Tata Motors’ Next Two Car Launches Detailed

Tata Motors is aggressively expanding its product portfolio. The homegrown carmaker has a slew of launches planned for the coming years. Alongside expanding its retail and after-sales network, Tata also plans to introduce more models to the ICE, CNG and EV spaces. Here are the details of their next two launches:

Tata Nexon CNG

The Nexon iCNG has been in the works for a long time. We expect it to be out later this month. Frequent test mule sightings also hint at the same. Upon launch, the vehicle will compete with the CNG version of the Maruti Brezza.

The Nexon iCNG will not have notable design deviations from the standard ICE models, except for a few iCNG badges. We have seen similar practices with other iCNG cars as well. The sharp and aggressive body lines, split LED headlight setup, and bold bumper design will all be retained. Test mules suggest that the rear end could be slightly raised than the regular car. It remains to be seen if this would be the case with the final production form.

Tata will likely offer a new shade of Blue, which was shown on the Bharat Mobility Expo show car, on the production-spec as well. If so, this colourway could become a strong distinguishing factor.

The Nexon iCNG is expected to retain most of the features available in the petrol and diesel variants. It will likely offer the same modern cabin layout, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and touch-based HVAC controls.

Higher-spec versions of the SUV may also come with a single-pane electric sunroof with voice command integration, a wireless charger, and a premium JBL sound system. The car’s tech features could include the iRA app-powered connectivity suite.

The major highlight of this vehicle will be its powertrain. It will use the familiar 1.2 L turbocharged petrol engine for its CNG powertrain. It will have an anticipated output of 118 bhp and 170 Nm. This is a first, as all other CNG vehicles currently on sale here have naturally aspirated engines. It could also offer the choice of an AMT automatic gearbox. This would be another first in the segment, and most people will end up appreciating the automatic.

Like what we had seen on the CNG versions of Tiago and Tigor, this vehicle will also come with dual-cylinder technology. It allows the manufacturer to store the CNG in two separate cylinders connected and safely concealed inside the vehicle, without eating into the usable boot space.

However, with the CNG hardware in place, it remains to be seen where the sparewheel would be placed, or if there would actually be one. It could sit under the floor or in the worst case, be ditched and replaced with a puncture repair kit instead.

In terms of safety, the Nexon CNG is expected to feature six airbags, front parking sensors, a 360° surround view system, a blind-view monitor, and auto headlamps with rain-sensing wipers.

Most probably, it will be better equipped than the Maruti Brezza CNG- offering more features, better cabin experience, a turbo-petrol engine and packing more value. If priced wisely, it can outrun the Brezza in sales. Though there is no clear information on it yet, the CNG version of Nexon could command a premium of Rs 60,000 – 80,000 over the standard car.

The iCNG version will be a great addition to the Nexon lineup. It currently has a vast range of powertrains on offer- turbo-petrol, diesel, and two forms of electric. The CNG will only make it better. The Nexon will now become the one offering the most number of variants in India!

Harrier EV

The next big launch is that of the Harrier EV. Tata has been releasing information on the all-electric Harrier in a phased manner. Expected to launch early next year, the it will be underpinned by Tata’s new-age Acti.ev platform. This skateboard will be able to accommodate two electric motors, opening up the possibility of AWD on the Harrier EV. Tata Motors has, in fact, confirmed the same.

This would mark the debut of AWD into the Tata lineup. The last time we had seen any 4WD hardware was on the Hexa and the Safari Storm. Here, is it but, an AWD. The Harrier EV will have a dual-motor version to it, with a motor each on either axle. It will also become the first Indian EV to feature a dual-motor setup.

It will be the pre-runner to the exciting EV future of Tata Motors. Huge anticipation surrounds the Sierra.EV, which is known to resurrect the legendary moniker. It will also have a similar dual motor setup and AWD, and will be based on the Acti.EV platform. The Harrier BEV could thus give us a first taste of what is to be expected on later models.

In terms of design, it will have a closed-off EV grille, full-width light bars, slightly tweaked bumpers, new five-spoke aero-disc style alloy wheels and low-resistance EV tyres. Not much is known about the interior design. Key features will include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic sunroof with ambient lighting, and possibly ventilated and powered front seats. There could also be a gesture-enabled tailgate like what’s seen on the new Tata Curvv.

As for safety features, the Tata Harrier EV is expected to offer up to seven airbags, a 360-degree camera with a blind-view monitor, and electronic stability control (ESC). It will almost certainly include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, among others.

There is no clear information on the launch date of the Harrier EV. Some reports even suggest the debut to happen around March 2025. The expected price is around 30 lakh, ex-showroom.