Why was the Sumo Grande not a hit?

[GKS]

I really feel TML should come out of dark ages. Long time back there was a time in India when if you want to buy a car you had very limited options like Ambassador, Padmini etc, IMO someone in TATA's R&D is still from that era. With the resources and the networks available for TML they should be able not only fulfill/satisfy domestic needs but also be able to compete in international level.
But someone in TATA knows, The name sells in India, so take a 70's chassis, a 80's engine, an early 90's design nd put 300years + (not sure how old) brand name and val la a new Sumo is born.
Thats how TATA builds and sells their cars.
TML can do much much better and they should.

This is my openion. We Indians will be glad to put our hard earned money for something with a label "Made in India" if it meets our needs and stand at par with what the open market has to offer

[tushky]

Originally Posted by fx45

those wheelcaps are so ugly :( even chinese automakers offer better stuff.

i liked those wheelcaps. they are perfect for such design.

[AyAn!]

I think it looks grotesque,a very very immature piece of automotive design.
And then,the famous Tata build quality,with huge uneven panel gaps abound.
Recently I sat in a Vista,and noticed the power window button slots.They looked as if they were cut in the plastic with a blade by a three year old! Totally unacceptable.
But the main reason it bombed because of its looks and archaic image.And the competition was the Innova.

[arunpn]

Originally Posted by greenhorn

what exactly have you highlighted ?

the gaps inthe dashboard, quality of plastic, despite the exteriors having quite a head turning look, the plastics are still unsatisfactory

[sanjayatarizona]

The Sumo Grande has a weird mongoloid look period.. Really hope TATA does something about this, because the only thing they do is to price their products right and even the non starter Grande was priced perfectly.

Give even a half baked decent design and it should sell..

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by arunpn

the gaps inthe dashboard, quality of plastic, despite the exteriors having quite a head turning look, the plastics are still unsatisfactory

Heard Turning look. You are absolutely right mate, I turn my head away, each time I see one.

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by arunpn

the gaps inthe dashboard, quality of plastic, despite the exteriors having quite a head turning look, the plastics are still unsatisfactory

Well some places you have highlighted is where you need space to prop it open!

[Trapezio]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Heard Turning look. You are absolutely right mate, I turn my head away, each time I see one.

Come on its not that bad! Design wise I can easily live with it compared to the Xylo. Obviously opinions differ.

[greenhorn]

To be honest, I really dont care much about dashboard plastics. As long as it is functional, no sharp edges, and nothing falls off, I'm fine with it.

[TeddyBear]

bad luck for Sumo Grande & looks like the brand image for Sumo is dead as Cab.

[Mpower]

Nothing wrong with the Sumo's looks. Its just a little different and lacks the macho factor.

Xylo is even more oddball but sells like hot cakes.

[amtak]

I still love the sumo and hope to buy it some day. Yeah, I love good interiors, quality materials. If I get it, Sumo Grande is on my radar. The looks are futuristic in a way, need alloys from the safari and its a stunner.

Ever seen a Grande in Black or dark green? You'll love it.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Heard Turning look. You are absolutely right mate, I turn my head away, each time I see one.

Then how do you stand M&M products both Scorpio and Xylo not to mention that revered box on wheel called Trax Gurkha.

Reason for failure lies elsewhere.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by amitk26

Then how do you stand M&M products both Scorpio and Xylo not to mention that revered box on wheel called Trax Gurkha.

Reason for failure lies elsewhere.

I would rate scorpio quite high in terms of looks. Xylo, as a matter of fact is quite good looking; save for those headlamps.

On the other hand, Gurkha is one of the finest looking vehicles on the road. Would you call Land Rover Defender ugly duckling? These vehicles are meant to look rough and have to be built strong. Gurkha is the best Indian Off roader available in 5-9 lakhs range.

[raj_5004]

Originally Posted by amitk26

Then how do you stand M&M products both Scorpio and Xylo not to mention that revered box on wheel called Trax Gurkha.

Reason for failure lies elsewhere.

Originally Posted by amtak

I would rate scorpio quite high in terms of looks. Xylo, as a matter of fact is quite good looking; save for those headlamps.

On the other hand, Gurkha is one of the finest looking vehicles on the road. Would you call Land Rover Defender ugly duckling? These vehicles are meant to look rough and have to be built strong. Gurkha is the best Indian Off roader available in 5-9 lakhs range.

it seems amit hates M&M products! Gurkha is one of the best looking off roaders made in india.

ultimately it all comes down to personal preference. i dont like the safari's looks, but i like the grande's looks. beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.