Tata launches the Sumo Victa

GTO · 9th July 2004, 01:42

Clear lens headlights, fresh interiors, a revised steering ratio (shorter turning radius), keyless entry and 60:40 second row seat. Pricing between 4.88 to 5.87 lacs ex-showroom Delhi.

Hmmmmm...what is Tata trying here? Clearly they are trying to get the urban personal car buyer - the same chap who picks up a Qualis/Tavera/Scorpio instead of a sedan. Its not going to be that easy since this is a lesson taken from the incumbent Maruti in face-lifting outdated models. Also the fact that it is the urban buyer who is more informed about product attributes. The Sumo is a decade old design now and the competition outclasses in each and every area.

In the wake of such amazing competition in the MUV segment, Tata is said to be frantically working on the next gen Sumo. Its probably just buying some time with the Victa.

GTO

Revvmaster · 9th July 2004, 03:19

I remember reading somewhere that the Sumo replacement has been pushed to sometime in 06 or 07 which is why this "freshening" up job. To think of it, the wheelbase is as big as the Indica (same infact), that high COG contributing to its problems. Hope Tata resolves that in its upcoming Sumo.

Revv

raul · 9th July 2004, 04:38

Everybody seems to be following Ford's example. Rename and attempt to laugh yourself to the bank. The agency where I work has been handling Ford in Pune since inception and I can tell you its tough working for them. Every time they come up with a new incarnation its the same story. So what's new, what do I talk about, what's have you guys done? And the marketing guy says, Oh we changed the name. They make some very superficial changes and want us to create a buzz on basically nothing. Oi, is it possible they guy could be on this board. This is not very smart, is it?

Ok back to Tata and I think they are losing the script. They had great momentum with Indica and sitting on their backsides now is going to cost them in future. Like in their buses and trucks division. They have been trying to position the Sumo as a car even women can drive and these latest changes are probably one more step in that direction but tell me how many women have you seen driving a Sumo? I've test driven the Tavera and while it has to be said its dog slow and a truck masquerading as a muv suv whatever its far better than the Sumo in general sturdiness and stability. But its too heavy and ugly as hell. The Scorpio showroom and workshop happens to be next to my office and I can tell you its not a pretty sight. They are not safe. period. That leaves the Qualis which inspite of its "great engine and ride quality" has to be the biggest insult on the Indian public by one of the worlds best car makers. So here's an opportunity for Tata to act swiftly and do some damage and here's their answer. Victra! man it doesn't even sound right. Victra!! a play on victory? a vectra with a missing e? What sort of stupid name is that. I've been interacting with some of Tata's design divisions lately and let me tell you these guys can't even spell innovate. All the design work is done abroad by companies like Faurecia and these guys essentially proofread it. Apparently there's a massive shortage of skilled designers in India with conception and technical skills in packages like Catia and stuff. Apparently Mahindra do it all inhouse but we all know the result of that. Maybe somebody wiser and more clued into the auto manufacturing scene in India can tell me why we can't get it right. Or am I just expecting too much?

Raul

gTr · 9th July 2004, 05:11

Raul,dude....u said it all in a go!!!1
And i totally agree with ya.....No 2 thoughts bout any of the SUVs/MUVs in the indian market.Its definately not a happy sighting.
I guess one SUV/MUV wotevah it is,which is really good for middle-class buy is the Tempo Trax Cruiser...the car is so huge,one can actually sleep in it....
it goes wit a starting price of rs 6000/sq. ft.

Hehe......I guess DC wud'nt even mind converting that in2 a House on Wheelz!!

*

2fast2furious · 9th July 2004, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (gTr @ July 09 2004,03:41)]Raul,dude....u said it all in a go!!!1
And i totally agree with ya.....No 2 thoughts bout any of the SUVs/MUVs in the indian market.Its definately not a happy sighting.
I guess one SUV/MUV wotevah it is,which is really good for middle-class buy is the Tempo Trax Cruiser...the car is so huge,one can actually sleep in it....
it goes wit a starting price of rs 6000/sq. ft.

Hehe......I guess DC wud'nt even mind converting that in2 a House on Wheelz!!

