All You Need To Know About - Tata Harrier
The Harrier from Tata Motors, is one of the biggest product launches for the Company. After the Tata Safari, The Harrier is Tata’s first modern and technologically advanced Premium SUV. The Premium SUV segment is currently ruled by the Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV 500 and Jeep Compass. The Harrier has a tough fight ahead but Tata Motors has left no stone unturned in giving the Harrier an edge over the competition. We give you a complete lowdown on Tata’s upcoming Premium SUV – The Harrier.
Powertrains and Transmissions
The Tata Harrier is powered 2.0Litre Turbo Diesel engine, Tata has named the engine Kryotech. This 2.0Litre unit is sourced from Fiat and is the same unit that powers the Jeep Compass Diesel. The power figures are expected to be around 140hp. The 7Seater version of the Harrier is said to have the same engine with higher power output. We have driven the Jeep Compass with this Multijet II Diesel engine and we have to say the engine is high on refinement levels. The power delivery is smooth with a punchy mid-range and a good top end. There is no news of a Petrol Engine variant of the Harrier as of now.
Its speculated that the Tata Harrier will be available with a 6Speed Torque Converter Automatic transmission. The automatic tranny is supposed to be sourced from Hyundai. Having driven Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson with Hyundai’s 6Speed Automatic, we can vouch for the smooth shifting action of the Hyundai Auto Gearbox. The Torque Converter gearbox is not exactly quick shifting but the smoothness and power handling is great. There will be a 6-Speed Manual shifter as well. The Harrier will be available in both 2wd and 4wd variants.
Platform sharing with Jaguar Land Rover
The Tata Harrier is developed on the ‘Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced’ Architecture (Omega Arc) which is based on the Land Rover D8 platform. This platform is also underpins the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the Evoque and the I-Pace, The D8 platform has been tested for 22lakh kilometers and the Harrier is the Newest Vehicle to be built on it. Platform sharing with the Land Rovers mean the Tata Harrier is going to benefit from the driving dynamics associated with the Land Rovers. Having similar platform dependent floor pan, Steering and all independent suspension. Exotic metal bits will understandably be replaced by stamped steel bits to keep the costs down.
New Design Language – Impact Design 2
The Tata Harrier is the first Tata vehicle based on the New Impact Design 2.0 design language. The Final product that rolled out the assembly line in October looks very much like the H5X Concept that Tata had showcased.
Front
When viewed head on the Harrier looks butch with a wide stance and flared wheel arches. The Front is dominated by the New piano black grille sporting the TATA logo, A honeycomb grille and faux skid plate surrounded by the plastic body cladding completes the bumper. The front lighting cluster is unique and based on the current automotive design trend, we have seen similar front light cluster on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Daytime running lights (DRLs) dominate the top. Right below the DRLs in a separate cluster are the Dual Barrel Projector Headlights. The Fog lamps are right below the Headlights in the same cluster. This is a very interesting design and looks exceptional on the Harrier.
Rear
No this is no Nexon with a complicated back side. The Tata Harrier’s rear light is quite interesting, somewhat like the New Porsche Cayenne. The Tail lights stretch from the rear fender all the way across the rear boot lid to the other side. Turn and reverse lights are built into the tail lights and rear fog lamps are located at the bottom close the bumper. The rear bumper also houses two faux exhaust tips, in reality, the Harrier comes with only one exhaust tip. The Harrier Badging is in the centre below the license plate housing.
There is a Shark fin antennae on the roof finished in piano black and Rear Roof Spoiler with attached high mounted brake light. The Rear window also has defogger along with rear wash and wiper system and Reverse Camera and Parking Sensors.
Side
The Tata Harrier has a beautiful side profile. There is a strong shoulder line running from the front fenders to the back. The 18inch alloys are covered by bulging muscular wheel arches giving a very masculine look.
With a lot of space inside the wheel arches, fitting bigger wheels or alloys should not be a problem. Request sensors for keyless entry are provided on both the front doors. The Harrier sports a black B and C-pillars which gives it a floating roof design.
A Smart brushed aluminium strip is running from the from top of the A-pillar all the way towards the C-pillar. The Glass area is big and will make for a bright and airy cabin inside. The front doors have a kink at the window line to increase the visibility from the ORVMS.
Interiors
If the interiors of Nexon and Hexa are anything to go by, the Tata Harrier will take it a notch higher. There are reports of the Tata sourcing 8.8inch infotainment system from Visteon. Visteon supplies the infotainment and other components to Jaguar Land Rover as well. Tata vehicles have always had some of the best car audio systems and Harrier will feature one of the better ones from the family. Just like the Hexa, a premium 10 speaker system equipped with a subwoofer can be expected.
Pricing
Harrier being Tata’s most premium vehicle yet, the segment placement and pricing is questionable. The Base model Harrier should be price under 16lakhs INR and the Top spec Harrier with 4x4 and auto box should be 22lakhs INR.
We will be bringing you a complete in-depth review in the first week of December to help you make take a decision on buying the Harrier once it launches in January of 2019.
