The seven-seater version of Tata Harrier will go on sale later this year and will be powered by BS6 compliant diesel engine
Tata Motors celebrated 21 years of presence at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show this past March by displaying four new models as the seven-seat Harrier dubbed Buzzard, near-production Altroz premium hatchback, Altroz EV concept and H2X concept that will spawn a micro SUV took centre stage in Switzerland.
While the Altroz will be introduced in the domestic market soon, the H2X concept based micro SUV will likely debut sometime early next year and the Altroz EV could be a little further down the line. Following the Altroz into the Indian scenes, however, will be the seven-seater Buzzard as its launch was confirmed for late 2019.
It could carry a different name in India as Tata Cassini could take its place but we do not have a confirmation on it yet. The seven-seater Harrier is a much-needed addition to the range as it will allow Tata to compete firmly against the likes of Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson among other SUVs.
It will sit as the range-topper and could cost around Rs. 18-23 lakh (ex-showroom). The Buzzard will appeal to family-oriented buyers wanting to go out on weekends and it has longer rear overhang compared to the five-seater Harrier to accommodate the third row of seat.
It is based on the same OMEGA (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced) architecture that underpins the Harrier with perhaps mild cosmetic changes. Moreover, it will use the uprated version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Kryotec diesel engine found in the Harrier. The powertrain is essentially the FCA-sourced unit that can be seen in the Jeep Compass and MG Hector.
It will produce a maximum power output of 170 PS and 350 Nm and will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission while a six-speed torque converter AT sourced from Hyundai cannot be ruled out of the equation. It will more likely stick by the stringent BS6 emission standards right from the get-go. Tata is expected to expand the Harrier’s range further with the inclusion of a petrol engine and a more off-road focussed variant in the near future.