Sumo Grande MK II launched, price cut

Tata Motors launched the Tata Sumo Grande MK II today in Mumbai. The Sumo Grande was originally launched 2 years back at the 2008 Auto Expo.

Photo: New Tata Sumo Grande MK II

The Grande Mark II is Tata Motors’ attempt at grabbing a substantial share of the MPV market which has it has lost since to competitors such as the Mahindra Xylo and the Toyota Innova, and before them, the Qualis.

Photo: Grande MK II interior - looks good to us

We are still not sure exactly which market Tata is targeting with the Sumo Grande Mark II. They have made major improvements in the NVH levels, drivability and handling, suspension, interiors and looks have been freshened up too. Plus, there is a reduction in prices to tempt the fence-sitters. But the problem is, who exactly is on the fence?

The taxi market which the original Tata Sumo once ruled has long gone to the Toyota Innova and the Xylo. Interestingly, both have been very popular both with families as well as the taxi market. And the original Sumo Grande lost out in both the segments. Which of them would come back to the new iteration of the Sumo Grande in its Mark II avatar remains to be seen.

New grille with chrome inserts

As far as changes go, on the outside, there are not many – but much has been changed for the better. There is no ABS on any of the variants. You get front discs and rear drums. There is a new strip running on the doors which serve to reduce the slab-sided look. Revised gear ratios mean better driveability both in the city and at speed. Suspension has been tweaked for better handling, and overall comfort levels have gone up too.

Faux wood center console in the high end Grande MKII GX version

The diesel engine is a 2.2 L direct injection common rail (DICOR) engine, fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger and engineered with 16 valve double overhead camshaft, producing a very satisfactory 120 bhp at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm. Nothing to complain about the specs there – pretty much adequate for a vehicle in this class.

The top end Sumo Grande MK II GX gets ORVM (outside rear view mirrors) with electrical adjustments and indicators, Alpine ACM MP3 player, keyless entry and multi stage height adjustable driver’s seat. The rear seats in the GX can be folded flat as well as removed.

Photo: Indicators on electric ORVM in GX

There is seating for either 7 or 9 passengers, with both front facing and side facing seating options available for the third row.

Rear wash and wiper, engine immobiliser, intelligent rotary door lock mechanism which avoid automatic door locking when car is stationary, clear lens front fog lamps.

Tata Sumo Grande MKII specifications

ENGINE
2.2 L 16 Valve DOHC DiCOR

Capacity (cc)
2179

Max. Output (PS) at rpm
120 @ 4000

Max. Torque (Nm) at rpm
250 @ 1500-3000

GEARBOX
5 Speed, G-76-,4.1 – Synchromesh with Overdrive

SUSPENSION
Front: Independent, Wishbone with Coil Springs. Rear: Parabolic Leaf Springs.

STEERING
Power Steering, Tiltable & Collapsible

BRAKES
Vacuum Assisted Independent Hydraulic.
Front : Ventilated Disc brake with Twin Pot caliper.
Rear: Drum brake, Auto Adjusting Type

TYRES     235/70 R 16

DIMENSIONS (mm)
Length / Width / Height (mm)
4421 / 1780 / 1940

Ground Clearance     180

TURNING RADIUS (m)     5.25

Gross Vehicle Weight (Kgs)     2625

FUEL TANK CAPACITY (Ltrs.)     65

Price

The Sumo Grande MK II comes in 3 versions / trim levels. The top end GX Grande MK II is priced lowest in Thane district in Maharashtra at Rs 7.3 lakh ex-showroom, Rs 7.5 lakh in Delhi and Rs 7.66 lakh ex-showroom in Mumbai.

The EX is priced Rs 6.83 lakh Delhi, Rs 6.64 Thane and Rs 6.97 lakh Mumbai.

The low end LX Grande Mark II is priced 6.25 lakh ex-showroom Thane, Rs 6.43 lakh in Delhi and Rs 6.56 lakh ex-showroom in Mumbai.