Absent from its product range since 2003, Tata has revived the Sierra nameplate for a radically different model from the original that debuted in 1991 as its first-ever SUV.

Then based on the body-on-frame platform of the Telcoline bakkie, the new Sierra is a more conventional unibody with only subtle exterior traits from its predecessor.

Dimensions

Positioned above the Curvv and below the Safari and Harrier, the five-seat Sierra is, however, the first model to use a completely new foundation called Argos, which stands for All-terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable Architecture.

Sporting five-doors instead of the original’s three, with the lack of a visible C-pillar suggesting otherwise, the Sierra measures 4 340mm long, 1 992mm wide and 1 715mm tall.

Its wheelbase stretches 2 730mm, and the Sierra has a claimed ground clearance of 205mm, a departure angle of 31.6 degrees, a breakover angle of 23.1 degrees, and an approach angle of 26.5 degrees.

On the practicality front, boot space measures 622l, which expands to 1 257l with the split rear seat folded down.

Diesel and petrol

Unlike the original, the move to a unibody platform means the loss of the low range gearbox as drive only goes to the front wheels.

According to Autocar India, though, an all-paw gripping system is being worked on, but without the mentioned transfer case and only tipped for introduction in 2027.

In a departure from the original, which used the same 2.0-litre Dicor turbodiesel as the Telcoline, the Sierra offers three options no greater than 1.5l in both petrol and diesel configurations.

Starting out, the normally aspirated Revotron develops 78kW/145Nm, which goes to the front axle via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Called Hyperion, the turbocharged petrol develops 118kW/255Nm and is paired exclusively to a six-speed torque converter automatic.

Known as Kryojet, and therefore not part of the Fiat-era Krytotec family as the 2.0-litre used in the Harrier, the turbodiesel Sierra outputs 87kW, but with 250Nm of torque when paired to the six-speed manual’ box and 280 Nm in combination with the six-speed automatic.

Spec

In India, seven trim levels are offered: Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Adventure+, Accomplished and Accomplished+.

Depending on the select trim level, spec items include 17-inch steel to 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an electric tailgate and a voice assisted panoramic sunroof.

Other items include a 12-speaker JBL sound system with Dolby Atmos technology, electric and ventilated front seats, a Head-Up Display and a completely digital dashboard comprising two 12.3-inch displays as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

On the safety and driver-assistance side, the Sierra sports a surround-view camera system, six airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keep Assist to name a few.

Approval awaited

Going on-sale in the middle of next month priced from Rs 1 149 900, which amounts to R220 861 when directly converted and without taxes, the Sierra, for now, has not been confirmed for South Africa following Tata’s market re-entry in August.

Should approval be given, though, expect it to arrive sometime next year.

This article was first published by The Citizen.