Exclusive: Harrier-based Tata Buzzard 7 seat SUV testing at Khardung La before official launch

Tata Harrier has gained quite a popularity in the Indian market. Tata showcased the seven-seater version of the Harrier, which will be known as the Buzzard at the Geneva Motor Show and the all-new car is expected to be launched in the Indian market later this year. However, it might get a different name in the Indian market. The all-new Tata Buzzard is currently being tested by Tata at various locations. An avid CarToq reader Tsewang Gyalsan has sent us the pictures of the test mule of the Tata Buzzard at the Khardung La, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

There were two test mules at the summit and the pictures show the massive vehicle fully covered under the camouflage. The Tata Buzzard will be an all-new product and will sit above the Tata Harrier in the market. The production version of the all-new SUV will remain similar to the version showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. The Buzzard gets a similar face like the Tata Harrier complete with the headlamp set-up. It also gets sleek LED DRLs positioned beside the massive front grille. The headlamp cluster is located lower in the bumper. This is something that adds a character to the vehicle and many new-age vehicles are adopting a similar set-up including the MG Hector and the Hyundai Venue.

The Tata Buzzard will be ready for production soon and the launch is expected to happen by the end of this year. The next vehicle launching from the Indian brand is the Tata Altroz, which will be a challenger of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz in the Indian market. Coming back to the Buzzard, it will be longer than the Tata Harrier. The Buzzard will also be taller than the Harrier, which will translate into more headroom, especially for the last row passengers.

Since the Buzzard will be launched close to the implementation of the BS-VI norms in the Indian market, it is likely to get the BS-VI compliant engine. It should be noted that the Buzzard will get the same 2.0-litre KRYOTEC engine that powers the Tata Harrier. It is the same Multijet diesel engine sourced from Fiat that is also available with the Jeep Compass in the Indian market. The Buzzard can get the upgraded version of the engine. In the Harrier, the same engine produces 140PS – 350 Nm. However, in the upcoming Buzzard, the power output is likely to be around the 170 PS mark while the torque will remain the same at 350 Nm. Just like the Tata Harrier, the Buzzard will not offer a 4X4 system. However, it will get the same terrain response system and as seen in the pictures, it will be capable enough to reach Khardung La too!