*

Rehaan · 9th July 2004, 14:14

Hey Raul,

You would be suprised as to how many people are visitors on TBHP

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Apparently Mahindra do it all inhouse

About a year ago, Mahindra had some competition on redesigning the scorpio or something like that to stimulate young Indians interested in automotive design. The final presentation of all the chosen participants sketches and renderings was displayed at the NCPA along with some variety entertainment (somehow connected to the "car" theme).
It was good to see that the Mahindras are making a huge effort to cultivate the talent of young indian car designers etc.

cheers
R

2fast2furious · 9th July 2004, 16:22

Well... frankly speaking i m a hardcore safari fan.. but scorpio has got a cutting edge which even safari dosn`t havn`t ....

2f2f

raul · 9th July 2004, 20:32

Oops! its Victa not Victra. Great, Now it sounds like a digestive biscuit. And 2f2f the Scorpio does have a cutting edge, the last accident I'm aware of the thing rolled and the roof just fell off! Can you imagine that? Your head, out there exposed?

shravan316 · 9th July 2004, 21:17

The new Sumo...well i had expected the Tata guys to have done better...i expected a completely different look...but...

Yeah....i too do feel that the Indian MUV/SUV segment doesn't have the 'punch' factor....

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ] .....the last accident I'm aware of the thing rolled and the roof just fell off! Can you imagine that? Your head, out there exposed?

thats scary!!

shravan316 · 9th July 2004, 21:19

If you notice properly the front end (below the hood...the headlight and grille design) does look similar to that of a Qualis...only slightly broader, though. Guys What say??

ported_head · 9th July 2004, 21:45

old wine, in a new bottle, which will seem old sooner then you think. not that it will taste any better. neither are they going to ever get some petrol heads into their company to infuse new life into their vehicle. let them beat it to death. the other companies seem to do it, why not let tata do it too. go ahead guya, have a ball.

btw, raul i completely agree about Scorpios not being safe. Revvmaster told me sometime back that they fishtail at high speeds, combine that with the fact that they are not crash tested, a combination that i would die for. i think it's about time companies woke up and stopped taking human life for granted.

GTO · 9th July 2004, 23:28

Here is my Mahindra Scorpio Topic where the company's irresponsible behaviour is discussed. C'mon, 109 Turbo-Diesel horses in a vehicle that cant handle more than 80 km/h?

GTO

ajmat · 9th July 2004, 23:38

its a dog, favorite trick is to roll over

shravan316 · 10th July 2004, 22:02

They are supposed to have done a lot of road testing(a million KM if i'm right?) with the Scorpio before it was launched....i wonder how come the problem was not attended to...its scary man!!

jesal · 11th July 2004, 02:57

doin it the maruti style i see. mod a old car over and over and over and over and over

