Tata Sumo Gold GX - An Ownership Review

[Master's]

Well perhaps there is no point in going on like this. Look wise it is not easy to prove that one is better than other or vice versa. Both are age old designs. So I decided to give equal points to both. Now I decided to move on to technical aspects.
As far as the engine is concerned SG has a larger capacity one which really doesn’t mean anything for the user but the power and the torque available at low rpm is what matters in my opinion. What I found is that Gold is scoring in this aspect. The Turbocharged intercooled engine gives 85 HP at 3000 rpm and 250Nm torque from 1000 to 2000 rpm . This is splendid compared to bolero’s 62 HP at 3200 rpm and 195 Nm from 1400 to 2200 rpm (Non turbo non intercooled common rail engine). I feel this is very significant. Gold has as a more useful wider torque band which will definitely reduce the number of gearshifts and so easier driving. Also gold has a bit more slow revving engine which will be less noisy at high speed and should transform to a better life for engine for same standard of material used. Noise level is more or less same ( not measure value but judging by the audible sound..) Sumo Scores better
On gearbox … please give me time till I finish. For the time being ‘equal points please’
Coming to suspension though both have independent front suspension the double wishbone unit on Gold is technically superior one as much as I know (Mahindra xylo has double wishbone). The single arm one with a tie rod though does it’s job well , it is one generation old in suspension history. Rear suspension is leaf spring for both . So Sumo scores marginally on this.
By this time I started considering sumo to be a bit better option. Now further points I want to keep short…
 Visibility: definitely better with sumo gold. Not only for driver but also for passengers. It is more airy, spacious (having better leg room and more importantly shoulder room) and has a better ambience inside. Look at the driving positions and bolero’s flat seat.

 

[Master's]

 Seating position: Gold has a higher seating position giving a better feel on a long journey compared to sitting in a pit and looking out through a small window feel of Bolero.

 

[Master's]

First two rows are almost identical in appearance but sumo gives a better comfort due to better height and broader seat. Third row for Bolero is bit awkward due to low head room making it uncomfortable for adults.

 

[Master's]

 As much as I know having more over hang improves the comfort inside the cabin. Sumo having more overhang both at front and rear gives better passenger comfort. Sumo scores
 However high overhang, high body weight and higher seating makes it scary when negotiating curves with passenger on the rear jump seats. Lower centre of gravity, low body weight and short overhang betters Bolero here. Here Bolero scores.
Social aspects.
Now the social opinion is in favor of Bolero. People are attracted by the look of bolero than the user value. I felt when I am using it I can’t see it as I am in it, but I can only feel it, so feeling gets prime consideration. Sumo gold gives better feel.
People say it has that taxi image. I asked myself and others if you need to hire a taxi, which will you choose if both are available on same terms? Answer was ‘sumo gold’ ‘why?’ ‘That’s better for a trip’. I said ‘Aaha that’s a good important answer. (so I felt apart from people who like bolero for solid reasons all others who vaguely decides for bolero give high value to these social aspects)
Now some significant points I considered which I have no solid reasons to prove but set in my mind from bits of information gathered from different sources.

• Tata vehicles are better mile munching machines than Mahindra which are for rough use.
• People say Mahindra body rusts faster than Tata in spite of stated better build quality
• Tata mechanicals are more durable.

 

[Master's]

Some facts that gave a final push to buy Tata Sumo gold

 It has internally adjustable ORVM which I liked

 

[Master's]

 It has roof mounted rear A/C unit that worked quite well

 

[Master's]

 It has a lower turning circle of 5 mtrs radius.
 It has longer service interval of 15000kms in place of bolero’s 10000kms (can save a bit).
 Both front seats have adjustable lumbar support.
 It has Bluetooth enabled music system which is very important for pressed days of mobile phone

After doing so much study I decided to buy Sumo gold 2014 (which is an improved version after the initiation of Horizon Next by Tata) and so I dropped the plan to test drive Bolero (and so I could not comment on the gear box and gear shift feel) and here it is

 

[Master's]

Image attached
I had prepared this whole review in word. When I tried to cut and paste it became a mess and it happened to be a number of postings, and some parts were lost too. I did not know how to put text and pictures alternatively. Anyway I did it somehow...

