Tata Sumo Gold Review

My uncle Unniammavan is driving a Tata Sumo as using it as taxi.He is planning to replace the car with a Gold to make it more appealing t...

My uncle Unniammavan is driving a Tata Sumo as using it as taxi.He is planning to replace the car with a Gold to make it more appealing to his customers / passengers.That was why i thought about it for a moment.I always disliked Tata Sumo.It has horrible mileage, less features, big price but only good for climbing mountains.In indian conditions you can use it as a MPV for ferrying people.

Tata Sumo Gold is a refurbished version of the old tata sumo.There is not much change in appearence from Sumo Victa.Gold is written as a chrome strip in the grill.A big tata logo is in the middle of honey comb meshgrill.Squareshaped clearlens headlamp is new.The three row airdamp and foglamps are attempts to make it new.Rearview mirror lamps Adjustable from inside resembles of vista.We have seen enough of the rectangular tail lamp.

Sparewheel has been changed from back position to under the body.This has been a relief and adds beauty.Sumo is going to be liked by people who likes cars having the shape of a box.

Sumo gold is marketed in four varients, namely CX, LX, EX and GX.Spacious interior and height, maximum width makes Sumo different from other cars.It is a large car.

Sumo Gold resembles the model that was unveiled in 1994.The central console includes neat big dashboard,ac vents , switches and music system.The defogger & wiperswitch has been blended to the center console.Instrument console comprising of Round analog speedometer is classic.Between two dials, there is a digital odometer, two trip meters and clock.Also door warning lights , seat belt warning etc are useful.4 spoke steering wheel has been covered by leather.Glowbox has been big and looks very rude according to my opinion.The plastic covering of the glowbox is affecting the front passenger legspace.The quality of plastic is still not good enough.The gaps in dashboard is impairing the fit and finish of the vehicle but tata is asking people to forget it reminding the price and value on offer.Power window and 4 speeker music system with auxiliary input is going to make travel comfortable.Remote locking system assures safety of the vehicle.The power window switches are placed between the two seats.Seats are arranged for comfortable travel for 7 passangers.However the taxi drivers change the seat position parallel to the road to accomodate one more person.This is bad and i even felt nausea travelling in one Sumo in 2007.

The fabric front seats offers comfort and thigh support.Middle order seats are the best to sit.Lot of legspace and lot of legroom for Sumo.The loombar support of front seats can be adjected. Three obese people can comfortable sit in the middle order seats.The last row couple of seats are also good.When it is folded you have lot of luggage space. The lack of storage space and cupholders is visible.

Engine
Tata Gold is powered by CR4 diesel engine that adheres to Bharat IV emission standards.It is also available in turbocharged Bharat III intercooler engine.This 2956 cc engine can make 83.1 bhp power at 3000 rpm and 250Nm torque at 1600-2000 rpm.Five speed manual transmission's short throw shifting has been made smoother.Driver footspace is huge.The higher torque and acceleration provides good pulling and pickup.Soft suspension make vehicle ride good on bad roads.Independent suspension in front and leaf suspension is used in the rear.The ground clearence is 190 mm.Ventilated disc on front and drum brakes in rear can stop the powerful sumo.ARAI certified mileage is 14.7 kmpl.

However expect something around 10.

I dislike both bolero and sumo.....So no more comments....It has been a prejudiced review.Sumo may be good for you though.