Tata Motors has just revealed the full details of the new Tata Harrier SUV, which will launch in January 2019 to rival the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass
The Tata Harrier is easily the most hotly anticipated new car at the moment. It will launch in January next year and will become the most advanced model in its company’s product portfolio. It will be based on the Jaguar Land Rover’s L550 platform, which is used in the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
What this simply means is that the Harrier should come across as a world-class model. Let’s have a look at the engine specifications, interior, features, and expected price of the new model. The Tata Harrier is based on the H5X concept that was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.
The production model looks too much like the design concept it is based on, which is something that Pratap Bose assured back when the H5X was unveiled. With this, the Harrier becomes the first-ever production model of Tata Motors to be based on the IMPACT 2.0 design language. The next car to have this design philosophy will be the Maruti Baleno-rivalling Tata 45X (Aquilla).
The Tata Harrier will be powered by the 2.0-litre Kryotec engine. It is basically a rebranded version of the 2.0 Multijet II engine from Fiat. While this is the same engine that is used in the Jeep Compass, for the Harrier, it will output a lower power of 140 bhp, along with a peak torque of 350 Nm.
The same engine offers 170 bhp and 360 Nm on the Jeep Compass. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels. At a later stage, the company will launch a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission. AWD won’t be offered but it will provide its users with MultiDrive Modes.
Underpinning the Tata Harrier is the company’s Omega Arc architecture, which is based on the Jaguar Land Rover’s L550 platform. Instead of the aluminium components of the JLR architecture, the company has used advanced high strength steel units to keep the overall costs from sky-rocketing.
The interior of the Tata Harrier will be kitted out with a long list of features, which includes cooled storage under the front armrest, multi-function steering wheel, premium leather seats, 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, large Multi-information display, and a multi-function steering wheel.
As we said, the Tata Harrier will launch in January next year. It is expected to have a starting price of Rs. 13 lakh, which will land it between the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass. It will also rival the Mahindra XUV500 in terms of pricing.
