Tata reveal all new Sumo and the Compact Indigo at the Auto Expo

Tata have revealed an all new sumo [based on the new tata xenon , pickup truck from tata].The new vehicle is a mix of an Muv and an Suv and looks definitely to be an improvement over its predecesor.Tata says there is a big difference in ride and handling,while the sumo would be powered by a 2.2L dicor engine[specs awaited].Will post the pics of the sumo as soon as I get my hands on it but for the moment can say it has a touch of the Mitsubishi Montero to it.The wheelbase of the Sumo grande has increased to 2550mm as compared to 2400mm of the Sumo victa.The sumo would be available for sale next month onwards and is expected to be priced between Rs. 6.55 lakhs and 7.5lakhs.The new Sumo is called the Sumo Grande.

Unconfirmed yet but according to media reports,its the same 2.2L VTT dicor engine as on the safari for the sumo as well[if that's the case who needs the safari,the sumo being relatively smaller than the safari may seem more powerful and may even be fun to drive].Toyota[innova] and Chevrolet[Tavera] really need to get in better engines,the competitors have all raised the bar.

Tata also revealed a compact version of the Indigo with minor changes which have made the car eligible for the 8% excise duty rebate.This means this version called the Indigo CS would be a cheaper option for consumers who are looking at a sedan but can't afford the present Indigo.The car will have a 1.2Lpetrol engine as well as a 1.4L diesel engine option.Further details awiated.

Image from worldcarfans

Press release from Tata Motors:

Indigo CS (Compact Sedan): The world’s first sub four-metre sedan, the Tata Indigo CS is positioned as the first car for young professionals. It carries forward the cabin seating comfort and space package, that is now closely associated with the Indigo range and a capacious 400 litre boot. Clever and efficient design has made it possible to encapsulate this entire package within the four metre length, making this car a complete package to address the combined demands of space and manoeuvrability in our congested cities. The Indigo CS sports a stylish new tail light cluster in the rear embedded in a smart new rear profile completed with a new, trimmer rear bumper. The front of the car has also been visually differentiated with a new front grille and new headlamps.

The new car is available in both petrol and diesel variants. The petrol variant is equipped with a multi-point fuel injection engine powered by a 32bit microprocessor and churns out a maximum power of 65PS @ 5200 rpm. The diesel variant comes with the turbo-charged intercooled engine that generates 70PS @ 4500 rpm. The petrol variants will have beige interiors, while the diesel variants will have black interiors. The Indigo CS will be available in two trim levels – a basic AC model & an AC, power steering model. It will be made available in an exciting new Scarlet Red colour, apart from the existing range of Indigo shades. Priced attractively, the car goes on sale mid-January 2008.
*********************************************************************************

Sumo Grande: The new Sumo Grande combines the looks of an SUV with the comforts of a family car. It has been specifically designed to satisfy the needs of city customers in the areas of driveability, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency. The Sumo Grande sports an all new styling with clean chiselled looks mating with flowing contours. The tall aggressive stance is complimented by large clear headlamps, and a cutaway air dam in the front. The clean rear look, with the spare wheel tucked under the body, is accentuated by attractive tail lights and a chrome overlay.

Designed with a longer wheelbase of 2550 mm (existing 2400 mm), the Sumo Grande sports comfortable 3 row seating with best in class third row seats. Beige interiors are complimented by fire and stain resistant fabric upholstery. Dual HVAC with roof integrated louvers ensures personalised climate adjustment for the occupants in each row. Power steering, power windows, motorised ORVMs, height adjustable driver’s seat and a state of the art CD/MP3 music system further add to the comforts and convenience of a family traveling in the Sumo Grande. The vehicle is powered by the new generation 2.2 L direct injection common rail (DICOR) engine, fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger creating a perfect blend of performance and fuel efficiency. Maximum power and torque of 120 PS and 250 Nm, coupled with high torque levels over a wide RPM band enhance driveability in stop start city traffic. For a vehicle its size, the Sumo Grande is extremely manoeuvrable with the turning circle radius of 5.25 m, similar to a small car.

The Sumo Grande will be available in 3 variants – Lx, Ex and Gx -- all of which have two seating configurations – 6+1 and 7+1. The vehicle will be available in 7 colours, including 4 new shades, Sunset Orange, Zephyr Green, Mineral Red and Marine Blue. The Sumo Grande range is priced in the range of Rs.6.55 lakhs to Rs.7.49 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). It comes with an enhanced warranty of 2 years or 75000 kms. (whichever is earlier). An additional 2 years’ warranty can be availed through the extended warranty option. The vehicle will be available in showrooms across the country from the first week of February 2008.