Tata Harrier is the production version of H5X Concept made its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo and launch is expected to take place in early 2019
Tata Motors officially revealed the H5X concept at the 2018 Auto Expo and the general reaction was positive as Indians are always a fan of muscular SUV design themes. The production version of H5X has been revealed and it is named as Harrier. The company has begun production of Harrier ahead of the launch in early 2019.
In this article, we are comparing the concept and production model to see the evolution. The company has earlier confirmed that the production version will carry forward most of the design elements from H5X and it is true as Harrier looks very similar to the concept, but the company had to make several changes as the cost is a big factor.
The honeycomb pattern with black finish on production model grille and the LED DRLs are slightly larger on the production model. The headlamps and fog lamps housing design is exactly similar to the concept but the bumper is new along with tone down design for skid plates on the production model compared to striking ones on the concept.
The hood design is almost similar on both H5X and Harrier. On the side, the production model continues the same character lines but the square shape for wheel arches has been replaced with round design and the black plastic cladding running across the body from concept has been retained. The ORVMs on Harrier is bigger and the design is also different.
The window on the production model is larger to improve airy feel inside the cabin but the design is exactly the same from concept version. The H5X comes with 22-inch wheels and the production gets either 17 or 18-inch wheels. The unique wrap-around design of third-row glass and rear window is same on Harrier.
Tata Motors has given chrome finish for door handles instead of the black finish on the concept. The rear design of H5X and Harrier is the same as the company made slight tweaks like bigger glass. The tail lamps are LED and the skid plate design along with bumper is the same from the concept. Overall, Tata Motors has done a brilliant job with the design of Harrier.
The Harrier is based on the new OMEGA platform of Tata Motors and it is basically a reworked version of Land Rover Discovery Sport D8 platform but the expensive aluminium parts have been replaced with other materials to keep cost down. Both models share lots of components and dimensions is also expected to be the same.
The interior of Harrier is yet to be revealed but spy images have already revealed that it will get an all-new design theme. The three spoke multi-function steering wheel from Nexon is expected to be carried over but the instrument cluster will get a new design, while the centre console gets a big touchscreen placed on the top of the dashboard.
The Harrier is expected to be loaded with features like infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity options along with mirror link also, climate control, wireless charging, reverse camera with parking sensors, cruise control, sunroof, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic headlamp, leather seats and more.
Tata Motors will give lots of safety kit like 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and Traction Control. The flagship SUV will be powered by same 2.0 L engine from Compass but the company has named it as 2.0 L Kryotec unit producing 140 PS and this engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual and 6-speed auto sourced from Hyundai. We are expecting the company to price the Harrier aggressively against competitors.