 

[dr_desai]

Thanks for your view. We are keen to know your driving impression.

 

[Master's]

Thanks for your view. We are keen to know your driving impression.
Dr_Desai
I have just used this vehicle for 1400 kms. I work outside India and be at home only once in 4 months and that too for 2 weeks. My decision to buy it was by the influence of 2 threads in TAI one is this and the other is Battle for entry level SUVs where you are more active and your impressions on Sumo gold matches best with mine. As I mentioned previously I had a spacio which I bought in year 2000 soon after it was launched in market. The reason for my selling that was the jerky nature of the engine,noise, front heavy characteristics etc. I think the engine was a straight lift from 407 and the low end torque was so high that when we apply brake the engine keeps pulling the vehicle forward and would not let it to slow down. (I don't know if I have explained it properly). And other reasons were no PS, AC etc. But I was impressed with the ruggedness, interior space, visibility, low maintenance like factors. As I mentioned I am 6 foot 1 inch and most of the vehicles of my affordable price (Rs 10 L) in the market are not really exciting for me. In spite of all the -ves I wrote about spacio once it crosses 50 kms speed It was comfortable to drive it. I have driven it more than 2000 kms in one go. I had all those memories when I went for gold this time and gold remains sincere to it.
As I said I agree with whatever comments you have made on gold from time to time. In 10 days I drove 1400 kms and I loved it. My wife was against buying this ('box' in her expression) saying it has no social respect. She was true saying a D'zire cheaper than this has a better social image. But then I managed to take her with me for gold TD and we bought it. Our children also liked it.
Though the PS is bit over assisted I did not hate it. Steering wheel is small and nice. If spacio was a truck this is a car.
The performance of AC is impressive. I never used the blower speed above 2 even in the summer heat of May. Rear area I think is more cool than front. The vehicle becomes cool in short time. For 2 years I was using Nissan X trail and that was not this good.
I am happy with the pickup, I did not feel any turbo lag. As there was instruction in owner manual to limit speed below 90 during running in I did not cross that speed. On practical driving I never felt it is taking time to catch speed. I don't intend to drive it above 120 and I am Damn sure Gold is good enough for it.I loved the low rpm nature of CR4 engine. I never had the feel that I am straining it. The engine always gave a feedback that 'I am happy and you may use me more'.
Suspension is soft and is good on highways having no sharp turns. But when I drove a stretch of road where though the road surface was good there were lot sharp bends I had go at a lower speed due to high rolling. But I am sure it is not easy to resolve that issue. But one thing I feel is that FF seats on the last row would would do good in this aspect and I would try it later in future. What I want is FF seat that can fold sideways as in LC prado. The present jump seats are fixed above the rear wheels and the weight acts outside the sprung area of the leaf spring rear suspension. While negotiating curve the tangential force by the jump seat load assists the rolling force generated (Hmm hope I am right...) Oh yes even though the rear suspension is leaf spring it is commendably good. For my use and expectations It is good enough.
Yes brakes are good enough. I never felt it inadequate, but feel it can be bit more better.. or with ABS. In fact I am a great admirer of ABS. ABS of my X trail has impressed me more than once in critical braking. ABS on Gold would have been nice. I think Tata wants people to use this car on a slow speed or there may be a technical reason. But I am not unhappy with the present situation. I liked the clutch. It is soft and is operating well and was beyond my expectation.
Head lights are good. Front fog lamps though bright the light spread pattern on the road was crap. they need to work on it. It is fixed on the plastic bumper which itself is not robust enough. No sincere approach from tata on this. I don't know how useful the rear fog lamps though I saw it working.
Music system is good though not a high performer it does it's job. Bluetooth connectivity is really useful- I liked it. However it has been placed awkwardly, the gear lever stops us from operating it!
Power windows were working fine. No issues. 4 switches on the center console is okay for cost saving. Though not bad it can be more ergonomically placed. Power window switches at the rear is crap. If I get an opportunity to meet that engineer I would cover his hear with a thick layer of cowdung so that it remains cool. I am sorry, but I can't stop me from saying so (and I have the right as I already paid for a gold). All the door handles and absolute disaster. Door handles of my 98 sierra are way better than this.
Instrument cluster is a straight lift from grande and is good enough for the class to which gold belongs. Light and wiper switch levers are good enough and I am impressed with the speed adjustment knob for the intermittent wiper. It would have been nice if front fog lamp switch was integrated with the head lamp lever exactly like the speed control knob on the wiper switch lever.
Floor mat is good, Gear lever knob is good. I hope the gear lever -which is now good- does not become a loose hanging stuff like the one on my brother's spacio gold (2009 model still in use), side foot boards are good enough, rear foot board designer can join the same club where the rear door power window designer is a member, Rear wiper works well but the blade is crap.
Internally adjustable ORVMs are impressive. They are very useful in an AC vehicle. Cabin light operating on all door is impressive. I liked it. Immobilizer is working well but some times confuses. I am not well versed with it on gold so I don't really know if it is working good, but by and large I think it is good.
Overall It is a good vehicle. I often drive my cousin's Innova. Apart from the solid build quality and feel of plastics etc I don't find it worth for that money WHEN COMPARED TO GOLD. It is definitely overpriced and the D4D unit is also not an amazing thing IMO.
My suggestion to tata is that
they should redesign the front face (just make it more attractive shedding the sharp corners, dash board, tail lamps, rear bumper with integrated foot board, all the switches on the dash board, Door handles and door pads with magazine and bottle holder and of course a side folding rear FF seat. ABS an option if possible.
IMO it should sell in good numbers. (my gold is not a cab but for personal use) Just see a possible front face (below image)I suggest. just see it as an attempt

