Tata Sierra iCNG Spotted Testing On Road Before Launch
Tata launched its much-awaited Sierra earlier this year, and deliveries of the SUV have already begun. We have also started seeing ownership reviews of the Sierra online, with many owners even modifying their vehicles. Apart from the ICE version, Tata is also working on the electric version of the Sierra, which is expected to be launched later this month. Alongside the EV, it appears that Tata is also developing a CNG version of the Sierra, and a test mule of the same was recently spotted testing on public roads.
The images have been shared by RushLane on its website. In the pictures, we can see a Tata Sierra finished in a blue shade that is not currently available on the production model. The colour looks similar to the shade offered on the Safari. The SUV was spotted being driven on a public road, and we can also see an emissions testing kit mounted at the rear of the vehicle.
The presence of the testing equipment suggests that the SUV seen here is likely the upcoming iCNG version. Tata Motors has been aggressively expanding its CNG portfolio in recent years and currently offers CNG variants of almost all its mainstream models up to the Nexon.
The Sierra CNG is expected to be positioned above the Nexon, and reports suggest that Tata is also planning to introduce a CNG version of the Curvv coupe-SUV in the future. CNG-powered vehicles continue to gain popularity among buyers due to their lower running costs and rising petrol prices.
As seen in the images, there are no badges on the tailgate or windshield indicating that this is the CNG version. Although we know Tata is working on a CNG-powered Sierra, it remains unclear which engine option will receive the iCNG treatment.
In the Nexon, Tata offers its iCNG technology with a turbo-petrol engine. It remains to be seen whether the company will adopt a similar strategy for the Sierra. Currently, the Tata Sierra is available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a DCA automatic transmission. This engine produces 105 bhp and 145 Nm of torque.
The SUV is also available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that generates 158 bhp and 255 Nm of torque. The turbo-petrol engine is currently offered only with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Given this setup, the chances of Tata introducing the iCNG system with the turbo-petrol engine appear relatively low. It is more likely that the company will offer the CNG option with the naturally aspirated petrol engine, which would also help improve overall fuel efficiency.
As is usually the case with CNG vehicles, power and torque figures are expected to be slightly lower than those of the standard petrol version, as the powertrain would be tuned primarily for efficiency. Tata is also likely to offer its twin-cylinder iCNG technology with the Sierra. This would allow buyers to enjoy the benefits of a CNG-powered vehicle without significantly compromising boot space.
It remains to be seen whether Tata will offer the Sierra iCNG with both manual and automatic transmission options. If launched, the Sierra CNG could provide a boost to the SUV's sales, especially among customers who are interested in the model but are concerned about its real-world fuel efficiency figures.