[jp1]

Finally I am happy to see that Tata taking head on Mahindra Bolero. The latest version of Bolero have a puny engine which is not suitable for highway travel. I takes almost 30 secs to get 100kms/hr There was no real competition for Bolero, hence they do not do any meaningful updates. Cant figure out why they stopped the Bolero Storm. This seems to be good move from Tata and recent sales volume proves it.

[lifebuoy]

Originally Posted by koushik

No Lohit...not yet . I am waiting for Renault duster and Safari Storme .I will rule out Storme if price is above 10 lacs. To me the Duster sounds more interesting because of it's specifications , high speed performance , look and fuel efficiency. However if Duster cost is above 9 lacs I will surely opt for Sumo Gold EX version. It could be my best and worthy companion when in the wild !

I am counting on Koushik to give me too a detailed and frank opinion about the Gold CR4. I like this car too, but my family members feel its a bus /truck. The SUMO has that taxi image , that's what I guess !

I am sure the 407's CDRi version would build in the robustness and reliability it was known for .. in the spacio DI ?

[koushik]

Originally Posted by lifebuoy

I am counting on Koushik to give me too a detailed and frank opinion about the Gold CR4. I like this car too, but my family members feel its a bus /truck. The SUMO has that taxi image , that's what I guess !

I am sure the 407's CDRi version would build in the robustness and reliability it was known for .. in the spacio DI ?

It is true that it looks like a bus.So what? It does not mean that it looks strange. In India you need good pick up power in lower gears too because you need to stop frequently both in city traffic as well as on highways. And that power is available with this car.Who is going to offer you 3 litre smooth engine with such a price range? However if you are interested in urban SUV with stylish look .....I think Renault duster could be a good option.It does not have body over frame design but sounds that it will do a good business in India.
Gold is well suited for heavy use in taxi segment. In the last week of Feb. 2012 I was in Arunachal Pradesh where the only reliable public transport in hilly region is Sumo Taxi. I was delighted to find Sumo Gold taxi (CR4) almost everywhere in large numbers in three districts that I travelled. Unfortunately the Sumo taxi (shared) that I used at several places was never Sumo Gold. But on Taxi stand I had had detailed talk about Gold CR4 with their drivers. Most of them had already done over 15000 kms as they had received it under special scheme offered by Tata Motors in November 2011.As on hilly and challenging roads they seldom use 4th and 5th gear I was not expecting much comment from them . But they gave smile to all my questions and described me in a single sentence " the engine is powerful and like a MAKHHAN (butter)!

[WindRide]

Originally Posted by koushik

...
Despite all these limitations I love this beast because of it's big heart , pick up power , generous space ( very important for me as I am six footer weighing over 100kg),ruggedness and pleasing engine growling which sounds like a melody.

I can already see you booking the beast!! And why not?

Originally Posted by lifebuoy

I am counting on Koushik to give me too a detailed and frank opinion about the Gold CR4.

+1

Originally Posted by lifebuoy

I like this car too, but my family members feel its a bus /truck. The SUMO has that taxi image , that's what I guess !

Yes, convincing the ladies in the family will be the biggest hurdle to cross while acquiring this beauty.

Originally Posted by koushik

However if you are interested in urban SUV with stylish look .....I think Renault duster could be a good option.

Is this french manufacturer trust-worthy? What could be the long-term cost of ownership of a french vehicle? TATA ownership could prove affordable on the other hand.

Originally Posted by koushik

But they gave smile to all my questions and described me in a single sentence " the engine is powerful and like a MAKHHAN (butter)!

Three cheers for the Gold!!!

