Tata Motors Launches Harrier Petrol in India, Offers Quieter and More Refined Drive

Tata Motors has introduced the petrol variant of their flagship SUV, Harrier, in the Indian market. This will be the first time that the Harrier, which has been offered in diesel variants so far, will get a petrol variant, which will bring much relief to the customers as they would get to experience a much smoother and quieter ride. There are indications that the Safari will soon be introduced in the Indian markets after the launch of the Harrier, which will be a petrol version.

The Harrier Petrol variant is driven by a new engine called Tata’s 1.5L TGDi turbo petrol, which is a result of initiatives under Hyperion Powertrain. The engine delivers around 167.7 hp along with a torque of 280 Nm, just like the diesel model. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, while an automatic transmission option is also available. The petrol engine's advantage is that it offers smoother power delivery, better throttle response, and a quieter driving experience, especially in the city.

The petrol variant of the Harrier will lag slightly behind the diesel variant in terms of fuel economy. It's estimated to deliver an average of 12 to 14 kilometers per liter, depending on driving style and transmission. However, in return, customers will receive improved refinement, reduced engine noise, better starting in cold weather, and a more comfortable experience in traffic. This makes this variant particularly suitable for those who commute frequently in the city.

Apart from the engine, the Harrier petrol remains unchanged in terms of design and features. It retains the same facelifted look, digital cockpit, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, advanced ADAS features, a premium interior, a panoramic sunroof, and a robust safety package. Due to this, the Harrier has already established itself as a 5-star safety SUV.

The Tata Harrier Petrol has a starting ex-showroom price of around ₹1.5 million. This is expected to be around ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 cheaper than the diesel variant. The company aims to attract petrol buyers and compete with SUVs like the MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar, and Mahindra XUV700 in this segment.

With the launch of the Harrier Petrol, it has become clear that Tata Motors intends to complete its flagship SUV portfolio with petrol options. Therefore, it is expected that a petrol version of the Tata Safari will also be launched in the future, further strengthening the company's large SUV range.