The rivalry between Mahindra Bolero and Tata Sumo has been going on in the Indian auto market for many years, with both utility vehicles witnessing periods of great and slow sales. Bolero has helped its maker Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), the country's leading utility vehicle maker, in consolidating an impressive overall share in the Indian auto market. Over the years Sumo has been Tata Motors' best selling product, however, the incredible popularity and demand for Mahindra Bolero witnessed among domestic car buyers has resulted in recent subdued sales of Tata Sumo in the country.
M&M introduced the facelift version of Bolero Sports Utility vehicle (SUV) in September 2011 in Indian auto market and the vehicle sales have been quite impressive, since then. The Bolero happens to be among the best selling SUVs in the country for many years now and enjoys an unparalleled fan following among Indians living in both big metropolitans and small cities. In order to check the dominance of Bolero, Tata Motors, the country's largest automobile manufacturer, introduced refreshed Sumo Gold Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) in the Indian passenger car market. Sumo Gold has been dubbed as the best product developed by Tata Motors in recent years and boasts of an impressive engine performance and the Tata reliability.
The Bolero looks both rugged and modern in its exterior appearance, which explains its popularity among Indians living in big metros, small towns and cities. The SUV possesses a great ground clearance and commands a solid presence on city road as well as any uncertain off-road terrain. Tata Sumo Gold carries forward the legacy of its much more successful predecessors and looks slightly boxy as compared to Bolero. There are a few subtle design changes here and there but overall the MUV seems a little outdated. However, in terms of sturdiness and road presence, Sumo Gold scores valuable points and is one of the best products available in the segment. The MUV has the safe and ever so reliable sturdy exterior body found in Tata vehicles and has a great ground clearance as well.
Coming to under-the-hood specifications, Mahindra Bolero comes fitted with a 2523 cc, 2.5 litre, m2DiCR diesel motor that belts out a peak power output 62 bhp at 3200 rpm and along with a maximum torque of 195 Nm at 1400 - 2200 rpm. The engine assembly comes mated with a five speed manual transmission system and a hydraulic clutch. On the other hand, Tata Sumo Gold MUV derives its power from the mighty 3.0 litre CR4 diesel engine, which churns out a peak power output of 85 bhp at 3000 rpm along with a maximum torque output delivery of 250 Nm at 1000 to 2000 rpm. Accordingly, Tata Sumo Gold has the upper hand over Mahindra Bolero in terms of engine power and performance ratings. The powerful Sumo Gold MUV could outsmart its SUV counterpart easily on any surface, be it normal city road or any demanding off-road terrain.
At present, Mahindra Bolero SUV is offered to local car enthusiasts at a price tag starting from Rs. 5.6 lakhs that goes on till Rs. 7.20 lakhs in the Indian passenger car market. Tata Motors offers its Sumo Gold range MUV within a price bracket around Rs. 5.5 lakhs and Rs. 7.15 in the country. Evidently, from the pricing point of view there is not much difference between Bolero and Sumo Gold. However, car enthusiasts with a penchant for performance could opt for both Sumo Gold and Bolero, but those looking for an affordable utility vehicle with a style statement have their answer in Bolero.
