Tata Harrier XE reviewed for the first time on video: Cheapest model in the Harrier line-up

The lowest/entry-level of most cars is often the slowest selling one when compared to other variants. Of course,  exceptions to this case exist, and the Hyundai Creta is a notable example. In case of the Hyundai Creta, a lot of  buyers opt for the EX (base) variant priced at Rs. 9.6 lakhs, and modify it with parts/features from higher variants.  This gives them the option of owning the Creta – India’s best selling 4 meters+ compact SUV – at a relatively  affordable price point. Something similar could play out with the Tata Harrier, whose XE variant is priced very  attractively at Rs. 12.69 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. But what does the Tata Harrier XE variant look, and feel like?  Here is a video review of the Tata Harrier’s XE variant.

As the video review indicates, the Tata Harrier’s XE variant does offer the same street presence and butch looks that  the higher variants of the SUV come with. However, there are many stylistic and design changes that make it look  quite different from the higher variants. A lot of buyers may actually like these bits, especially in a Harrier  finished in white. Notably, the XE variant comes in a single colour: Orcus White. The XE variant offers plenty of  blacked out bits in matte finish, which actually give the Harrier a nice contrast finish. The front grille, wing  mirrors and door handles are finished in matte black. On the inside, leather seats make way for fabric seats and  there’s a much smaller infotainment unit that misses many of the high-end features that the top-end XZ trim offers.

Instead of 6 airbags that are offered on the XZ trim, the XE variant gets 2 airbags. Other features such as driving  modes, hill descent control, hill hold, ESP, reverse parking camera, alloy wheels, automatic climate control and  terrain response modes are missing. However, these are features most people will be ready to miss for the near Rs. 4  lakh savings by opting for the XE variant. The XE variant does offer a very decent feature set that includes ABS, 2  airbags, reverse parking camera, rear AC blower, steering adjustable for tilt and reach, electric tail gate release  and power windows. This feature set is more than enough for everyday driving.

As for the engine and gearbox, the XE variant has the same specification as the higher variants. The 2 liter-4  cylinder Fiat Multijet turbocharged diesel engine powers the SUV, and makes 140 Bhp-350 Nm. A 6 speed manual gearbox  drives the front wheels. What is common between all variants of the Harrier is head-turning street presence, spacious  interiors, a solid build with heavy gauge metal used all around, and of course, value pricing that makes the SUV more attractive than other options such as the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass. The Harrier is much larger than both the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass.