IndiBlog

Tata Motor's third launch on the first day of the Auto Expo at New Delhi was the Sumo Grande, a freshened up version of its aging work horse multi utility vehicle which was launched in 1994 and immediately became a success with taxi operators becoming the primary buyers. Tata wants to desperately change that with the Sumo Grande. One look at the new Sumo and you know that it's been re skinned to give it a more upmarket SUV look. The edges have been rounded and its looks chiselled to give it a muscular presence. The front has been redone with clear lens headlamps and a large air dam incorporated into the front bumper. The rear no longer has a spare on the tail gate as it has been moved under the body. The Sumo Grande has a longer wheelbase at 2550 mm (was 2400 mm earlier) resulting in more interior space and enough leg room for all three rows.

The interiors have been give the 'beige' treatment to make them more upmarket along with an introduction of a dual HVAC, power windows and CD/MP3 music system. Power has been boosted to 120 PS thanks to the the 2.2 litre DICOR (commom rail diesel) engine being put in which is likely to increase the Sumo Grande's driveablity and fun factor. The Sumo Grande goes on sale in three variants - Lx, Ex and Gx with a 6+1 and 7+1 seating configuration. The Sumo Grande range would retail at Rs. 6.55 - Rs. 7.49 lakh )ex-showroom Delhi) and goes into showrooms early February 2008. The Sumo Grande is a tempting package if you have a large family, travel outstation often or ferry goods often and need a roomy vehicle but not a pricy SUV and cannot digest the looks of bare bones MUVs.

SUMO GRANDE PICTURES FROM THE NEW DELHI AUTO EXPO 2008