Spoil Yourself with Some Facts-Update After 40000. Review on Tata Sumo Grande

I have now put in almost 40000 kms on the same vehicle and its driving grr8. Getting a mileage of 14.4 KmPL. The ride is still of good quality.Alignment out after every 5000 Kms. May be I drive rude and don't care for speed breakers.

Comparison MK I and MK II

I was quite excited by the new grande MK II and went in to the dealer for a test dive while getting my third service done. Few point I would mention about the differences I felt among the two.

No doubt the newer Grande gives a better look due to ORVMs and crome grill in front and strips on side doors. but these are only the cosmetic changes.

MK II is silent as compared to its predecessor.

Suspension is better, especially for the third row passengers.

Sheet quality of the MK II is inferior to that of MK I. the new sheet is thinner and ducks in if you stand along the door by thrusting your body weight against the door.

Responsiveness has increased

Fabric used for the seat covers is soft but when you compare it with old one, you can for sure find cost cutting measures being adapted. The good part. Space inside vehicle is the best feature. "Spoil Yourself" is correct for Grande and not for Indigo. Seats especially the third row as compared to other vehicles adds to comfort.

Power Steering is fairly reasonable. The vehicle is really stable and runs good even in desert areas with no Blacktop roads. Sound system is good. Refined sound/music is a pleasure to ears. AC is good for front passengers but very effective for rear passengers because of the additional duct in roof in Top model. 120 psi is just OK however you feel for more while picking up in second gear. Safari with 140 psi does better in this case.

Looks are....I believe u can appreciate that. Ground clearence fairly OK. Lights are very effective at night driving. The not so good part. Seat removal mechanism is not good at all especially the quality of lever for pulling down the second row seat to make way for the third row passenger. Power windows stuck. Asks for more battery power while moving up and down. Rear door handle gets stuck frequently.

No space for tools, they keep flying around in the vehicle. Iron brackets for seats at the floor of vehicle gives a lot of "kich kich" noise.

Quality of plastic is cheap and pathetic, specially after any scratch those marks are prominently visible.TATA could have atleast putin the ones in latest VISTA. Braking is not very good, better and effective braking is required. Rear Vision of underlying area is not very good from the driver's seat. You need a Reverse Parking Sensor/ Video Camera to park you vehicle safely in reverse.

Skids during fast and speedy turns as if with heavy bums. Pretty good body roll present. The Worst Part I also did not agree to it initially but believe me its true. You really need to provide specific instructions to staff servicing your vehicle, if possible personally supervise the task irrespective of time taken and after they do it, must inspect it personally to your satisfaction.

Please check seats for markings of Grease/Oil. Not just with me but it happens to most of customers in TATA service center. TATA staff will treat you like just another TAXI Driver and your vehicle like a TAXI. It Reflects from their damn care attitude, even if u visit them wearing a ARMANI suit or with the highest priced TATA model. If you complain about them to TATA customer support, they will have nothing but assurances for you. and you will ultimately end up frustrated/disgruntled and all the plans to move to consumer court.

Just for your info. Sanya Motors, dealers at Mayapuri, Delhi left two dents on my vehicle after the service. also there were too many black marks of grease and oil at the interior/seats of the vehicle. I and GOD only knows how much I had to suffer to get the same done up.

TATA REALLY NEEDS TO IMPROVE THE WORKMANSHIP/QUALITY OF SERVICE OFFERED AT DEALERS/ SERVICE CENTRES. ONLY THING THEY CAN ATLEAST SHOW IS A GENUINE CONCERN TOWARDS CUSTOMER.

Conclusion

There are some minor issue with the vehicle but overall it is a good buy considering the price it is available for. If you drive a lot and for longer distances, you can look for a replacement to your petrol vehicle with some up liftment in Status.Also if your familly is bigger and u need to travel together. The vehicle has got unique signatures, people will start recognizing you from your vehicle.

AND YES...ANOTHER POINT I FORGOT TO MENTION. I can wash my Grande even while standing on its bonnet and Roof, The sheet metal quality is good, it doesn't sink in even on load with approx 70 kgs unlike Scorpio/Maruti variants.

Not just a vehicle but also for people we adjudge them by their soul/spirit they carry within. If I testify this vehicle in terms of the spirit it carries, it is never falling short. Above all I am a soldier and I see everything around with that spirit and believe me I find this vehicle as a good companion despite all the shortcomings. Agility/Stability/ Endurance is what keeps me sticking to this vehicle.

Whatever not so good things are there, they can be improved/ modified and replaced but what you can’t replace is the spirit (Both you and the vehicle). Would Maruti/ any other International Brand have been selling this vehicle, you would have been spending a lot more. I shall suggest you please go out for a long drive on Grande with scorpio /tavera/Innova. and on your way back tell me how many people asked you about the vehicle or seemed inquisitive towards your vehicle.I hope that justifies my recommendation.