By T. Murrali
For many Indians, the name Sierra still stirs emotion. It once stood for bold thinking, freedom, and a design that felt far ahead of its time. Now, after more than 30 years, that legendary name is back on Indian roads in an all-new form. Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has introduced the new Tata Sierra at a starting introductory price of ₹11.49 lakh, bringing an icon into the present with modern style, advanced technology, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The original Sierra of the early 1990s broke conventions with its unique shape, large glass area, and features such as telescopic steering that were rare for its time. It stood out instantly and became a symbol of individuality. The new Sierra carries that same spirit but in a much cleaner, stronger form. Even without a badge, its confident design makes it instantly recognisable.
While driving the Sierra in Chandigarh, I felt both nostalgia and modernity at once. The moment I took it on the road, it was clear that this is a very different Tata SUV from the ones we know. It still carries the soul of the old Sierra, but everything else feels modern, calm, and well thought out.
I drove the turbo-petrol first, and it immediately felt like the fun choice. There is hardly any turbo lag, the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, and there’s a soft turbo sound when you push it. It feels eager without being aggressive. The diesel, on the other hand, felt made for long highway drives. It cruises in a relaxed way and covers distances effortlessly, even though you can hear a bit of typical SUV engine noise inside. As a diesel fan, I actually enjoy that sound.
The ride quality truly surprised me. In the city, it feels soft and comfortable, soaking up bumps with ease. On the highway, it becomes stable and planted. Big potholes and rough patches don’t unsettle it much, and it feels solid, almost like the bigger Harrier or Safari. The four-disc brakes slow the car confidently, though the brake pedal does feel slightly soft.
Inside, the cabin feels fresh and different from other Tata cars. The seats are supportive, and the materials feel new and premium. They fit snugly and give a secure, comfortable driving position. I kept noticing small details — neatly integrated speakers, a textured terrain-mode dial, well-positioned controls and the engine start-stop button, clever hidden design elements, and thoughtfully placed cup holders — all within easy reach, needing minimal hand movement from the driver. The three-part infotainment and instrument cluster offers a wide range of options for both the driver and co-passenger, who can independently enjoy OTT apps, music streaming, and even Bluetooth-enabled gaming with a JBL headset. The attention to detail stands out.
The second row is where the comfort really comes through. Even a six-foot-tall passenger gets plenty of legroom and headroom, along with good thigh support. The huge panoramic sunroof fills the cabin with light. Rear passengers get well-placed AC vents, USB-C charging, sunshades, and thick pillars that create a cocoon-like, secure feeling. It’s the kind of seat you wouldn’t mind spending hours in. There’s also a massive 622-litre boot, easily large enough for long family trips.
The Level 2 ADAS worked smoothly during my drive, adding to the sense of confidence. As I drove, I kept thinking about the original Sierra. Despite its flaws, people loved it for its style and strong personality. It defined the idea of a lifestyle SUV in India. This new Sierra feels like a huge step forward in quality and comfort, yet it still respects that emotional legacy. It may be more refined and tech-loaded, but it still feels like a Sierra at heart — a car meant to create new memories, just like the original once did.
The cabin itself feels wide, open, and filled with light. A sweeping digital display flows across the dashboard without clutter. Everything feels placed with purpose. The use of sustainable materials adds quiet sophistication without drawing attention to itself. New lighting, flush glass, and the massive sunroof make the interior feel even more airy than the original ever could. Despite all the digital features, the layout remains calm, almost lounge-like.
Underneath this soft, premium feel, the Sierra remains a true SUV. A modern body structure makes it lighter and stronger. Large wheels and wide tyres give it a confident stance. Tight panel gaps and smooth surfaces add to both visual quality and efficiency. High connectivity, over-the-air updates, modern engines, and a strong digital backbone give the Sierra a software-defined character. It also offers confident handling, stability on broken roads, and strong rough-road ability.
Buyers can choose between modern petrol and diesel engines with smooth automatic transmissions focused on relaxed driving. Technology feels alive without being overwhelming. It becomes Tata’s first petrol or diesel SUV to offer theatre-style surround sound. Key driving information is projected onto the windscreen. High-speed internet supports streaming, video calls, emergency services, and live vehicle updates. Ultra-slim headlamps, flowing light strips, and clean body lines complete its modern presence.
