Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII

Sumo Gold LX BSIII Review

Tata Motors, one of the highly acclaimed automakers in the Indian markets and the world's eight largest auto maker has today introduced the redefined version of its models. The company also launched the updated version of its flagship sports utility vehicle, Tata Sumo Gold. It is probably one of the best selling SUVs in the Indian markets, which went down in terms of sales due to heavy competition. Now, in what seems like a bid to improve its current sales, the company has upgraded this model with few cosmetic updates in terms of both interior and exteriors. Now this Tata Sumo Gold gets a newly styled body graphics along with refreshed interiors and few extra set of features that makes it refreshing. The company has placed this sports utility vehicle against the likes of Mahindra Xylo and Mahindra Scorpio, which falls in the same segment. What really impressive is its affordable price tag. On the other hand the company has upgraded all the existing variants with brand new aspects. This Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII is the mid range variant, which comes at a very attractive price tag of just Rs. 6.12 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), which is far better than any other SUV of its class. However, it comes with BSIII emission compliance, which shouldn't be a problem for some of the SUV enthusiasts. Presently, individuals who are planning to place their money on this SUV will get 100,000 kilometers/ 36 months warranty for personal. Transport services who purchase this SUV for commercial purpose will be offered with 75,000 kilometers/24 months of warranty.

Exteriors:

This Tata Sumo Gold model lineup gets major cosmetic updates, especially in terms of its exteriors that brings a exhilarating new look to this SUV. Now the facelifted Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII trim gets a revamped front radiator grille, improved head lamps design, bumper and a new designer decal body graphics. We shall start with the front facade that comes with an all new chrome based radiator grille with the company's logo incorporated on to it. While there is a chrome strip fitted on top of the hood. The headlight cluster structure remain the same but we can see some improvements. Below the radiator grille, it gets a body colored bumper with an integrated air dam for the air intake. At the side of this mid range trim, it has been offered with black colored external rear view mirrors and door handles while 15 inch steel wheels are fitted to its wheel arches. Its side profile is complimented by the new designer decal body graphics that brings a fresh new look to its side profile. There is also a stylish side footstep offered with this mid range version for extra comforts and conveniences. The rear end design also gets a re-treatment with the improved tail lamps cluster that completes the brand new look of Tata Sumo Gold. The exterior dimensions of this SUV comes with 4258mm of height, 1700mm of width and 1925mm of height, while it has an impressive wheel base of 2425mm. There is an overall 65 litres of fuel storage capacity, which will be helpful for long distance journey.

Interiors:

The interiors of this SUV too gets the re-treatment, which makes it more plush and beautiful compared to the previous model. This Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII mid range trim gets minor changes inside in the form of a premium fabric upholstery and new stylish dashboard. The seats are covered with a premium and stylish fabric upholstery, while the door trims comes with vinyl coating. While there is a new stylish gear shift knob offered inside this mid range trim that offers a wonderful feel to the driver. On the other hand, there is a huge space for the passengers inside this SUV, which can host at least 7 to 9 passengers depending on the requirement. It has an impressive wheelbase of 2425mm, which has made it possible for the Indian auto major to create oodles of space inside this SUV.

Engine and Performance:

Tata Motors is offering this mid range trim with a BSIII emission compliant diesel engine, which delivers a reliable performance all the time. This Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII trim is equipped with a 3.0-litre 4SP, TCIC based engine, which has the ability to displace 2956cc . This engine can produce a power of 68.6bhp at 3000rpm and generates a peak torque output of about 223Nm at 1600-2000rpm. This TCIC, BSIII compliant diesel engine is further mated to a G-76-5/4.1 manual transmission gearbox with overdrive that enhances the fuel efficiency and performance. In addition, the engine is integrated to a 240mm hydraulic clutch type of system that boost the power of this SUV.

Braking and Handling:

This mid range variant in the Tata Sumo Gold lineup comes with a mediocre braking and handling mechanism that functions very efficiently in all whether situations. The front wheels of this Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII trim is fitted with a ventilated disc braking mechanism while drum brakes are equipped to the rear wheels. On the other hand, this mid range vehicle has been equipped with double wishbone type of suspension with coil spring and anti-roll bar type of mechanism.

Safety Features:

This Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII mid level trim is offered with conventional safety and security features that keeps this SUV safe and secured at all times. Some of its safety functions include rear high mount stop lamps, side intrusion beams on all doors and few other features have been provided. There is also a provision for incorporating engine immobilizer system which will help you keep this SUV from unauthorized persons. This is the mid range version and there are not much of safety features you can expect in this version.

Comfort Features:

The comfort levels inside this SUV are impressive, where the occupants can feel the luxury. Considering the price tag, the Tata Sumo Gold LX BSIII version has many comfort features provided inside. This mid range SUV comes with a set of astonishing functions like manual air conditioner with demister, a floor console with hand brake, spare wheel fixed below floor, cup holders, tinted glasses , stylish clear lens head lamps, side foot step and few other such aspects. There is also a stylish instrument cluster that provides detailed information about fuel level, speed and so on.

Pros: Body graphics are attractive, engine performance is good.
Cons: Not-so-good safety features, price tag can be competitive.