This Is How Tata Motors Will Dethrone Hyundai Creta With Its Sierra Mid-Size SUV

After waiting on the sidelines for a long time, Tata Motors is finally going to disrupt the mid-size SUV segment in India with its upcoming Sierra SUV. Reportedly, the Sierra EV will be launched first. However, to compete with its established rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and others, the company will be offering it with the brand’s first 1.5L naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine and will price it very competitively.

Tata Motors’ masterstroke with Sierra ICE

The main highlight of the upcoming Tata Sierra ICE will be its affordable and fuel-efficient 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor. It is believed that this new engine will be capable of producing 125 bhp, which will be more than the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos that makes 113 bhp.

Torque figure estimates have not been revealed; however, it could be possible that it might make around or more than the 143 Nm of torque produced by Hyundai and Kia SUVs. The tuning of the engine is expected to prioritize city driving and fuel efficiency over performance. Transmission options will most likely include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) in higher trims.

Performance enthusiasts don’t need to worry

If you are an enthusiast who loves performance, then you don’t need to worry. To rival the performance-focused 1.5-litre turbo petrol motors offered by the Creta, Seltos, Taigun, and Kushaq, the Sierra will also be getting a 1.5-litre TGDi turbo petrol motor as well. This particular engine was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo, which was held earlier this year.

This motor is expected to make 170 bhp and 280 Nm of torque. If these estimates are true, then it will become the most powerful engine in the segment, as most other 1.5-turbo petrol engines are capable of producing only 150 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Transmission options could include a 6-speed manual as well as a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Tata Sierra gets another rival even before its launch

The upcoming Tata Sierra has not even been launched, but it already has one more rival to take on after its debut. We are talking about the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, which has also shaken things up in the mid-size SUV market. The Victoris will be sold via the Arena outlets of Maruti Suzuki, and it undercuts the price of the Creta by Rs 61,000.

It is being offered with a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine (103 bhp and 139 Nm of torque), a 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol (115 bhp) sourced from Toyota, and also a 1.5-litre CNG engine. Now, in terms of performance, the Sierra will be able to beat the Victoris. However, the pricing of this SUV might pose a threat to the Sierra.

Sierra will also get a diesel engine

Despite the stringent emission norms, where diesel engines are being scrutinized by the government, Tata Motors is planning to offer the Sierra with the same 2.0-litre KRYOTEC diesel engine which is seen on the Safari and Harrier. It makes 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

Tata’s strategy for success

Once launched, the Sierra will face competition from the segment champion Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. To take on these rivals, Tata Motors is expected to launch the new Sierra with extremely aggressive pricing. What will also help it in the segment will be its high safety rating, like its siblings.