India’s first SUV, Tata Sierra, was the brainchild of one RN Tata. The basic layout, especially the massive fixed glass panes, was inspired by the Ford Bronco, and up front, the nose was ‘similar’ to Merc’s SEC or W126 coupé. Sure, the cowl should have been much larger, and the rear was quite utilitarian, but the design worked. And what’s amazing is that this car still looks appealing even today – not something you can say of many cars from the ’90s.
On a long drive to Ahmednagar and the VRDE test track, back in the day, first impressions were of a spacious cabin, comfortable seats and great visibility. What also stood out was the thoroughly modern instrument panel and contemporary-looking dash. I especially liked the red needles and the Mercedes-like shroud for the instrument panel. Equipment for the time was epic. It got central locking, power windows, power steering, and later, even a rotary slider-controlled part-time four-wheel-drive selector. And those seats are good even by today’s standards.
What really stood out, however, was the back-seat experience. Getting in wasn’t easy with only two doors – you had to make your way past the front seat, and the bench at the rear was low. But it had loads and loads of legroom, plenty of headroom,and those massive glass panes on either side just gave you a panoramic view. Even better, when you looked up, the big glass panes curved onto the roof, expanding your field of view even more. There was no sunroof, but you didn’t really need one. The Tata Sierra even rode comfortably, and this turned even long drives in the back seat into fun excursions.
The normally aspirated diesel was, however, gutless, and I struggled to pass vehicles on the old Bombay to Pune highway – the real highway to hell. The Turbo that arrived in 1997 was much better: smoother, peppier, and it even felt brisk on boost. Power went from 69hp for the naturally aspirated diesel to 91hp for the Turbo. Plagued by mechanical and electrical gremlins, the Sierra, never got the respect and recognition it deserved, forever remaining Tata’s diamond in the rough.
Fast forward to today, and the Sierra is back. And what’s cool is that there’s a visual link between the two. Equally cool, the fact that Ratan Tata had a hand in its final form. Question is, can it do what the original never managed and be a resounding success? Tata Motors today has a fair chance, especially when you consider the string of successful SUVs behind it today.
Rishaad Mody
Avik Chattopadhyay