 

[TheMechanic]

Hello everybody...Im following you all for quite a long while...
Hats off to Twinstar, Masters, dr desai, and everybody
Im in a jit abt the Sumo Gold GX Stickers (vinyl??). My previous two machines Sumo Deluxe n Scorpio happen to be without any sort of stickers. my question is Can anybody help me with removing them or getting rid of them?
Please bear with me if Im at any fault.
Thank you guys.

 

[Master's]

Thanks for your view. We are keen to know your driving impression.
Dr_Desai
I have just used this vehicle for 1400 kms. I work outside India and be at home only once in 4 months and that too for 2 weeks. My decision to buy it was by the influence of 2 threads in TAI one is this and the other is Battle for entry level SUVs where you are more active and your impressions on Sumo gold matches best with mine. As I mentioned previously I had a spacio which I bought in year 2000 soon after it was launched in market. The reason for my selling that was the jerky nature of the engine,noise, front heavy characteristics etc. I think the engine was a straight lift from 407 and the low end torque was so high that when we apply brake the engine keeps pulling the vehicle forward and would not let it to slow down. (I don't know if I have explained it properly). And other reasons were no PS, AC etc. But I was impressed with the ruggedness, interior space, visibility, low maintenance like factors. As I mentioned I am 6 foot 1 inch and most of the vehicles of my affordable price (Rs 10 L) in the market are not really exciting for me. In spite of all the -ves I wrote about spacio once it crosses 50 kms speed It was comfortable to drive it. I have driven it more than 2000 kms in one go. I had all those memories when I went for gold this time and gold remains sincere to it.
As I said I agree with whatever comments you have made on gold from time to time. In 10 days I drove 1400 kms and I loved it. My wife was against buying this ('box' in her expression) saying it has no social respect. She was true saying a D'zire cheaper than this has a better social image. But then I managed to take her with me for gold TD and we bought it. Our children also liked it.
Though the PS is bit over assisted I did not hate it. Steering wheel is small and nice. If spacio was a truck this is a car.
The performance of AC is impressive. I never used the blower speed above 2 even in the summer heat of May. Rear area I think is more cool than front. The vehicle becomes cool in short time. For 2 years I was using Nissan X trail and that was not this good.
I am happy with the pickup, I did not feel any turbo lag. As there was instruction in owner manual to limit speed below 90 during running in I did not cross that speed. On practical driving I never felt it is taking time to catch speed. I don't intend to drive it above 120 and I am Damn sure Gold is good enough for it.I loved the low rpm nature of CR4 engine. I never had the feel that I am straining it. The engine always gave a feedback that 'I am happy and you may use me more'.
Suspension is soft and is good on highways having no sharp turns. But when I drove a stretch of road where though the road surface was good there were lot sharp bends I had go at a lower speed due to high rolling. But I am sure it is not easy to resolve that issue. But one thing I feel is that FF seats on the last row would would do good in this aspect and I would try it later in future. What I want is FF seat that can fold sideways as in LC prado. The present jump seats are fixed above the rear wheels and the weight acts outside the sprung area of the leaf spring rear suspension. While negotiating curve the tangential force by the jump seat load assists the rolling force generated (Hmm hope I am right...) Oh yes even though the rear suspension is leaf spring it is commendably good. For my use and expectations It is good enough.
Yes brakes are good enough. I never felt it inadequate, but feel it can be bit more better.. or with ABS. In fact I am a great admirer of ABS. ABS of my X trail has impressed me more than once in critical braking. ABS on Gold would have been nice. I think Tata wants people to use this car on a slow speed or there may be a technical reason. But I am not unhappy with the present situation. I liked the clutch. It is soft and is operating well and was beyond my expectation.
