The original Tata Sierra was a ute-based SUV that prioritised ruggedness over design, but the second-generation model flips the script entirely.
Made between 1991 and 2003, the original Sierra was based on the Telcoline ute. Although the Telcoline was sold Down Under in small numbers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Sierra never made its way to our shores.
The reborn Sierra inherits some styling cues from the original three-door-only SUV, most notably the rear glasshouse that simulates wrapping around into the roof and is visually separate from the front windows and windscreen.
With a clamshell bonnet and tailgate, flush-fitting pop-out door handles, thin LED lighting strips, split headlights, and oodles of gloss black cladding and highlights, the exterior is distinctive and on-trend.
Measuring 4340mm long, 1841mm wide, 1715mm tall, and riding on a 2730mm wheelbase, the Safari has seating for five people. Boot space is 622L with the rear seats in use, and 1257L when they’re folded down.
Inside, a large rectangular slab housing three screens dominates the dashboard. It not only supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but comes with 28 built-in apps, including a number of games.
Available features include an umbrella holder in the doors, 12-speaker JBL sound system, 360-degree camera system, leatherette upholstery, rear passenger shades, illuminated steering wheel logo, and ventilated seats.
On the safety front there’s six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive steering, and traffic sign recognition.
While the original Sierra was offered in rear- and four-wheel drive, the second-generation is based on a new front-wheel drive architecture and there’s suspiciously no mention at all of all-wheel drive, although there is a terrain mode selector.
The new Sierra is offered with the choice of two petrol and one diesel engine. The base petrol mill is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder making 78kW and 145Nm, and paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.
Above: Original Tata Sierra by MikeSense80 on Flickr
For range-topping models there’s a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder petrol making 118kW and 255Nm that’s twinned exclusively with a six-speed automatic.
The sole oil-burning option is a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel making 87kW and 255Nm, which is paired to either a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic.
Despite owning Jaguar Land Rover since 2008, Tata Motors has had no success cracking into developed markets. Tata’s last attempt in the Australian market saw it sell the Xenon ute here until 2019.
Production of the new Sierra begins soon, and pricing in India starts from around A$19,900. There’s no word yet of the Tata’s export plans, if any, for the Sierra.
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