A car that defined a generation of Indian SUVs, offering a rear seat so comfortable it felt like home.
As the Tata Sierra makes a triumphant return as a modern monocoque 5-door on November 15, Rajesh Karkera recalls the original SUV that defined his early adulthood.
The excitement is building! I can hardly contain myself thinking about the return of the Tata Sierra.
This isn't just another SUV launch for me. It is a huge wave of nostalgia for the car that defined my early adulthood.
Rewind to my college days... when the Tata Sierra first rolled out in 1991.
As India's first offroad SUV, it had this immediate, magnetic appeal, a real head-turner. I was utterly smitten. I knew right then, that this was my car.
The moment I landed my first job, the years of "saving, saving, and saving" began. It took time, but finally, I had enough for a used Tata Sierra.
I cherished that car, driving it for nearly five years before finally selling it, and for a surprisingly good price, proving that the depreciation wasn't too harsh on this icon! And yes.. I did maintain it that way, too.
My Living Room on Wheels
But the true magic was inside. The amazingly comfortable rear seat felt less like a car bench and more like a living room sofa, making every road trip with friends feel instantly special and fun.
And that comfort was put to the ultimate test during an unforgettable trip from Silvassa, Gujarat. We were stuck in a nightmare of a traffic jam due to an overturned truck which was carrying cooking gas cylinders. That's when the Sierra truly shone.
Its rugged capability allowed me to confidently take it off the highway, navigate the no-road areas beside the traffic, and climb a 45-degree embankment!
We cleared that 5-kilometre jam in minutes, enjoying the green forest view while we were at it. My mother-in-law, who was relaxing in the comfortable rear seat, still remembers that ride!
The roots of the Sierra
The Sierra's roots are fascinating. It evolved from the Tata Telcoline 207 pickup launched in 1988. Interestingly, the early face of the Sierra even took design cues that echoed Mercedes models of the time, a nod to the corporate partnership between Tata Motors and Daimler-Benz.
It was this pickup that paved the way for the original Sierra just three years later.
The New Era: Modern, Monocoque, and Multi-Fuel
Now, more than 27 years later, on November 15, the legend is set for a monumental comeback in a completely modern avatar.
No longer a 2-door, ladder-on-frame SUV.
But a 5-door, monocoque modern machine.
It will feature all fuel options -- ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and EV (Electric Vehicle).
Design Highlights: Hitting the Sweet Spot
The sneak peek of the new Sierra is thrilling, and shows a blend of nostalgia with cutting-edge design.
The Modern Font Facia
The front sports a distinct, modern, and refreshed look that aligns with Tata's impressive new vehicle lineup.
The Iconic Side Profile
The side profile is where the magic happens. It retains the Sierra's core identity with its fat and thick B-pillar and the visually stunning signature one-piece wrap-over glass look, a design unlike anything else in the Indian market.
The Only One with Wrap Up Glass Pane
While the new model does not have the internal wrap-over glass of the original (likely for enhanced safety), the exterior design expertly maintains the illusion.
The Open-Air Feel with Panoramic Sunroof
To truly make up for the original's open cabin feeling, the new Sierra will feature a spectacular Panoramic Sunroof! This promises to let the light and "open-air feeling" sink into the cabin even more deeply than before, hopefully recreating that spacious, 'living room' vibe.
And, yes, look at the grab from the sneak peek video above -- The dashboard seems to hold a very large infotainment screen which expands all the way to the passenger seat!
My breath is officially bated. I will be counting down the days until the November 15 launch, eager to see, touch, and feel this legend reborn!