Tata Sumo is an iconic name in the Indian automobile market, having been launched by Tata in 1994. Over the years, several iterations of the Sumo have been released, including the more advanced Sumo Grande. However, the first generation Sumo remains the most successful. It is a popular people mover in the country, and some government agencies have even used it for transportation purposes. Tata Motors used to offer a 4×4 version of the Sumo exclusively to the Indian Army, making it a rare vehicle. Few people knew about it, and there are only a few examples of well-kept Tata Sumo 4×4 SUVs in the country. Recently, images of one such Tata Sumo have surfaced online. The SUV has been neatly modified to give it a rugged appearance from every angle.
The Sumo 4X4 was built for Mr. Parikshit Singh Deora, who operates the Godwad Safari Camp in Rajasthan. The MUV retains its OE-spec 2.0-liter indirect injection turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine with 90 Bhp of peak power and 190 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a Borg-Warner 4X4 transfer case with an electric shifter and low and high ratios. The suspension on a 4×4 Sumo is different from the one seen in the normal version. The chassis on the Sumo 4×4 is a mix of both Telcoline and Safari 4×4.
The vehicle comes with standard suspension, power steering, air conditioning, and independent front suspension, making it comfortable for use as a daily driver. Coming to the modifications, the SUV’s stock bumpers have been replaced with off-road spec bumpers. It is unclear whether these are custom-made units or not. It also gets wider custom-built wheel arches and massive 33/12.5 R15 inch tyres fitted onto 15-inch alloy wheels. These tyres give the Sumo 4X4 an imposing stance, allowing it to tower over most other traffic. The addition of large wing mirrors from a Tata truck is a nice touch.
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Other modifications to the vehicle include a working snorkel, a 14-litre Tropicool fridge, a 0.5 KVa inverter with a 5-amp power output socket, and rock sliders. The lights on this Sumo 4×4 are LED. The headlamps are aftermarket LEDs and similarly, the interior and rear section of the vehicle also get LED lights. The interiors have also been revamped, featuring leather seating, cup holders, a center console, and a navigator lamp.
This Sumo 4X4 is said to deliver about 9-10 Kmpl and seems ready to take on cross-country expeditions. Originally an army discard, it was picked up at an auction and has been extensively modified. Essentially an open canvas, it showcases what a dedicated enthusiast can achieve with some imagination and taste. In conclusion, it is the best-looking Sumo 4X4 seen in India so far. This SUV has been modified in a manner that it does not lose its character in any way but somehow manages to look butch and rugged. It should be noted that any type of modification is actually illegal in India, but it should be noted that the person behind this creation uses this vehicle for Desert Safari. The performance of a stock 4×4 vehicle will be limited when compared to a modified version.
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