IndianAutosBlog.com' Shoeb R Kalania has created a digital mockup of the Tata H7X (codename), the 7-seat version of the Tata Harrier (codename H5X) which launches in the last quarter of the current financial year.
With the Harrier and the H7X, Tata Motors is out to prove that it can sell cars in premium segments where transactions cross the INR 20 lakh mark. While Tata already sells the Hexa with prices going up to INR 21.44 lakhs, ex-Showroom, the upcoming Harrier and H7X, which are based on the modular OMEGA platform, will give the company true economies of scale in the premium segment, if they get it right. The OMEGA architecture is derived from Land Rover's D8 platform.
The H7X will rival the Mahindra XUV500, higher variants of the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson, and entry-level variants of the upcoming Honda CR-V. Given its three-row configuration, buyers of the Toyota Innova Crysta will also be tempted to check the H7X as prices for both utility vehicles will be similar. Keeping its payload capacity and cost as focus points, Tata Motors is unlikely to offer a 4WD variant of the H7X. It also has to do with the fact that the bulk of buyers in this segment prefer a 2WD configuration owing to the cost and utility, and Tata intends to target this audience.
The H7X, like current Tata products, can be assumed to retail in XE, XM, XT and XZ variants. The top-end variant is expected to be loaded with dual and side airbags (already offered on the Hexa), ABS, TCS, automatic climate control, projector headlights, diamond cut alloy wheels and a touchscreen entertainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also read: Tata Tiago, Tata Tigor production to hit 12,000 units a month this October - Report
The H7X and Harrier will share engines and gearboxes. The engine in question is FCA's 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel, though, compared to the Harrier which is expected to get a 140 hp tune, the H7X is expected with a higher power output to compensate for the rear overhang. A 6-speed manual and Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic will be on offer on both SUVs.
