Foreign Media Are Saying Tata Motors Will Build An 'Indian Defender': What They Really Mean
The fact that Tata Group, the parent company of Tata Motors, owns the British luxury SUV maker Land Rover Range Rover is universal. As a result of this, foreign media is now keeping track of Tata Motors' all-new vehicles. So, after seeing the upcoming Tata Sierra, a number of foreign media houses have dubbed it as the “Indian Land Rover Defender.”
Tata Sierra - The Indian Defender
Journalists from foreign media have noted that the upcoming Tata Sierra has a number of design cues which have been inspired by the current-generation Land Rover Defender and Range Rover models. This is a direct result of Tata Motors owning the British luxury SUV maker. The Sierra boasts a macho, boxy SUV stance, which we see on the Defender and the current-generation Range Rover Sport.
Apart from the shape, the Sierra also takes on other notable design cues of the Land Rover vehicles. These include a floating roof design with the help of blacked-out A, B, C, and D pillars. Also, the flush door handles, chunky cladding, and squarish wheel arches give the Sierra the premium appearance which is the highlight of the Land Rover and Range Rover models.
Tata Sierra’s Premium Design
In addition to the elements taken from the more premium Land Rover Range Rover models, Tata Motors has tried to add the original 1991 Sierra's design elements as well. The company, at this year's Bharat Mobility Global Auto Expo, showed the concept of the upcoming Sierra. The main highlight was cleverly hidden rear doors.
It appeared that the concept had only two front doors, like the original model. The concept also had a chunky body-colored division between the front and rear doors, which highlighted the single-cab design element. Other notable highlights of the concept vehicle included large 19-inch alloy wheels, connected LED headlights, and taillights.
Interior Design
In addition to the futuristic and rugged exterior, Tata Motors will be ensuring that the interior also matches the same design ethos. Although the representative image shows the vehicle with a simple dashboard with a single large infotainment screen in the middle, the production version will be getting a triple-screen layout.
The centre will be dominated by a touchscreen infotainment system, and the driver will also get a digital instrument gauge cluster as well. As for the third screen, it will be positioned in front of the front passenger and will provide entertainment and infotainment controls. Other highlights will include dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging pad, ventilated and powered seats, along with many others.
Powertrain Options
Tata Motors will first launch the Sierra.ev, after which it will be launching the petrol and diesel variants. Most likely, the Sierra.ev will be based on the brand's Acti.ev platform and will share its drivetrain with the recently launched Harrier.ev. The newly launched model comes in RWD and QWD (all-wheel-drive) variants.
The former offers 238 bhp, and the latter offers 396 bhp and 504 Nm of torque. The range of the top-of-the-line variant with a 75 kWh battery pack will be around 490–500 km. As for the ICE models, the petrol model will be powered by a 1.5-litre TGDi turbo petrol engine making 168 bhp of power and 280 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the diesel will be offered with the same 2.0-litre Kryotec motor making 170 bhp and 350 Nm of torque.