[akhilesh51]

I had the chance to drive a Sumo Gold CR4 over a distance of approximately 150 Kms on a mixture of Expressway, State Highway and minor (15 Kms) in dirt roads and here is how I feel:

1. This vehicle is miles ahead of the Victa/Spacio Range.
2. The engine revvs smoothly for a Utlity vehicle and beats the likes of Bolero and the old Sumo fair and square.
3. In cabin noise is quite controlled. The quality of materials has also been improved to keep NVH down. Gone are the days when Sumo would flutter and whistle along when driven at high speeds.
4. Braking is a lot more trustworthy

How it stacks up against Bolero
+ The engine just trumps Mahindra sloghorse.
+ The quality of materials is a notch above.
+ Bolero feels claustrophobic. The larger glass area makes this vehicle more airy.
+ Bolero feels a little cramped in seating. Seats here are a lot more comfortable.
+ NVH levels are way better.
+ Clean, Straight lines which look simple and are easy to maintain from nicks and dents.

- Bolero rules over UV sector in India. Not a lot is going to change immediately
- Digital meters are the kind of bells and whistles which makes utility customer feel nice.
- Front design looks a lot more sportier.
- Mahindra campaign connects with younger, and urban generation better despite both products being largely semi urban and rural products

My Verdict: Give it a chance and it will surprise you over current leader of UV segment

How it stacks up against Grande, Xylo, Tavera
+++ Price
+ Torque. This will go where most MUVs and many SUVs dare not.
+ Seating might not be comfy in terms of upholstery but is not as cramped as current MUVs
+ Handling felt more taut. Both Xylo and Grande are bit wallowy.
+ This vehicle is certainly more planted and well proportionate than Xylo, Grande.
+ Maintenance costs are lower.
+ 1 Lakh Km warranty remains unchallenged.
+ Most convenience and luxury features are now available in Gold

-- Status. It is neither as premium nor feels as premium as these vehicles.
- Highway cruising in MUV is much better.
- Comfortable seating options.
- Captain seats and front facing Third row not available on Gold.

My Verdict: Pursue a "Dabangg" lifestyle ? This is the vehicle. Else stick to your regular mundane lives and boring MUVs

My opinions are based purely on my travels in the vehicle and my close connection to Automobile industry. I am neither as qualified nor claim to be qualified for hardcore opinions which must be termed as "patthar ki lakeer".

[lohithrao]

One can never remove the taxi image from Sumo and thats something one has to live with, but after having look at it again and again i feel it doesnt look that bad and with the fatter wheels this gets taken care to sme extent.

though i ended up buyng Safari, i still have a soft corner for this vehicle, thats just because the charm this vehicle has and yes i never expected this!

+1 to Akileshs observations!

Originally Posted by lifebuoy

I am counting on Koushik to give me too a detailed and frank opinion about the Gold CR4. I like this car too, but my family members feel its a bus /truck. The SUMO has that taxi image , that's what I guess !

I am sure the 407's CDRi version would build in the robustness and reliability it was known for .. in the spacio DI ?

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by koushik

Up to December end 2011 the overall monthly sale of Sumo was less than 1200 units per month. Now it is close to 5000 units per month.I think this sale data also reveals the truth.

According to Tata press release, it is selling about 3000 units a month, but this is all variants combined including the rudimentary DI version for commercial use. Tata is hoping to clock 5000 units. Despite being a superior product, I feel it will take time to overtake the Bolero just because Tata carries a lot of baggage and general market acceptance cannot be turned around over night.

Having driven both, if I had to buy an SUV which costs about 8 lakhs on the Road, Sumo Gold would be a no brainer choice.

[koushik]

Mod Note : Please use the EDIT or MULTI-QUOTE buttons instead of typing one post after another!

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

According to Tata press release, it is selling about 3000 units a month, but this is all variants combined including the rudimentary DI version for commercial use. Tata is hoping to clock 5000 units. Despite being a superior product, I feel it will take time to overtake the Bolero just because Tata carries a lot of baggage and general market acceptance cannot be turned around over night.

The sale data I have furnished has been procured from insider and in the first week of April it will officially be made public.

