The Tata Sierra, launched in 1991, was a pioneering vehicle in Indian automotive history, being the first Indian-designed and manufactured SUV with a 3-door body style and modern features like power windows and air-conditioning—rare at the time. It was also an innovation in Indian automotive history. It had a huge, curved back glass area that gave it a unique appearance and great visibility thanks to its strong, futuristic design. Targeting urban shoppers seeking a balance between comfort and functionality, the design was both elegant and tough. Powered with a 2.0L Peugeot XD88 diesel engine—later updated to a turbocharged version—it was constructed on Tata's X2 chassis, which was adapted from the Tata Telcoline pickup. A significant amount of in-house engineering and fabrication was done during manufacturing at the Tata Motors facility in Pune. Steel panels that had been pressed and welded together made up the Sierra's body, while fibreglass was used for the rear roof cladding and some trim. Interiors featured moulded plastic dashboards, fabric seats, and vinyl-lined trims, giving it a car-like feel inside. The Tata Sierra helped influence the direction of utility vehicles in India and was a daring step towards domestic SUV development.