Tata Harrier, underpinned by a modified version of the Land Rover’s D8 platform, will enable the upcoming Tata flagship to easily venture off the beaten tarmac
Tata Motors will launch the Harrier five-seater SUV early next year to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta. The Tata Harrier will be basically the production-spec version of the H5X concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. Ahead of the official launch, the company has released a video that shows the underpinnings of the Harrier.
It should be noted here that the Harrier is based on an updated version of the Land Rover’s D8 platform. This will make the upcoming SUV directly benefitting from the Tata-JLR connection. The video also shows the design of the alloy wheels that the SUV will come equipped with.
Dubbed as OMEGA (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced Architecture), the JLR-sourced platform should help the SUV offer excellent on-road and off-road behaviour. While a front wheel drive configuration will be standard, the Harrier will also offer an optional all-wheel drive on the top-end trims.
The platform will be built on Advanced Automated Manufacturing lines and will score high marks in terms of robustness. The Harrier will offer Auxiliary Isolation Panels and efficiently designed crumple zones. The company will make extensive use of high strength steel in the construction of the Harrier.
Powering the Tata Harrier SUV will be a 2.0-litre diesel engine that comes from Fiat. The Multijet II engine will output a maximum power of 140 bhp along with a peak torque of 320 Nm. The engine will be available with 2 gearbox options – a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6 speed torque converter automatic.
The Tata Harrier is expected to have a starting price of around Rs. 11 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price point, it will go on to rival the mid- and top-level variants of the Hyundai Creta and low- and mid-level variants of the Jeep Compass.