Tata Sumo Pickup - How About a Cheaper Alternative to Isuzu V-Cross?

The market for pickup trucks in India is really small. So much so that the customer footfall for this segment is better described as “teensy-weensy”. One of the main reasons for this can be the lack of options in the market. The lifestyle pickup segment was kick-started by the likes of Mahindra Scorpio Getaway and Tata Xenon. However, both these models couldn't be sold in huge numbers. The market for pickup trucks started picking up some pace with the introduction of the very bold Isuzu V-Cross. Meanwhile, the Xenon was discontinued in the year 2017 owing to a poor demand. However, what if you get another cheaper substitute to the V-Cross from Tata Motors? Here is a Tata Sumo-based pickup that will probably catch your fancy.

The rendering is based on the last version of the Tata Sumo sold in the country – Sumo Gold.  But the overall idea is the sequel of the Sumo Xtreme Concept that Tata Motors showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo. After the C-pillar, the Sumo has been chopped-off and its wheelbase has been stretched a bit to accommodate the flatbed at the rear. Also, the roof of the car has been fitted with an aftermarket rack that holds auxiliary lamps. The rack is nicely integrated into the roll-bars mounted on the deck.

A black cladding on the lower half of the car has also been added to give it a sense of ruggedness. The tail lamps and headlamps are smoked out and feature a black surround giving the truck a tough-metal appeal. However, the 'SUMO' decal with mud-effect graphics makes it look different from everything else we’ve come across. The 15-inch rims that used to come on the stock Sumo have also been replaced with bigger alloy wheels, which are shod with off-road tyres. To ensure that the driver does not end up damaging the door sills, rock sliders have also been added to this pickup truck.

This Tata Sumo pickup truck looks meaty in every aspect.

Tata Sumo was introduced in the country back in 1994 and was on sale till April last year. During its final production run, it was offered with a 3.0L CR4 turbocharged diesel engine that belted out a peak power output of 85 HP and a max. torque of 250 Nm. The engine came mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. However, to take on the lifestyle pickup truck market, Tata can equip the Sumo with  BSVI version of Safari’s 2.2L Varicor engine with a 4X4 drivetrain. We are sure that Sumo would make for a much capable yet a little cheaper alternative to the Isuzu V-Cross, which starts at Rs. 16.54 lakhs. What’s your take on this?