Revamped Sumo to be launched

Mumbai: The launch of the New Scorpio and the impending launch of the low-cost sports utility vehicle GM Tavera have led Tata Motors to plan a facelift for its utility vehicles, the Sumo and the Safari.

The revamped Sumo will be launched in the first week of January 2004, while the new-look Safari will come later.

Analyst say the Sumo leaves much to be desired when it comes to ergonomics and aesthetics but catering as the vehicle does to temple tourism and the taxi segment the ergonomics factor had not been of great importance to the makers of the Sumo till now when competition is flooding the market.

Sources in the company say there will be minor external modifications at both the front- and back-end, and at smoothening out the Sumo's angular lines. In addition there will be a complete revamp of the interiors. Both cars will retain their original engine and gearbox.

The Sumo and the Safari sold 14,000 units in the first half of 2003, a 23-per cent growth against the corresponding period of the last year.

The Sumo was launched in 1995. Except for a change in the car's gear lever positioning not many improvements have been made on the Sumo car since its launch except some external modifications.