Tata Motors is set to revive one of India’s most iconic automotive nameplates – the Tata Sumo. The new 2024 Sumo promises to blend the rugged, no-nonsense appeal of the original with a host of modern features and design cues.
The Tata Sumo was first introduced in 1994 and quickly became a beloved workhorse, finding its way into the hearts and garages of countless Indian families and businesses.
Its boxy, utilitarian styling and proven off-road capabilities made it a staple on the country’s roads for over two decades. However, production of the original Sumo was eventually discontinued, leaving a void in the market for a tough, affordable, and spacious SUV.
Now, Tata is bringing the Sumo nameplate back, aiming to recapture the magic that made the original such an icon. The 2024 Sumo will feature a thoroughly modern design that pays homage to its predecessor while incorporating the latest in automotive technology and creature comforts.
Retro-Inspired Styling with a Modern Twist
One of the key highlights of the new Tata Sumo is its design, which blends retro-inspired cues with a contemporary flair. The boxy, upright silhouette remains, but the front end has been completely reworked. The signature grille now features a bold, hexagonal design with a prominent Tata logo, flanked by sleek, angular headlights that incorporate LED daytime running lights.
The hood sports a pair of functional air vents, adding a touch of sportiness to the Sumo’s rugged appearance. The side profile retains the tall, squared-off stance of the original, but the wheel arches have been flared to accommodate larger, more aggressive-looking alloy wheels.
The rear end features a similarly modernized treatment, with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel and connected LED taillights that give the Sumo a more premium, high-tech look.
According to Tata’s design team, the inspiration for the 2024 Sumo’s styling came from a blend of the original’s iconic silhouette and the aggressive, off-road-ready aesthetics of vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The result is a SUV that looks both familiar and fresh, appealing to both nostalgic fans and a new generation of buyers.
Powerful Diesel Engine and Improved Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2024 Tata Sumo will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, producing a healthy 175 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. This represents a significant upgrade over the previous Sumo’s powertrain, promising better acceleration and high-speed performance.
Tata has also focused on improving the Sumo’s fuel efficiency, with the new model expected to deliver up to 16 km/l in mixed driving conditions. This is a notable improvement over the original’s somewhat thirsty nature, making the Sumo a more practical and cost-effective choice for both personal and commercial use.
The engine will be paired with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, catering to the preferences of a wide range of buyers. Tata has also hinted at the possibility of a hybrid or even fully electric variant of the Sumo in the future, as the company continues to invest heavily in its electrification efforts.
Modern Features and Technology
While the new Tata Sumo will retain its rugged, utilitarian character, the 2024 model will be far from a bare-bones offering. Tata has packed the SUV with a host of modern features and technologies to enhance the driving experience and creature comforts.
On the inside, the Sumo will be equipped with a large, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, navigation, and a premium sound system. The digital instrument cluster will provide the driver with all the necessary information at a glance, while features like automatic climate control, power windows, and keyless entry will add to the overall sense of refinement.
Safety has also been a key focus for the new Sumo, with the inclusion of multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a host of other active and passive safety features. This represents a significant upgrade over the original model, which was known for its rugged simplicity rather than its advanced safety tech.
Pricing and Positioning
Tata has not yet revealed the official pricing for the 2024 Sumo, but industry analysts expect the SUV to be positioned in the Rs 10-15 lakh range. This would place it squarely in the sights of buyers looking for a spacious, capable, and affordable family hauler, as well as those in need of a reliable workhorse for commercial applications.
The new Sumo will face competition from a variety of other SUVs and MPVs in the Indian market, including the Mahindra Bolero, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and the upcoming Kia Carens. However, Tata is banking on the Sumo’s iconic status and the promise of modern features and performance to help it stand out in a crowded segment.
A Bright Future for a Legendary Nameplate – Tata Sumo
The return of the Tata Sumo is sure to be a highly anticipated event for automotive enthusiasts and nostalgic fans alike.
By blending the original’s rugged, no-nonsense appeal with a host of modern upgrades, Tata is positioning the 2024 Sumo as a true all-rounder – a spacious, capable, and affordable SUV that can handle both the daily grind and the occasional off-road adventure.
As the Indian automotive landscape continues to evolve, the new Sumo represents a unique opportunity for Tata to recapture the magic of a bygone era while appealing to the needs and expectations of today’s discerning buyers.
If the company can strike the right balance between tradition and innovation, the 2024 Tata Sumo could very well become the next chapter in the story of one of India’s most iconic automotive nameplates.