Hyundai’s six-speed torque converter automatic is said to suit the power and torque characteristics of the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine much better
Tata Motors revealed the official name of its upcoming compact SUV a few days back. Christened the ‘Harrier’, it is based on the H5X concept that debuted at the 2018 Auto Expo in February. With the production model confirmed to launch by the beginning of next year, more details of it have emerged on the internet.
It has been well-known that the Harrier SUV will use a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre Multijet engine that can already be found under the bonnet of successfully-running Jeep Compass. It will arrive in two states of tune, however, as the lower-spec of around 140 hp will be employed on the five-seater Harrier.
The more powerful 170 hp version will debut only on the seven-seat configuration of the Harrier derived more upmarket SUV. It is expected to launch within a year of the smaller Harrier’s debut and could carry a new nameplate altogether to have a clear differentiation with its smaller sibling.
The former will compete against the likes of Hyundai Creta and the latter will appeal for customers currently seeking Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson in a higher price range. A latest report suggests that Tata will offer an optional automatic transmission on the diesel model of the Harrier.
Contrary to what was expected earlier, the compact premium SUV won’t come equipped with FCA’s nine-speed automatic gearbox that will debut in the Trailhawk version of the Jeep Compass later this year. The twist in the plot is that, Tata will use a six-speed automatic unit sourced from Hyundai instead.
Hyundai’s torque converter auto is chosen as the nine-speed automatic was deemed expensive for Harrier, while suiting the power and torque characteristics of the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel much better. Tata Harrier automatic version will offer optional all-wheel-drive system to address the raising demands of customers.