Originally Posted by akhilesh51

My opinions are based purely on my travels in the vehicle and my close connection to Automobile industry. I am neither as qualified nor claim to be qualified for hardcore opinions which must be termed as "patthar ki lakeer".

To my information there has been active involvement of Landrover team in developing both Gold and Storme. Storme is also surely going to do magic.

[silverado]

TATA if we all observe wants to have a Taxi variant and a private buyer variant of each brand, only Nano, safari and aria are spared.

INDICA - INDICA VISTA
INDIGO - INDIGO MANZA
SUMO - SUMO GRANDE

Now was the time to rename it to something else like BRUNO or any other butch name, learn from maruti, how it renamed versa to Eeco and was able to shed the baggage.

They could have marketed it in a better way by showcasing a variant with alloys and trendy upholstery, etc to make it look better and flashier.

If the target is bolero customers and why not learn from bolero's sucess here ( digital meters, beige dash and interiors from Grande )

They can also bring a CR4 variant of Grande to add more variety to the range, i feel the old sumo should have been discountinued and a cheaper Grande variant introduced.

They could have clinicked the car for preferable colours and equipment list, which would have helped a lot.

[lifebuoy]

Originally Posted by silverado

TATA if we all observe wants to have a Taxi variant and a private buyer variant of each brand, only Nano, safari and aria are spared.

INDICA - INDICA VISTA
INDIGO - INDIGO MANZA
SUMO - SUMO GRANDE

@ silverado, don't we have Maruti doing the same with the Dzire "Tour" ?
or the Eeco for that matter (although the Versa has been discontinued)?

I guess most manufacturers introduce a cheaper variant to satisfy the taxi market - notable is toyota, with the Innova and the Etios (no PS on the base versions).

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by akhilesh51

How it stacks up against Bolero
+ The engine just trumps Mahindra sloghorse.

I guess Mahindra's decision to put the M2DiCR engine in the Bolero may backfire against them in the long run.

[amtak]

I have to admit that I have seen more Sumo GOLD's in the past 2-3 months than the new Bolero. Agreed that the Bolero sells in huge numbers, but i don't think i saw even 50 in the last 3 months.

PS: I guess I saw more Force One's than the new Bolero!

[koushik]

Originally Posted by amtak

I have to admit that I have seen more Sumo GOLD's in the past 2-3 months than the new Bolero. Agreed that the Bolero sells in huge numbers, but i don't think i saw even 50 in the last 3 months.

PS: I guess I saw more Force One's than the new Bolero!

I must agree that Bolero is also a good car.The point is that compared to Gold it has limited space and speed.You can not cruise on highway the way Gold does.

[condor]

Saw the Gold a little closer today. It was the lower versions, so 9 seater. No change in seating layout. Some observations:

1. The dash color -it's a light grey, may be a tinge of beige.
2. The odo & trip meters are now digital
3. Hand brake lever now moved to between front seats. While many people prefer this, I like the old position -tucked away from everything else, yet perfectly reachable.
4. Door handles on the inside (at least on the lower versions) are low cost plastic. ( My Sumo's handles are much better - better than many cars too).
5. HVAC is back, unlike the A/c only in the lower models of the Victa earlier.

6. Engine layout is naturally different (but have not compared it with the Spacio or the Grande.



7. OE battery is now an Amaron.
8. Air filter is a little larger, and the pipes are larger too. CAI style intake is no longer there, though the intake seems pointed towards the grille - and hence should take in more cold air than the heated air from around the engine.
Air filter has been moved to left side (was on the right earlier).
Cooling system (radiator etc) is different, looks re-vamped.

[lohithrao]

Parwath you got to drive the gold? It will be interesting to see what your feedback will be

meanwhile am pretty surprised that none on TBHP has bought a Gold or a Bolero M2di yet?

Originally Posted by condor

Saw the Gold a little closer today. It was the lower versions, so 9 seater. No change in seating layout. Some observations: