By Ashish Masih
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The new Sierra is aimed squarely at the Hyundai Creta
A name that tugs at nostalgia now returns with modern purpose—only this time with a diesel heart and an automatic gearbox aimed at real-world convenience. The new Tata Sierra Diesel Automatic isn’t trying to recreate the past; it’s here to show how far Tata has come in building big, sophisticated SUVs that aren’t afraid to show some old-school charm.
The new Tata Sierra is one of those rare SUVs that manages to balance nostalgia with modernity without feeling forced. At first glance, it is unmistakably a Sierra—just not the one you remember. Tata’s designers have taken the defining traits of the original and reinterpreted them through a contemporary, almost architectural lens.
The proportions are what make the biggest impression. The Sierra stands tall, long, and upright, with a clean shoulder line that runs unbroken from headlamp to tail-lamp. The stance is pure SUV—no coupe-like drop, no over-sculpted fenders, no unnecessary creases. It feels honest, confident, and properly old school in its upright posture, but thoroughly modern in its surfacing.
The short front overhang, high bonnet, and the slightly squared-off tail give it that traditional SUV solidity. Even the greenhouse is kept simple and large, offering a sense of openness missing in many newer SUVs.
The original Sierra’s biggest signature—its iconic wraparound glass—returns here, but with finesse rather than nostalgia overload. Instead of a single curved panel, the new Sierra uses a clever combination of glass, blacked-out panels, and sharp borders to recreate the floating effect. It looks more sculpted, more premium, and far more sophisticated than a simple retro callback.
From certain angles, the way the rear quarter glass bends into the tailgate gives the Sierra a concept-car-like presence.
The face of the Sierra has presence without aggression. The grille is a wide, horizontal unit with brushed metal elements that feel expensive. The LED DRLs stretch across the width, giving a cohesive visual identity that ties it to Tata’s newer models but still lets it stand apart.
The headlamp projectors sit lower on the bumper, framed neatly to avoid the “busy face” look a lot of SUVs suffer from today. A thick skid plate and the squared-out air dams add toughness without trying too hard.
This is arguably the Sierra’s best angle. The glasshouse sits elegantly atop a tall, strong-looking body. The doors are large, the wheel arches chunky, and the cladding tasteful. Nothing is done for effect; everything feels functional and proportional.
The subtle taper towards the rear gives it dynamism, but it never loses that upright, go-anywhere character. The wheels—depending on variant—fill the arches beautifully, giving the Sierra a planted, well-balanced look.
The rear is where the Sierra feels properly premium. The tail-lamps have a slim, horizontal design with neat detailing inside. The tailgate is broad and clean, with a single crease adding depth without disturbing the design purity.
A chunky bumper and a brushed skid section ground the design, while the signature wraparound effect ties everything together visually.
What makes the Sierra stand out is not a single element but the combination of scale, proportion, and restraint. It has the road presence of a proper ladder-frame bruiser but the elegance of a modern monocoque SUV. It looks like something that belongs in a higher price bracket.
It doesn’t scream for attention—it earns it.
Step inside and the Sierra immediately feels wider than any Tata before it. The horizontal layout, the deep dashboard with layered textures, and the almost lounge-like seats all give the cabin a calming, airy vibe. There’s a clear focus on quality—soft-touch panels, tightly assembled switches, and a clean centre console that feels properly modern.
The highlight is seat comfort. The Sierra gets large, generously padded seats that somehow manage long-distance comfort without sinking into softness. Rear passengers will love the space—especially the knee room—and the slightly reclined bench angle makes the cabin feel like a touring machine rather than a typical SUV.
The panoramic glass roof and the open rear quarter look brilliant from inside. It feels like a mini living room on wheels.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine in the Sierra has been tuned for smoothness rather than shock value. It doesn’t shout, it doesn’t surge; it simply builds pace confidently and quietly. The automatic gearbox complements that character nicely. Shifts are fluid, unhurried, and predictable—just what you want from a big family SUV.
Where the combination really shines is in urban driving. For an SUV of this size, the Sierra feels unexpectedly easy to guide through traffic. The engine stays in the meat of the torque band, the gearbox rarely hunts for gears, and the low-speed refinement is among the best Tata has managed so far.
On the highway, the Sierra diesel auto cruises like a long-distance specialist. There’s a relaxed rhythm to its progress. Overtakes don’t require planning; a gentle squeeze of the throttle gets the job done. At 100 km/h it feels unflustered, sitting low in the revs, soaking up kilometres without drama.
If there’s one area where Tata has transformed itself over the years, it’s ride comfort—and the Sierra builds on that reputation. The damping is mature, controlled, and confident. Potholes and broken patches are swallowed with the kind of authority you expect from pricier SUVs. There’s very little vertical bounce even at higher speeds.
Despite its height, the Sierra handles predictably. Body roll is present but well-checked, and the steering is consistent without feeling artificial. It turns in cleanly, stays settled mid-corner, and gives you the confidence to carry speed without constantly making corrections.
The refinement inside the cabin is another highlight. Wind noise, tyre noise, and engine hum are so well controlled that the Sierra feels like an SUV from a class above.
Big boot? Yes. Plenty of storage spaces? Yes. Easy ingress and egress? Yes. The Sierra seems to be designed by people who actually live with SUVs and understand Indian usage. The tall seating position gives a commanding view, rear visibility is excellent, and the everyday usability makes it feel natural within the first hour.
The Tata Sierra Diesel Automatic is not here to recreate a retro fantasy. It represents where Tata Motors is today: confident, mature, bold, and unafraid to revive a legend with a completely new character.
With its refined diesel-auto combination, plush ride, spacious cabin, and strong road presence, the new Sierra feels like a genuinely desirable premium SUV—one that doesn’t rely on nostalgia to make a case for itself.
It’s a Sierra for a new generation, and it’s one of Tata’s most convincing products yet.