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Tata Motors, a leading automaker, announced in Chennai the launch of the Sumo Victa - a face-lifted version of its best-selling multi-utility vehicle, the Tata Sumo.

Sumo was launched in 1994, and since then close to 270,000 Sumos have been produced so far, clocking the fastest 100,000 sales in the industry shortly after launch. Last fiscal, Tata Sumo was amongst the top selling models in a 55 model-plus industry. The brand has become synonymous over time with the attributes of ruggedness, reliability and spaciousness and is favoured by those looking for a trusted, straightforward, low-cost of ownership driving experience for the family, said S G Saksena, assistant general manager, product group - utility vehicles, passenger car business unit (PCBU) Tata Motors.

Speaking at the launch in Chennai, he said the new Sumo Victa is a fine blend of the timelessness and the new. Without compromising on its core appeal, the Sumo Victa now offers all that is contemporary in vehicle styling, design and technology, Saksena added. For the top-end version, the fascia gets chrome lipped, squared mesh Tata grill along with two statement making clear lens headlamps. A single piece colour contrast front bumper with integrated fog lamps and air dams accentuates the front look. The treatment extends to the clear lens turn indicator lamps and the side cladding on the doors leading to the new vertical tail lamps. A chrome inlaid spare wheel cover and a new body hugging rear bumper sign off the exteriors.

Explaining the features, Saksena said the interiors are all new. A new soft look dashboard wears a sporty centre console and a tacho featured, multi-functional instrument panel. The styling is sharp, with straight edges and surfaces in keeping with the overall look of the vehicle. A new steering inclination angle, leather wrapped steering wheel, power steering, power windows on all four doors, key-less entry, local lumbar support on front seats and light intensity adjustment of the instrument panel make driving a pleasurable experience. Storage space is enhanced with a new floor console.

An all-new flexible seating system releases space on demand. The second row of seats can be split 60:40, folded and pushed forward. The new third row of front facing seats can be folded and completely removed releasing up to 2,160 litres of luggage space.

The Sumo Victa comes with changes to its steering mechanism enabling it to have the smallest turning circle radius of 4.9 metres in its class. Manoeuvering and parking become extremely comfortable. It provides the quietest cabin space, class leading air-conditioning, best seating comfort and is the only vehicle equipped with an anti-theft device in the form of an engine immobiliser activated by the keyless remote, added Vikram Sinha, DGM, customer support, PCBU, Tata Motors.

Available in three different trim levels, seven new colours and powered by a Bharat Stage-II compliant, 90 PS turbo charged intercooled, or a 68 PS naturally aspirated diesel engine, the Sumo Victa is priced in the range of Rs 4.88 - Rs. 5.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai).

"Despite the entry of new competition in the last four years, the sales of Tata Sumo have grown from 25,000 vehicles in 1999-2000 to 28,000 vehicles in 2003-2004, an endorsement of the continuing appeal of the brand. Last fiscal it grew by 28 per cent and is growing by 14 per cent this fiscal. We are confident that with the launch of Sumo Victa, the brand will enhance its appeal in the personal use segment," added Saksena.

The Sumo Victa comes with an 18-month unlimited kilometre warranty and will be retailed through 140 dealerships across the country. An optional additional 18-month warranty is also available on demand, Saksena said.

Tata Motors is the second largest passenger vehicle player in the country, having sold over 140,000 vehicles in 2003 -2004. It enjoys a market share of over 17 per cent and provides the second largest sales and service network, spanning over 500 outlets and 200 cities in the country. It retails four models across three segments - compact, entry mid-size and utility vehicle - and a price band of Rs 3 - Rs 11 lakh, Saksena pointed out.

RR

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