Head lights are good. Front fog lamps though bright the light spread pattern on the road was crap. they need to work on it. It is fixed on the plastic bumper which itself is not robust enough. No sincere approach from tata on this. I don't know how useful the rear fog lamps though I saw it working.
Music system is good though not a high performer it does it's job. Bluetooth connectivity is really useful- I liked it. However it has been placed awkwardly, the gear lever stops us from operating it!
Power windows were working fine. No issues. 4 switches on the center console is okay for cost saving. Though not bad it can be more ergonomically placed. Power window switches at the rear is crap. If I get an opportunity to meet that engineer I would cover his hear with a thick layer of cowdung so that it remains cool. I am sorry, but I can't stop me from saying so (and I have the right as I already paid for a gold). All the door handles and absolute disaster. Door handles of my 98 sierra are way better than this.
Instrument cluster is a straight lift from grande and is good enough for the class to which gold belongs. Light and wiper switch levers are good enough and I am impressed with the speed adjustment knob for the intermittent wiper. It would have been nice if front fog lamp switch was integrated with the head lamp lever exactly like the speed control knob on the wiper switch lever.
Floor mat is good, Gear lever knob is good. I hope the gear lever -which is now good- does not become a loose hanging stuff like the one on my brother's spacio gold (2009 model still in use), side foot boards are good enough, rear foot board designer can join the same club where the rear door power window designer is a member, Rear wiper works well but the blade is crap.
Internally adjustable ORVMs are impressive. They are very useful in an AC vehicle. Cabin light operating on all door is impressive. I liked it. Immobilizer is working well but some times confuses. I am not well versed with it on gold so I don't really know if it is working good, but by and large I think it is good.
Overall It is a good vehicle. I often drive my cousin's Innova. Apart from the solid build quality and feel of plastics etc I don't find it worth for that money WHEN COMPARED TO GOLD. It is definitely overpriced and the D4D unit is also not an amazing thing IMO.
My suggestion to tata is that
they should redesign the front face (just make it more attractive shedding the sharp corners, dash board, tail lamps, rear bumper with integrated foot board, all the switches on the dash board, Door handles and door pads with magazine and bottle holder and of course a side folding rear FF seat. ABS an option if possible.
IMO it should sell in good numbers. (my gold is not a cab but for personal use) Just see a possible front face (below image)I suggest. just see it as an attempt

 

[konkantrip]

This was a detailed review Master and I must say you have covered each and every part of the vehicle Gold looks awesome in white. I agree with you SUMO should provide saftey features like ABS and Airbags they are really important features and the boxy looks are keeping the customers away I think if TATA work on the looks and safety features this machine can do wonders

 

[Master's]

This was a detailed review Master and I must say you have covered each and every part of the vehicle Gold looks awesome in white. I agree with you SUMO should provide saftey features like ABS and Airbags they are really important features and the boxy looks are keeping the customers away I think if TATA work on the looks and safety features this machine can do wonders

Thank you Konkantrip
I wrote a review and when I read it I was not really impressed on my review. But now your words gave me a feel that it is not perhaps all that bad. Thanks for giving me this good feel.
I hope TATA designers would work on gold once again as you said.

 

[Master's]

Hello Twinstar
Can you please put down few words on your long term experience on gold as of now. It will be great to know it. Please