New Sierra SUV design to shape future Tata models

TATA MOTORS PASSENGER Vehicles (TMPV), which rolled out its all new Sierra SUV at a starting price of ₹11.49 lakh on Tuesday, will replicate the design philosophy for several future models across its portfolio.Martin Uhlarik, chief design officer at TMPV, told FE that the design philosophy of the Sierra marks a major shift in the carmaker's styling direction.

- AKBAR MERCHANT

The SUV has revived a nameplate which was first launched in 1991 but, according to Uhlarik, the objective was not to recreate the past. "We didn't want to recreate a retro car,"he said."The original Sierra was iconic and became an avatar for a generation. It represented aspiration, freedom and the ability to go anywhere."

Uhlarik said the development team was tasked with "building tomorrow's car without losing yesterday's soul". Rather than leaning on nostalgia, the brief was to retain the emotional cues of presence, adventure and confidence while presenting an entirely contemporary product, he said.

MARTIN UHLARIK, CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER, TMPV