CARVERSAL

Tata Motors has hogged the headlines once again with its new Tata Sumo in a new avatar—the Ghatak edition. This is an assertive, improved version of the iconic Sumo vying for prominence with the Toyota Fortuner, one vehicle that has made it big in the premium SUV market space in the country.

The aggressive design, better features, and performance would see the Tata Sumo Ghatak in head-to-head competition with the Fortuner, offering this SUV landscape a complete definition.

Nostalgia in the Tata Sumo Ghatak

Until some time back, the Tata Sumo was identified as India's iconic brand name, which denotes ruggedness, reliability, and affordability. It is with such a transformation occurring in the automobile market that Sumo slowly stepped out of preference to more technological and advanced SUVs.

But Tata Motors has put it under the dust, bringing back the iconic nameplate with bold styling and new capabilities to capture minds once more.

The Tata Sumo Ghatak is not a facelift but a full transformation, and the new design language inspires it as much by the success it had recently with the Safari and Harrier as its modernity blends into what Sumo inherently is—thick skinned.

The Ghatak edition is designed for adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts who crave a vehicle that can handle tough terrain while offering contemporary comforts.

Design: Aggressive and Modern

The Tata Sumo Ghatak has an aggressive and muscular design that can be easily differentiated from its ancestors. The front fascia carries a bold grille with the Tata logo, and on either side are fitted sleek LED headlamps and DRLs. The rugged look of the bumper is designed with skid plates and fog lamps, thereby giving it a commanding road presence.

Equally impressive would be the side profile, with flared wheel arches and blacked-out alloy wheels that complete the sporty theme. The rear gets neat and striking as well with LED taillights and the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, giving an indication that it is off-roading kind. The customized edition of Ghatak also offers many options for personalizing your SUV, like dual-tone colors and decals.

Interior: Comfort Meets Functionality

When you step inside the Tata Sumo Ghatak, you are treated to a cabin that is comfort and functionality combined. The inside is designed with the needs of modern drivers in mind, so you get premium materials, great ergonomic seating, and a range of advanced features.

The dashboard offers a sleek driver-centric design along with a touch-screen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is a completely digital instrument cluster that gives everything at a single glance.

It has enough room inside the Ghatak for the passengers as well as luggage; hence, it is a great option for family use as well as for an adventure-loving group of people.

Upholstery material for seats comes in high-grade fabric or leather, depending upon the variant chosen, and foldable second and third rows also provide ample space for storage. Other features that are worth mentioning include automatic climate control, a sunroof, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Under the skin, Tata Sumo Ghatak has a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that churns out impressive power at 170 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. These engines provide an excellent transmission option through either the 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Tata Sumo Ghatak boasts Tata's Terrain Response System; it allows drivers to switch among different driving modes such as Eco, City, and Sport so that the ride is optimized with the road condition.

For all off-road buffs, the 4x4 drivetrain system of the Tata Sumo Ghatak ensures much better traction and stability on treacherous surfaces. Its suspension system has been tamed to effectively make driving on bad roads an easy affair, and with ample ground clearance, this SUV should be able to go through any road or obstacle without breaking a sweat. The ruggedness factor does not harm the practicality of this edition, which boasts a claimed mileage of 15–17 km/l; thus, it will manage well on both city and highway roads.

Safety: Top-Notch Features

Safety is the number one concern for Tata Motors, and the Sumo Ghatak is no different. Complete safety features are equipped to the SUV: six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, and rear parking sensors with camera, among others. The robust build quality and high-strength steel body structure make this a vehicle from which respect and care are not far behind.

Pricing and Competition

It would be cheaper compared to the starting price of the Toyota Fortuner at ₹33 lakh (ex-showroom). So, Tata Sumo Ghatak will start with a price range of ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom). While Fortuner has been a long-time reigning king in the premium SUV segment, Sumo Ghatak presents a challenge that is not so easily dismissable. This is due to its rugged design, advanced features, and competitive pricing.

Other competitors in this segment include the Mahindra Scorpio-N, MG Gloster, and Isuzu MU-X. However, the Tata Sumo Ghatak has an edge because of its nostalgic and modern appeal, especially for those who value heritage and brand loyalty.