Summary
Highlights
The Tata Sierra's design is its strongest point, drawing significant attention and appreciation. With a length of 4.3 meters and the longest wheelbase in its segment (2737 mm), it boasts a fantastic road presence and a distinctive boxy shape with Sierra-inspired elements. Despite being a monocoque, front-wheel-drive car, it effectively utilizes the classic Sierra look and name. The design subtly hints at a Defender, and even lower variants will share a similar aesthetic, differing mainly in wheel size (19-inch in top variants).
The Tata Sierra offers exceptional seating comfort for both front and rear passengers, with plenty of space for individuals of various heights. Features like thigh support extension for front seats, ventilated seats (co-driver side), and a 6-way electrically adjustable driver's seat enhance comfort. The large center console provides ample armrest space. All variants include four power windows, and the driver benefits from tilt and telescopic steering adjustment. The boxy design contributes to excellent headroom, and the flat floor in the rear allows comfortable seating for three. A standard sunshade is also available, and the 'BOSS mode' allows for significant rear seat adjustment, providing ample legroom and recline for maximum comfort.
The audio experience in the Tata Sierra is a major highlight, featuring a 12-speaker JBL system with Dolby Atmos for a cinematic sound. The sound quality is described as fantastic, potentially the best in the mid-size SUV segment globally. While it's marketed with a 'sound bar', it contains a single middle speaker. Top-end variants receive the JBL speakers, but even lower and mid-variants offer good quality audio.
The turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine is highlighted as Tata's best turbo engine to date. It delivers smooth performance, good low-end torque management, and minimal turbo lag, operating comfortably even at lower RPMs. Producing 158 BHP and 260 Nm of torque, it offers sufficient power and tractability. Paired with a 6-speed Aisin-sourced automatic gearbox, the combination works effectively, providing predictable performance. While not segment-leading in speed, it is smooth and refined, improving upon previous Tata turbo engines.
The long wheelbase and 205mm ground clearance contribute to excellent straight-road stability, further enhanced by a slightly stiffened suspension. This makes the car feel solid and stable at higher speeds, although there's a minor compromise in ride quality in certain conditions. The Sierra comes well-equipped as standard, even in its base variant (around 11.5 lakhs). Key standard features include 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic parking brake, hill assist, all four power windows, rear sunshade, and tilt and telescopic steering adjustment. The reviewer suggests that mid-variants with a touchscreen, if priced well, would be very attractive.
Tata's 1.5-litre diesel engine is praised for its reliability and is a highly recommended powertrain, especially with a manual transmission. This engine is well-established and experienced in Tata's lineup. While the car is heavy, the diesel engine performs well, especially the turbo engine. The automatic diesel offers 280 Nm of torque, making it suitable for low-speed city driving, though with slightly lower fuel efficiency (around 11.8 kmpl indicated). For better fuel efficiency and a more engaging drive, the manual diesel (260 Nm) is recommended, also noting better paddle shifter functionality compared to the TGDi.
Despite being an improved product from Tata, the fit and finish levels still show inconsistencies, particularly with panel gaps and sharp edges in some areas, potentially posing a risk of cuts. While the paint quality (from the Sanand Plant) is excellent, internal elements like power window panels can easily come out. The touch panel controls are also problematic; their placement and sensitivity lead to accidental activation, such as closing ORVMs while driving, which is a significant safety concern. The reviewer finds the hybrid touch and button approach to be poorly integrated.
Fuel efficiency is a concern, especially with the heavy car and a spirited driving style. The torque converter in the turbo petrol significantly reduces fuel economy compared to a manual, with expected figures of 8-9 kmpl in Delhi city traffic and up to 15 kmpl on highways. The reviewer stresses that the torque converter inherently lowers fuel efficiency. Additionally, a significant glitch observed was the paddle shifters not working in a brand new turbo petrol unit, highlighting a lack of basic functionality and quality control issues.
The braking system is described as overly progressive, lacking the sharp bite needed for sudden maneuvers, which the reviewer finds better in other Tata cars. The ride quality is also a point of concern. While smooth over minor undulations at very slow speeds, it feels stiff on gravel roads or continuous bad surfaces, especially with the 19-inch wheels. The diesel variant feels even stiffer. The reviewer suggests that 17-inch or 18-inch variants might offer better ride comfort, and indicates that while good, it's not Tata's absolute best in ride quality.
The Tata Sierra 2025 is a visually appealing car with significant 'X-factor' that will attract buyers based on looks alone. It represents one of Tata's finest products, but it lacks the critical 10% finesse and polish to be truly perfect, exhibiting glitches and inconsistent quality. The reviewer hopes that future production lots will address these issues. For fanboys who only want to hear positives, the first half of the review suffices. Potential buyers are advised to consider the compromises outlined. The car is suitable for those seeking a distinctive alternative to popular models like the Creta, but Tata Motors needs to focus on ironing out these remaining imperfections to achieve a fully premium product.