Tata Harrier SUV: New variants launched for the festive season

Tata Motors has just launched two new variants of the Harrier SUV – XMS and XMAS. Both new variants of the Harrier are based on the XM trim, and get additional equipment. The new features of the Harrier XMS and XMAS is meant to make it more attractive to buyers during the festive season of 2022. As for feature additions, the Harrier XMS and XMAS get a panoramic sunroof, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, an 8-speaker audio system, electric foldable ORVMs and a reverse parking camera. These features are in addition to what the Harrier gets in XM trim. While the Harrier XMS is priced at Rs. 17.2 lakh, the XMAS trim is priced at Rs. 18.5 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

Mechanically, the Tata Harrier remains unchanged. The SUV is powered by a 2 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine sourced from Italian car maker Fiat. The Multijet turbo diesel engine makes 168 Bhp of peak power and 350 Nm of peak torque on the Harrier SUV. While a 6 speed manual gearbox is standard (XMS trim), a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox sourced from Hyundai is offered as an option (XMAS trim). The Tata Harrier is a 5 seat mid-size SUV that directly rivals the likes of the Mahindra XUV700, the recently launched Scorpio-N and MG Hector. Since the Harrier has a significant price overlap with smaller SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, the Tata SUV also takes on these cars.

Electric Harrier in the works

Tata Motors is said to be in an advanced testing stage of the Harrier Electric SUV – its priciest electric vehicle that could be launched next year. The Harrier Electric is expected to offer a true range of 400-450 kilometers, and will challenge the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric, the MG eZs and the upcoming BYD Atto 3. The Harrier Electric SUV will be the range topper in Tata Motors EV line-up that currently has two cars – Nexon EV and Tigor EV. Later this month, Tata Motors will unveil its third EV for the Indian market – Tiago Electric. Apart from the Harrier Electric, Tata Motors is said to be working on an electric variant of the Punch micro SUV, also due for a launch next year.

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Tata Harrier Turbo Petrol also being developed

Petrol engines are making a slow but steady entry into the SUV segment, which has generally been dominated by diesel powered cars. Apart from the Punch and Nexon, Tata Motors doesn’t sell petrol powered SUVs although its competition does. To make its bigger SUVs such as the Harrier and Safari more attractive to buyers, Tata Motors is working on a 1.6 liter turbo petrol engine that could power both the Harrier and Safari. The Harrier and Safari Petrol SUVs could be launched next year.

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