Tata Movus MUV to replace Sumo Grande

We reported in the Confidential section of our January 2014 issue that Tata Motors is planning to re-launch the Sumo Grande MUV as the Tata Movus, and that’s exactly what the company is doing. Cosmetically, the Tata Movus will come with refreshed interiors, which will include a slightly altered dashboard, and captain seats on the top variant. While the exteriors are expected to get ‘variCOR’ branding on the rear fenders.

Mechanically, the Movus will employ the same 2.2-litre ‘VariCOR’ diesel engine that powers the Tata Safari Storme but, the motor will be detuned to make around 118bhp, compared to the Storme’s 138bhp. In the interest of saving costs, Tata Motors will fit the Movus with single-pot calipers instead of dual-pots and the MUV will run on smaller, 15-inch tyres.

The Movus will be available in three variants, with the CX being the base, LX the middle and EX the top. The base CX trim will not be equipped with an air-conditioner for which, you will have to choose the LX trim. Both CX and LX trims will feature the old car’s dashboard design. The top EX variant gets a revised cabin, with refreshed air-con controls, dual-tone interiors and a new centre console. It will also be equipped with roof-mounted rear AC vents and will get a revised anti-roll bar too.

There will be three seating configurations on offer. The base CX variant can be configured for 8, 9 or 10 seats, while the LX trim will feature optional captain seats, making it a seven-seater. The top EX variant gets captain seats as standard and can be configured as a seven or eight-seater.

Tata Motors plans to introduce the Movus in the commercial segment first before offering it to private customers. Just like the recently launched Ashok Leyland Stile, the Movus MUV will be marketed primarily towards fleet operators rather than private individuals.

Prices are expected to start at Rs 7.5 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi and go up to Rs 8.6 lakh for the top EX variant.