Tata Sierra review: A legend reborn
The new Tata Sierra has perhaps been one of the most anticipated launches of the year. And now, after multiple concept cars, spy shots and teasers, it has finally been launched into the deep end – the midsize SUV segment currently ruled by the Hyundai Creta. We got a chance to drive two powertrain options of the new Sierra to see if it lives up to its name and has what it takes to take on the segment champ.
Tata Sierra exterior design and engineering - 9/10
Sierra looks futuristic while retaining some signature design bits from the original.
Tata Motors’ designers deserve praise, as the Sierra is one striking SUV that looks futuristic while maintaining some nods to the original. The upright, boxy silhouette, blacked-out front grille, high-set bonnet, squared-off wheel arches, thick B-pillar treatment and the blacked-out rear glass element (to mimic the original’s distinct curved rear glass) are all reminiscent of the original Tata Sierra from 1991. Then there’s the modern touches like the LED lightbars front and rear, super slim LED headlamps and fog lamps, flush-fitting door handles and diamond-cut 19-inch alloys.
There’s also roof rails, Tata says they aren’t load-bearing, as it's illegal to have a top carrier but the rails are bolted down. There’s even a spoiler element on top of the tailgate that neatly hides the rear wiper. Lower down, you get faux skid plates at the front and rear and gloss black body cladding all around, which will no doubt be a challenge to keep scratch-free. However, unlike the original, the spare tyre isn’t mounted on the now electrically operated tailgate and is instead mounted on the bottom of the SUV, which can be lowered by loosening a bolt in the boot floor. There are as many as six paint shades to choose from, with the Munnar Mist (in pictures) and Andaman Adventure (yellow) particularly being my favorites. On the whole then, the new Sierra is a handsome SUV that’s big on desirability and it manages to stand out from the usual crop of midsize SUVs.
The Sierra is based on Tata’s new All-Terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable (ARGOS) architecture, which is said to be compatible with multiple body styles and powertrains. The platform can support CNG, hybrid, as well as both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups for both ICE and EV powertrains - the EV version is expected next year. For now though, the Sierra is front-wheel drive. As for dimensions, the Sierra measures 4.3m in length, 1.8m in width, 1.7m in height, with a 2.7m long wheelbase, making it the tallest and widest in the segment with the longest wheelbase.
Tata Sierra Interior space and comfort - 9/10
Touch-sensitive auto AC controls and steering borrowed from Harrier and Safari.
Step inside the cabin and you’re greeted by what is Tata Motors’ best interior yet. The modern design, mix of colours and materials and the fit/finish all feels premium. The light-coloured, dual-tone upholstery also ups the ambience, though it will be challenging to keep clean. The dashboard, which is headlined by a three-screen setup on top trims, isn’t high so you get a great view out of the cabin. The four-spoke steering is shared with the larger Harrier and Safari and features the illuminated logo in the centre though the edges of the rectangular horn pad can feel intrusive. Also shared with the larger SUVs is the touch-sensitive buttons and toggle switches for the AC controls on the lower part of the dash.
Dashboard, three-screen set-up, control stalks, centre console are all-new.
The centre console features two levels, if you will, with the lower section at the front housing cupholders and the charging ports while the upper section at the back includes the gear selector (which is slow to respond), wireless phone charger and armrest. There’s also some storage under the armrest though it’s too narrow and deep which isn’t ideal and the wireless pad also could do with a more prominent lip to hold the phone securely in place. There’s also large doorbins and a sizeable glovebox that’s illuminated. The Sierra also features new control stalks for the indicators, lights and wipers and new power window buttons, all of which look and feel more premium than any other Tata.
Front seats get extendable under thigh support and rear seats have a recline function
The front seats are comfy and accommodating, and what’s nice is that they also feature extendable under thigh support which adds to the comfort factor. Seat cushioning on the whole is well-judged, as it doesn’t feel too soft nor too firm. At the back, there is ample knee room and generous shoulder room for three adults, and despite the large panoramic sunroof, headroom isn’t an issue either. Rear passengers are well catered to, with window blinds, dedicated AC vents and USB charging ports, a reclining backrest, “boss mode” for the front passenger seat to liberate more legroom and a fold down armrest with cupholders. Safety is taken care of too, with all three passengers getting adjustable head restraints and three-point seatbelts.
Boot space is 450 litres till the parcel shelf
The boot is a voluminous 622-litres (measured to the roof, 450-litres till parcel shelf) and the wide opening and relatively low loading lip means loading luggage shouldn’t be an issue. You can also fold the rear seats to expand capacity to 1,257 litres. However, the wheel wells do eat into the bootspace a bit and make it appear narrower than it is and the electric tailgate could do with some more clearance.
Tata Sierra features and safety - 9/10
The range-topping Sierra Accomplished+ variant is well-equipped.
In a bid to take on the venerable Creta, Tata has left no stone unturned when it comes to features. The range topping Sierra Accomplished+ packs in ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, connected car tech, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror (IRVM), rear sunshades, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger and much more. A special mention has to go to the superb-sounding 12-speaker JBL Black sound system which comes with a subwoofer, a soundbar on the dash, Dolby Atmos and 13 preset JBL sound modes.
The most prominent feature however has to be the three screen setup on higher variants. This consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger screen. All three Samsung OLED screens are crisp, high in resolution, slick to operate and what’s nice is that the UI is easy to understand and navigate. And while the front passenger can connect wireless headphones to the third screen, so as to not distract the driver, it lacks a privacy filter which is an oversight. Meanwhile, lower variants get a two-screen setup and interestingly, it's these variants that get a heads-up display.
