Tata Harrier Automatic launch timeline revealed!

Tata Motors launched the Harrier SUV in January this year. After a few months of high sales though, the Harrier saw a steep decline in demand due to various factors, prime among which were the launch of competent rivals and the overall automotive sales slowdown. One of the major gripes in the overall package of the Harrier is the lack of an automatic gearbox option. The manufacturer has been working on the same since some time now and now it seems that the Harrier Automatic will finally be launched in February next year. According to a report by Overdrive, sources at the dealer level have conveyed that Tata Motors is expected to launch the Tata Harrier automatic by February next year. This could be during the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo where Tata will showcase a few other models too.

This automatic gearbox has been reported being a 6-speed torque converter unit that has been sourced from Hyundai. A lot of SUV buyers in the Rs. 13 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs and even higher look for vehicles with automatic transmission as it is easier to drive and maintain compared to manual transmission-equipped cars. Also, an auto box proves to be a real boon in heavy traffic conditions. The lack of an automatic in the Harrier’s variant lineup has eaten into its sales as rivals like the MG Hector and compact SUV Kia Seltos offer an auto box.

Apart from this, Tata Motors will also launch the BS6 version of the Harrier next year. It will be powered by the same 2.0 litre KRYOTEC diesel engine but the power output could get a boost to 170 Bhp. The manufacturer is also working on a petrol engine option for the SUV, which could be offered with a mild/full hybrid. As of now, Harrier’s Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel unit pumps out 138 Bhp of power along with 350 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the power goes to the front wheels. The SUV gets different driving modes that modulate the power output to save fuel and be efficient.

The Harrier is built upon a newly developed OMEGA platform which is derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform. It is based on the H5X concept shown by the company at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. Talking about features, the Harrier comes with a 14 function ESP, 9 speakers JBL audio system, 7 inch MID along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and fast-charging USB ports.

Coming to the automatic transmission equipped Harrier, expect Tata to charge a premium of around Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 lakh over the manual-equipped variants of the car. The 7-seater version of the Harrier is also expected to be showcased at the same time as the Harrier automatic.