Tata H7X is expected to carry a different nameplate and will have its own distinctions compared to the five-seater Harrier later
Tata has plans to launch a few all-new cars this year. While the brand already confirmed that the Tata Harrier would be launched on the 23rd January, Tata is working on another version of the SUV based on the same platform. Codenamed as H7X, the longer version of the Harrier has been spotted testing in Europe.
The heavily camouflaged version of the H7X has spotted with makeshift headlamps, which means Tata could give it a very different face from the Harrier. It is also possible that the headlamps and the DRLs remain in the similar position as the Harrier but are of a different shape altogether.
The H7X will get the same underpinnings as the Harrier but Tata officially said earlier that it’d look quite different from the Harrier overall. It is expected to be less aggressive in design and get a straighter roofline, unlike the Harrier that gets a coupe-like roofline. This would be the second vehicle on the heavily modified version of the Land Rover’s D8 platform, which is known as Omega Arc from Tata.
Tata Motors has been designing all their new vehicles globally. Three of their most prominent design centres are in Pune, India, Coventry, UK and Turin, Italy. It was Turin where the upcoming vehicle was spotted testing. While the exterior of the Harrier and H7X will differ in many ways, the interiors, features and mechanicals are expected to remain the same.
The Tata H7X will get the same 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine sourced from Fiat. However, the output of 140 bhp is expected to be increased to match with the heavier body of the H7X. It will also be offered in the European markets and Tata may offer a petrol engine with the upcoming 7-seater in the European markets.
It will also get an automatic transmission, which will be introduced in the Harrier at a later stage. Tata H7X will be launched by the end of 2019 or early 2020. The Harrier is expected to get a price tag of around Rs. 12 lakhs while the H7X may carry a price tag of around Rs. 16 lakhs, when launched sometime next year.
source – Walter Vayr / Gabetz Spy Unit