Safety equipment includes 6 airbags as standard, ESC, traction control, a 360-degree camera, disc brakes all around, hill-hold control and an expansive ADAS suite consisting of autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and more. Our drive was too short to properly test out the ADAS but the lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control functioned well on clearly marked roads. It’s also worth noting that the Sierra is yet to be crash tested by either Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP but Tata Motors says it has been geared up for a 5 star score. Apart from the aforementioned features, Tata is also offering a whole host of accessories and lifestyle kit too.
Tata Sierra performance and refinement - 8/10
6-speed Aisin torque convertor automatic is well-matched to the new 1.5 turbo-petrol and the diesel engine.
Under the hood, the Sierra can be had with three engine options. The range starts off with a new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated, MPFI petrol engine that runs on the more efficient Atkinson cycle and puts out 106hp and 145Nm. This engine is offered with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, we didn’t get a chance to sample this engine just yet.
The second is a direct injection turbo version of the unit and that puts out 160hp and 255Nm and this one can be had with a 6-speed AISIN torque converter automatic only. Finally, there’s a diesel option too - the familiar 1.5-litre unit from the Curvv and Nexon - that puts out 118hp and 260Nm with a 6-speed manual but a higher 280Nm when paired with a 6-speed torque converter auto. While the engine is a carry over Tata says there’s a new state of tune and hardware like low friction piston rings. We got to sample the turbo-petrol and the diesel auto on our test drive.
Starting off with the new turbo petrol which is definitely our pick of the bunch. Tata’s new Hyperion engine impresses with its refinement, both at idle and on the move. Turbo lag is minimal and it builds power in a linear manner. It misses that mid range turbo kick but it responds quickly enough to throttle inputs, which you can alter via the drive modes (City and Sport). Performance is strong too, with our timing gear indicating a 0-100kph time of 10.09sec in Sport mode, which incidentally makes it quicker than the Creta N Line turbo petrol DCT which takes 10.2sec. In rolling acceleration, this powertrain takes 5.64sec to do 20-80kph and 7.23sec for the 40-100kph run.
Complementing the engine is a smooth, Aisin 6-speed torque converter automatic. It isn’t a quick shifting unit and via the paddles shifts are slow but left to its own self the shifts are seamless and the calibration excellent such that you will very rarely find yourself in the wrong gear. It'll even hold on to gears for a bit longer when you're on part throttle, which means don't really feel the need to take manual control via the paddle shifters.
Where refinement is one the turbo petrols strong points, it is the diesels weak point. You can hear the engine and feel the vibrations at all times, which makes it known to you that you are in fact driving a diesel. This 1.5 unit doesn't have the midrange punch associated with diesels, instead it builds power in a linear manner. The diesel impresses with its long leggedness and is a great option for those who do a lot of highway trips. The torque converter auto, like in the petrol, is a smooth unit that keeps the engine in the meat of the powerband and as such you never really feel the need to take manual control.
Performance reasonably quick, with the 0-100kph sprint taking 12.87sec, while the 20-80kph sprint takes 7.65sec and the 40-100kph dash taking 9.74sec. Thanks to all disc brakes, stopping performance is good and consistent too, though the pedal travel did feel too long on the petrol. While performance on the whole is commendable, an area where the Sierra could be improved is the road and tyre noise. Both filter through to the cabin and are apparent, especially at higher speeds.
Tata Sierra mileage - 7/10
On our short test drive, we didn't get a chance to test the fuel efficiency of the Sierra and Tata is yet to disclose the official claimed figures. We will be subjecting the Tata Sierra to our real world fuel efficiency tests, so stay tuned for that.
Tata Sierra ride comfort and handling - 8/10
The Sierra excels in the ride and handling department.
As you'd expect from a Tata, the Sierra excels in the ride and handling department. Top-spec versions feature frequency dependent dampers (FDD) which work admirably well. The Sierra feels composed and tough even over the most broken patches of road. The ride does have some firmness at low speeds and the occasional sharp jolt does filter through but never to the point of being uncomfortable and as you get going its gets better. Large potholes and ruts are also easily absorbed, we also tackled a light off-road trail and the Sierra dealt with it admirably with the 205mm of ground clearance coming in handy. Along with the drive modes, it also packs in 3 terrain modes - Normal, Wet and Rough.
Body roll is well controlled around bends and the Sierra does a superb job of hiding its mass and height from behind the wheel. The steering is on the lighter side and isn't particularly feelsome though it’s predictable. There’s also good grip on offer which makes you want to push the SUV more. On the whole, the Sierra is a lot of fun in the twisty stuff, especially the turbo petrol automatic.
Tata Sierra price and verdict - 8/10
Sierra turbo petrol price starts at Rs 17.99 lakh; diesel price starts at Rs 12.99 lakh
Prices for the Tata Sierra start at Rs 11.49 lakh for the petrol, Rs 12.99 lakh for the diesel and Rs 17.99 lakh for the turbo petrol, and the range should top out around 20 lakh rupees, so it's in with the competition. Speaking of which, the Sierra has to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris, Toyota Hyryder, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate and others in the midsize SUV segment.
On the whole, the new Tata Sierra is an impressive and well-rounded SUV. There are some shortcomings of course, like the noisy diesel engine, the evident road and tyre noise inside and some small nitpicks. But those are overshadowed by this SUV’s many and solid strengths like its lengthy equipment list, refined and strong new turbo-petrol engine, spacious and premium cabin and a well sorted ride and handling balance. And to top it all off, it's got the nostalgia-inducing styling and of course, the name. Tata Motors seems to have a winner on their hands.
Also see:
Tata Sierra price revealed for low and mid spec variants
Tata Sierra ROQ Edition image gallery
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