Key highlights
- Tata Motors will offer a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine on the lower variants of the upcoming Sierra.
- The NA engine will help position the Sierra competitively against rivals by keeping entry pricing aggressive.
- Higher trims of the Sierra will continue with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (T-GDI) and potentially diesel options, affirming a multi-engine strategy.
Tata Motors is gearing up to broaden the powertrain choices for the upcoming Sierra. The company plans to launch a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine on the entry-level variants of the Sierra. This move aims at keeping prices in check while still offering a fresh powertrain tailored for the segment.
What to expect?
The new NA engine is expected to be a derivative of Tata’s delayed 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo unit. It will serve the lower trims of the Sierra before buyers graduate to more powerful options. By doing this, Tata keeps the door open for those who want the Sierra look and the tech, without having to immediately stretch for full performance.
Executives say the NA petrol unit will help the Sierra compete with rivals that offer naturally aspirated options in their base variants. Meanwhile, the higher trims of the Sierra will be powered by the 1.5-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol engine and possibly a diesel. These specs line up with what Tata had showcased at Auto Expo 2023.
Significance?
The segment the Sierra is entering has grown fiercely competitive. SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate offer multiple powertrains. Offering a naturally aspirated petrol engine on lower variants gives Tata the flexibility to price the Sierra more aggressively. Analysts expect the starting price to hover in the INR 11-12 lakh ex-showroom range.
Positioning a more modest engine option at the base of the lineup also means Tata can keep costs in check. Entry buyers get the Sierra’s key design and tech DNA, while the higher performance variants serve those who want the bold numbers. It’s a smart tiered strategy.
What we know so far
While full official specs are still under wraps, key bits have emerged. The NA 1.5-litre engine will appear on the base models. It may offer lower power than the T-GDI unit but gains in simplicity, efficiency and cost. Tata has not yet confirmed gearbox options, but manual and automatic transmissions are likely.
The higher end variants will continue with the more powerful turbo-petrol engine producing around 170 PS and 280 Nm of torque, matching the spec sheet of what Tata displayed earlier. At launch, the Sierra will hit showrooms around November 25, 2025, with the electric version following later.
Where this could land
For buyers who don’t need the top trims but want strong design, decent tech and a trusted brand, getting the Sierra with a simpler engine makes sense. It opens the door to “Sierra” ownership with fewer compromises on budget. For Tata, it means a broader addressable market.
On the flip side: buyers focused purely on performance may skip the NA engine entirely and wait for the turbo version. But for most buyers in India, the engine’s refinement and efficiency will matter more than headline numbers.
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