Sumo Phoenix:
Following the new safari(2.2L Dicor), Tata Motors plans to launch a new multi-utility vehicle which may replace or ride along with the Sumo – its oldest passenger vehicle that has been in production since 1994. The new sumo Phoenix which will replace the sumo is likely to be launched before the end of the 2007. The launch of the this new model will mark the comeback of the Tata Motors in the utility vehicle brand. For the new sumo Phoenix, Tata will replace the sumo’s present 2-litre engine by the safari’s 2.2L Dicor engine. Sharing of the powertrain platform with the new safari will help the tata’s to bring down the cost of the vehicle. The new sumo Phoenix is designed by German engineering company, IAV GmbH (Ingenieurgesellschaft Auto und Verkehr) and is built on the platform of Tata TL sprint. The Sumo Phoenix will inherit the most of the sumo’s characteristics at the same time embracing new technologies and contemporary features to counter the rivals – the masculine bolero and the frugal tavera. The new sumo Phoenix will shed the sumo’s chracterstic boxy look instead it will get more curves and lines. The steeply raked windscreen is followed by almost flat rooflines and slopes downward towards the rear giving the new sumo phoenix a more contemporary look. The new sumo phoenix’s sharper lines, V cuts and larger headlamps are borrowed from Tata’s TL sprint pickup. New sumo phoenix will also get larger wheels, larger tail lamp cluster and the new sumo phoenix’s registration plate will be housed in the tailgate. Wheelbase, leaf-spring rear suspension system, larger rear width and side facing third row seats that has access through the rear door will be retained. Tata motors has given the new sumo phoenix a higher ground clearance to enable the vehicle to conquer jungles with ease. The refreshed interiors of the sumo phoenix will reflect the stylish exteriors. The new sumo phoenix will get the dash from the safari. Sporty dials, attractive door pads, better quality seats and a neat centre console with double row of rounded push buttons for the Tata’s new sumo phoenix.
Next generation Indica(indica V3) and new indigo:
The next generation indica V3 and indigo sedan will be launched after the sumo phoenix launch. It seems that Tata is unlikely to discontinue the existing indica and indigo sedan atleast for some time. Tata wants to ride both the next generation cars and existing products parallely, since the current indica and indigo are going strong still after the many of their debut. The next generation indigo sedan will be positioned in the premium segment and priced over the Indigo, the next generation indica v3 will also carry a premium and be positioned above Indica.
“We will have a slew of new launches in the year ahead with new products in the compact, sedan and MUV segments. The vehicles will have completely new exterior, interior, engine and platform,” Tata Motors V-P-commercial (passenger business unit) S Krishnan said. Tata Motors thinktanks are still undecided on whether the products would be launched under new brands or simply adding the pre-fix ‘New’ to the existing brands: Indica, Indigo and Sumo. “The existing brands have a tremendous brand equity. They will be definitely not flittered away,” the official said.
New gypsy, Tavera and scorpio:
The SUV market in India is estimated at around 35,000 to 40,000 units per annum. SUV segment grew by 25 per cent during the first six months of the year. Hence almost all the manufacturers are launching/upgrading the models. Here are the actions(expected) in entry level SUV and MPV segment.
The Gypsy from the Maruti Suzuki stable is also likely to be replaced with the gimny wagon or given a new look. Mahindra & Mahindra which recently facelifted its entry level SUV Bolero is planning cheaper version of the Scorpio Eagle may also be launched next year. Chevrolet’s new tavera may also get a face-lift. Few changes on exteriors such as new grille at the front, is expected. Regarding the interiors the dashboard is expected to be upgraded. The gearbox will be refined.
update: Here is the spied photo of the Tata sumo phoenix
image credit to millionSwords of Team-bhp