PROS
Great Ride/handling balance
Space and comfort
Features and equipment
smooth and powerful engine
Design
CONS
Fit and finish in some areas could be better
Panel gaps
Although the engine and gearbox duo is extremely smooth and powerful, it is not exciting.
INTRODUCTION
Ever since tata showcased the SIERRA concept back a few years back the expectations were so high due to the true quintessential SUV character in looks, however our enthusiastic minds were sceptical about the rest of the things which included the segment to which it needs to be introduced. Yes, TATA made it big this time going all the way to the hot midsize SUV segment which is being ruled by Hyundai creta.
LOOKS
The design is stunning, there is nothing in the segment that looks great for an SUV, upright stance , its MORE HORSE THAN A RHINO, even some easter egg design of horse is embedded on the glass. However, I have to say , the front end makes it look a tad less muscular from most angles. Finally it’s a personal preference.
PLATFORM – not ATLAS , its ARGOS
Scepticism was that it might be benefitting from an upgraded ATLAS platform which is essentially derived from NEXON and so had feeling that ,it might be another CURVV . However, its NOT, its an all new platform.NOT going to elaborate on full -form as I feel it would be more like advertising the car .ALL that matters is how it feels for a customer. Thats all. PERIOD.
INTERIORS
Aesthetic and luxurious.Well laid out dashboard with triple screens add a sense of sophistication yet minimalistic. Nevertheless the white and very light colours all round needs care and attention all times being a stain magnet. Seats are largely supportive with segment first thigh support extenders, however people with very broad shoulders might find it too much pampered and snug.Steering and HVAC controls are all carried over from rest of latest TATAs. Rear seats can easily accommodate three adults with segment best knee room and thigh support. Nothing is as spacious as Tata Sierra in the midsize category.
ENGINE/PERFORMANCE 1.5 TGDI HYPERION -TOO SMOOTH
Tata has really nailed it this time pertaining to the refinement of this turbo mill.Gone are those days when Tata produced mediocre turbo petrols that were unrefined and jerky. Here the story is just contrast. It’s super smooth at all rev range. This could also be attributed to the NEW AISIN sourced gearbox which makes it sure that whatever throttle inputs may happen, the engine remains at a steady non-jerky pace. There is no sudden spike in power delivery at any revs, it remains LINEAR throughout. On the flip side this also makes this engine gearbox duo unenthusiastic .yes I MEAN IT. There is performance, there is good momentum, however everything is just blanketed to ensure smoothness all time contributing to an unexciting drive which lacks the punch expected from turbo petrol standards.
RIDE AND HANDLING
As with any TATA, SIERRA really shines here with great ride at all scenarios.Its brilliantly firm and solid at highway speeds and smooth and absorbent at low-speeds. FDD(frequency dependent dampers) is really worth as it contributes big to achieve so. 19 inch wheels really fill wheel arches without compromising on ride. Ride is flat and composed at highways even at triple digit speeds and adequately soft and absorbent at slow city speeds. Handling is predictable at best with very good body control at corners and a sense of solidarity at highway speed. It’s nimble enough to manoeuvre although not very agile at curve. Better insulation from suspension could be needed as noise levels does creep in at times, still it’s NOT a dealbreaker though .
STEERING
Its a reasonably good unit, light at city speeds, weighs up considerably at highway speeds, although not very precise, lacks feel though as in with most EPS system.
INFOTAINMENT AND MUSIC
Segment first triple screen and individual screen and audio (with a headphone) for co passenger is indeed a clever feature. JBL AUDIO with subwoofer is expectedly crisp and bass heavy.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
Not tested yet, it’s a turbo petrol so not expecting much.
SUMMARY
A refined and smooth petrol engine which had not been associated with Tata, smooth gearbox, brilliant ride and handling balance that makes it great for road trips, infotainment system thats tech laden with features and luxury, space and comfort of segment above cars makes it an unbeatable car for great Indian Families. It may not be exciting to drive for enthusiast but still it ticks all right boxes to be a winner in this segment.
VERDICT
New SIERRA is nothing similar to the OG tata Sierra, be it the positioning ,or target customers or the even the character. A well rounded Tata product that offers better value in terms of space and size than almost all midsize SUVs albeit with some shortcomings as in case with any new car from most manufacturers. Nevertheless it should be said that this is Tata’s brilliant attempt to dethrone the Hyundai CRETA