all-new front fascia that proudly embraces Tata’s latest design language yet makes it obvious that it’s the rugged beauty, Sumo.
You’ll also enjoy an alluring chrome surrounds and modern honeycomb mesh with snake eye design that leave a lasting impression that’s sure to get noticed without feeling overstated.
Here’s one of the last traditional projector headlamps, now featuring LED DRLs which look so smart compared to the past functional units offering better light output and looks.
The front bumper is fully styled and incorporates fog lamps as well as a skid plate element – for a tough stance combined with a modern edge.
The profile retains the Sumo’s signature boxy shape that maximizes interior utility, but small tweaks to proportions and window graphics make it look more balanced.
There are also new design alloy wheels, replacing the old car’s steel wheels, which fill the arches better and reduce unsrpung weight.
At the back, the plain tail lights of the old car are swapped for LED tail lights with a more distinctive light signature, and as well as a refresh for the tailgate, the rear bumper no longer looks like an afterthought.
Roof rails with integrated cross bars add both utility and character meanwhile the overall exterior treatment strikes a balance between contemporary outcrop and Sumo practicality.
High-end Interior Revamp
An equally significant upgrade takes place inside the cabin which gets thoroughly redesigned and ups the owner’s feel good factor.
All new was the dashboard, which now sported flatter surfaces and better ergonomic and material quality than its “commercial” predecessor.
At the centre is the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible – a feature slowly becoming a must-have rather than a luxury item.
This system comes with a rearview camera display, which helps you to navigate this large vehicle in cramped spaces.
Comfortable seating is significantly upgraded using new seats that offer improved cushion and support; upper grade versions include leatherette seat material (with contrast stitching) that brightens the interior.
Third-row accommodation is a focal point with greater access and adjustability that further enhances flexibility.
Left-hand drive models now get automatic climate control that can automatically maintain a set temperature (of your choice), and air vents have been repositioned to allow for more even cooling of the cabin, improving passenger comfort during longer highway slogs with the vehicle at peak capacity.
Refined Mechanical Package
Powering the Sumo is the heavily reworked version of Tata’s old 2.2-litre diesel under the hood, which is now mated to a more modern state of tune that meets the latest emission norms and also features better refinement over the older iteration.
It’s dependable performer, pushing out 140 HP @ 320 NM – substantial improvements in performance and driving experience, yet continuing the long-standing focus of Sumo on rugged reliability and durability.
The gearbox is equally new and the attention has gone into making it a 6-speed manual from the earlier 5-speeder.
This extra gear also enhances acceleration and highway fuel efficiency, resulting in more relaxed highway driving.
Choose trims are also available with a 6-speed automated-manual transmission that adds the ease of automatic operation with virtually no reduction in fuel economy.
Overall the suspension has been greatly revised with changes to the spring rates and the valving of the dampers, with the target of being able to continue to the heavier loads that the Sumo can now safely load carry, combined with improved ride quality.
More soundproofing in the cabin mates a much quieter interior, especially for engine and road noise from the previous generations.
Contemporary Safety Features
Safety tech gains a significant upgrade with dual front bags, ABS with EBD, and ESC standard across the board.
More high-strength steel has been used in the body structure, enhancing crash protection and reducing weight.
There are rear parking sensors across the line-up, though higher grades also receive an improved reverse camera with dynamic guide lines, making it easier to manoeuvre in small spaces.
The ISOFIX child seat anchors, seat belt reminders and speed alerts meet compliance stipulations and, more importantly, deliver real safety benefits to the vehicle’s occupants.
Practical Innovation
Practicality has been the Sumo’s forte at all times and the new model takes this to the next level by making fundamental additions.
Interior stowage options abound, including larger door pockets, a more convenient glove box and a number of cubbies sized for today’s mobile devices and accessories.
By the way, the entire interior is dotted with USB charging ports, including Type-C ports, to help keep devices alive in today’s mobile world.
Behind the third-row seat there’s a flat load floor with the seats down, with plenty of space in either passenger or cargo mode.
Other nice touches include grocery bag hooks, tie-down points and a 12-volt power outlet that add utility to daily life.
Market Positioning and Approach
With this all-encompassing makeover, Tata Motors consolidates the Sumo’s appeal to a wide cross-section of customers – from fleet customers looking for safe, reliable people transporters; to large families which need a sturdy vehicle for weekend outings and small / medium Enterprisers for movement of goods.
With thoughtful arrangements of trim levels, buyers can price one up in a way that most fits their particular needs, and not pay for equipment they don’t value.
As far as competition is concerned, competition will be coming from the likes of the Mahindra Bolero, the Force Traveller and the scores of compact SUVs, though the Sumo’s combination of true blue toughness, cabin size, and now, better comfort makes for a reasonable pitch.
The truck has significant ground clearance, and the reliable mechanicals will help continue the brand’s reputation for go-anywhere abilities that pretty boy competitors can’t match.
Tata Sumo Facelift
Revival The re-invented Tata Sumo effectively straddles several automotive worlds; it offers real toughness and usable transport with modern touches, for increasingly sophisticated customers.
By incrementally making the ownership experience better without sacrificing the values that made the Nexon what it was, Tata has made it a more irresistible package for those who want a bit of substance underneath the style.
For customers who value genuine capability, carrying capacity and long-term ruggedness over stylish crossover looks, the refreshed Sumo must be quite a proposition.
This strategic shift will befit this legendary badge to undertake its next journey in the decades to come and at the helm of an enduring Indian automotive legacy.
