Five-seat Tata Harrier SUV will have its design largely influenced by H5X concept; to be powered by 140 hp producing 2.0-litre diesel engine
Tata Motors will be debuting its all-new five-seater premium SUV called Harrier in the Indian market in January 2019. Ahead of its entry, the production version will likely be unveiled next month. The Tata Harrier is based on the OMEGA (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced) architecture derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform that was responsible for one million SUVs worldwide.
Developed in association with JLR, the platform has optimised bending and torsional stiffness helping in drivability on tarmac and rough roads, and we can expect specific driving modes as well. The auxiliary isolation panels are said to enable quiet and refined cabin while the crumple zones and use of advanced high strength steel should ensure high safety standards Tata is known for.
Competing against the likes of Hyundai Creta, the Harrier will have a high ground clearance of more than 200 mm to complement its off-roading abilities. The Harrier will be powered by a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Multijet II diesel engine found in the Jeep Compass. It will be good enough for 140 horsepower and probably 320 Nm peak torque.
Tata will employ a six-speed manual transmission as standard while a six-speed torque converter automatic sourced from Hyundai could be used as an option in the top-spec variants. The engine could be tuned to return close to 18 or 19 kmpl. The Harrier will more likely be priced aggressively in the market at a range between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Compared to Hyundai Creta, it could offer longer wheelbase as spy pictures suggested over the last months, and the thick pillars meant it should be more spacious as well. The first model based on Impact Design 2.0 philosophy may provide class leading wheel sizes and driver centric dashboard as well.
Excitingly, the production Harrier appears to carry over most of the muscular design traits seen on the H5X concept ensuring butch road presence and a sporty overall profile as the Land Rover Discovery. The interior will have a premium finish with features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, reverse parking camera, Harman audio, etc.