9th July 2004, 01:42	#1
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,501 Thanked: 300,616 Times View My Garage	Clear lens headlights, fresh interiors, a revised steering ratio (shorter turning radius), keyless entry and 60:40 second row seat. Pricing between 4.88 to 5.87 lacs ex-showroom Delhi. Hmmmmm...what is Tata trying here? Clearly they are trying to get the urban personal car buyer - the same chap who picks up a Qualis/Tavera/Scorpio instead of a sedan. Its not going to be that easy since this is a lesson taken from the incumbent Maruti in face-lifting outdated models. Also the fact that it is the urban buyer who is more informed about product attributes. The Sumo is a decade old design now and the competition outclasses in each and every area. In the wake of such amazing competition in the MUV segment, Tata is said to be frantically working on the next gen Sumo. Its probably just buying some time with the Victa. GTO
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 03:19	#2
Revvmaster Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,190 Thanked: 95 Times	I remember reading somewhere that the Sumo replacement has been pushed to sometime in 06 or 07 which is why this "freshening" up job. To think of it, the wheelbase is as big as the Indica (same infact), that high COG contributing to its problems. Hope Tata resolves that in its upcoming Sumo. Revv
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 04:38	#3
raul BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pune Posts: 920 Thanked: 372 Times	Everybody seems to be following Ford's example. Rename and attempt to laugh yourself to the bank. The agency where I work has been handling Ford in Pune since inception and I can tell you its tough working for them. Every time they come up with a new incarnation its the same story. So what's new, what do I talk about, what's have you guys done? And the marketing guy says, Oh we changed the name. They make some very superficial changes and want us to create a buzz on basically nothing. Oi, is it possible they guy could be on this board. This is not very smart, is it? Ok back to Tata and I think they are losing the script. They had great momentum with Indica and sitting on their backsides now is going to cost them in future. Like in their buses and trucks division. They have been trying to position the Sumo as a car even women can drive and these latest changes are probably one more step in that direction but tell me how many women have you seen driving a Sumo? I've test driven the Tavera and while it has to be said its dog slow and a truck masquerading as a muv suv whatever its far better than the Sumo in general sturdiness and stability. But its too heavy and ugly as hell. The Scorpio showroom and workshop happens to be next to my office and I can tell you its not a pretty sight. They are not safe. period. That leaves the Qualis which inspite of its "great engine and ride quality" has to be the biggest insult on the Indian public by one of the worlds best car makers. So here's an opportunity for Tata to act swiftly and do some damage and here's their answer. Victra! man it doesn't even sound right. Victra!! a play on victory? a vectra with a missing e? What sort of stupid name is that. I've been interacting with some of Tata's design divisions lately and let me tell you these guys can't even spell innovate. All the design work is done abroad by companies like Faurecia and these guys essentially proofread it. Apparently there's a massive shortage of skilled designers in India with conception and technical skills in packages like Catia and stuff. Apparently Mahindra do it all inhouse but we all know the result of that. Maybe somebody wiser and more clued into the auto manufacturing scene in India can tell me why we can't get it right. Or am I just expecting too much? Raul
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 05:11	#4
gTr BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 62 Thanked: 11 Times	Raul,dude....u said it all in a go!!!1 And i totally agree with ya.....No 2 thoughts bout any of the SUVs/MUVs in the indian market.Its definately not a happy sighting. I guess one SUV/MUV wotevah it is,which is really good for middle-class buy is the Tempo Trax Cruiser...the car is so huge,one can actually sleep in it.... it goes wit a starting price of rs 6000/sq. ft. Hehe......I guess DC wud'nt even mind converting that in2 a House on Wheelz!! *
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 16:22	#7
2fast2furious BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 66 Thanked: 3 Times	Well... frankly speaking i m a hardcore safari fan.. but scorpio has got a cutting edge which even safari dosn`t havn`t .... 2f2f
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 20:32	#8
raul BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pune Posts: 920 Thanked: 372 Times	Oops! its Victa not Victra. Great, Now it sounds like a digestive biscuit. And 2f2f the Scorpio does have a cutting edge, the last accident I'm aware of the thing rolled and the roof just fell off! Can you imagine that? Your head, out there exposed?
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 21:19	#10
shravan316 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,029 Thanked: 9 Times	If you notice properly the front end (below the hood...the headlight and grille design) does look similar to that of a Qualis...only slightly broader, though. Guys What say??
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 21:45	#11
ported_head Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 2,387 Thanked: 20 Times	old wine, in a new bottle, which will seem old sooner then you think. not that it will taste any better. neither are they going to ever get some petrol heads into their company to infuse new life into their vehicle. let them beat it to death. the other companies seem to do it, why not let tata do it too. go ahead guya, have a ball. btw, raul i completely agree about Scorpios not being safe. Revvmaster told me sometime back that they fishtail at high speeds, combine that with the fact that they are not crash tested, a combination that i would die for. i think it's about time companies woke up and stopped taking human life for granted.
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 23:28	#12
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,501 Thanked: 300,616 Times View My Garage	Here is my Mahindra Scorpio Topic where the company's irresponsible behaviour is discussed. C'mon, 109 Turbo-Diesel horses in a vehicle that cant handle more than 80 km/h? GTO
	() Thanks

9th July 2004, 23:38	#13
ajmat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 14,860 Thanked: 27,949 Times View My Garage	its a dog, favorite trick is to roll over
	() Thanks

10th July 2004, 22:02	#14
shravan316 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,029 Thanked: 9 Times	They are supposed to have done a lot of road testing(a million KM if i'm right?) with the Scorpio before it was launched....i wonder how come the problem was not attended to...its scary man!!
	() Thanks

11th July 2004, 02:57	#15
jesal BANNED Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 2,323 Thanked: 13 Times View My Garage	doin it the maruti style i see. mod a old car over and over and over and over and over
	() Thanks